Shoulder Injuries From Bowflex
Most of Bowflex's reported shoulder injuries have come from defective equipment. Despite recalls, Bowflex has been in business since 1986, providing households with complete home gyms. Bowflex has responded to each recall by sending a repair kit to the consumer.
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The Equipment
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Three different home gyms have been recalled: Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym, Bowflex Power Pro and Bowflex Power Pro with Lat Tower.
Bench and Lat Tower Injuries
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In January 2004, Bowflex voluntarily recalled 420,000 fitness machines, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Two potential problems posed possible risk of injury to the user. When the bench was in the incline position, the backboard could unexpectedly fall. This risk brought 59 reports to Nautilus Direct and CPSC of back, neck and shoulder injuries. The other issue was with the Lat Tower. The tower could rotate and fall while in use. Fourteen injuries, including those to shoulders, were reported from this problem.
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Horizontal Seat Rail Injuries
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Another recall happened in 2009. About 78,000 Bowflex gyms were recalled over defective horizontal seat rails. The Bowflex was designed so that the seat rails would latch in a vertical position for easy storage. The latches would not always catch and would fall on the consumer or workout partner. Eighteen people filed reports of head and shoulder lacerations, some deep enough to require stitches.
Holding Rod Injuries
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According to the Bowflex Safety Notice on its website, in December 2007, 68,000 units of Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym were recalled because of a defective fastener. The fastener secured the rod box to the frame but could suddenly pop open and allow the rod box to fall on the user. Three reports of bruises and sore muscles were reported to Nautilus Inc. Consumers who had purchased the product were urged to stop use and wait for the repair kit.
Safety Tips
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The Bowflex website recommends inspecting your machine before using it. Always check the pulleys and J bolts for wear and tear. If using the rowing board, make certain the pin is not locked; if not in use make sure the locking pin is fully engaged. When connecting and disconnecting the Power Rods, stand to the side, not over them. Before making any resistance changes make sure the lat bar is on the lat cross bar. Store all attachment cables as directed in the instruction manual. And only clean the bench with non-abrasive cleaner, otherwise it may get slick.
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