Bowflex Strength Training System User Manual

®
BOWFLEX
®
MOTIVATOR
FOR ALL MOTIVATOR MODELS
Owner’s Manual
Fitness Guide
&
Written By:
Tom Purvis,
Registered Physical Therapist, Certified
Strength Conditioning
Trainer for the National
Academy of Sports
Medicine.
Strength Training
Systems
BOWFLEX
ITNESS
F
®
Table Of Contents
Getting To Know Your Machine 1 Using Your Machine 2 Optional Equipment 4 Warning 5 Defining Your Goals 6 Working Out 8
The Workouts: The 20 Minute Better Body Workout 9 Advanced General Conditioning 9 20 Minute Upper / Lower Body 10 Body Building 11 Circuit Training Anaerobic / Cardiovascular 12 True Aerobic Circuit Training 13 Strength Training 14
Chest Exercises: Bench Press 15 Chest Fly 15 Decline Bench Press 16 One Arm Seated Fly 16 Incline Bench Press 17 Lying Shoulder Pullover 17
Shoulder Exercises: Rear Deltoid Rows 18 Lateral Shoulder Raise 18 Seated Shoulder Press 19 Front Shoulder Raise 19 Shoulder Extension 20 Shoulder Shrug 20 Scapular Protraction 21 Scapular Depression 21 Lying Front Shoulder Raise 22
Triceps Kickback 30 Seated Triceps Extension 31 Standing Biceps Curl 31 Seated Biceps Curl 32 Concentration Biceps Curl 32 Seated Wrist Extension 33 Standing Wrist Curl 33 Reverse Curl 34 Seated Wrist Curl 34 Standing Wrist Extension 35
Abdominal Exercises: Reverse Crunch 36 Abdominal Crunch 36 Seated (resisted) Abdominal Crunch 37 Seated (resisted) Oblique Crunch 37 Trunk Rotation 38
Leg Exercises: Leg Extension 39 Leg Curl 39 Squat 40 Lying (Prone) Leg Curl 40 Standing Hip Extension w/Knee Flex 41 Leg Kickback 41 Lying Leg Extension 42 Standing Hip Abduction 42 Seated Hip Adduction 43 Standing Hip Extension 43
Exercise Log 44 Muscle Chart 45
Back Exercises: Lying Lat Pulldown 23 Functional Low Back Extension 23 Wide Pulldowns 24 Narrow Pulldowns 24 Lying Lat Fly 25 Reverse Grip Pulldowns 25 Seated Lat Rows 26 One Arm Seated Lat Rows 26 Stiff Arm Pulldowns 27 Scapular Retraction 27
Arm Exercises: Triceps Pushdown 28 Single Arm Pushdown 28 French Press 29 Lying Triceps Extension 29 Cross Triceps Extension 30
Getting To Know
Your Machine
1
CONGRATULATIONS on your commitment to fitness! By choosing Bowflex® to be your partner in your quest for fitness, you’ve chosen a machine that can deliver on its promises!
The resistance and aerobic training that can be performed on the Bowflex® Home Gym is unmatched by any other single piece of home fitness equipment available. You have definitely made the right decision!
In this owner’s manual you will find detailed information on a wide variety of exercises, and workout programs.
Please take your time to read through the entire manual
Rod Caps
Cable
before attempting to use your Bowflex® Home Gym. It is important that you understand how to properly perform each exercise before you attempt to perform the exercise with the Power Rod® Resistance attached to the cables.
With all of the fitness choices available today, we understand that choosing a piece of equipment can be very confusing. Everyone at Nautilus, Inc. would like to thank you for your trust and your confidence in our product. Bowflex® Home Gym is as good as we say it is, and you’re just about to prove it to yourself.
Again, thank you for choosing Bowflex®.
Power Rods
Cable Hook
Rod Box
®
Pulley Frame
Pulley
Hand Grip
Standing Platform
Vertical Main
Frame
Bench
Seat
Seat Rail
Bench Legs
® ®
THE BOWFLEX MOTIVATOR
2
Using Your
Machine
Power Rod® Resistance
Power Rod® units are made from a special composite material. Your rods are sheathed with a protective black rubber coating. Each rod is marked with its weight rating on the
“Rod Cap”.
Adjusting And Understanding The Resistance
The standard Bowflex comes with 210 pounds of resistance (one pair of 5 pound rods, two pair of 10 pound rods, one pair of 30 pound rods, and one pair
of 50 pound rods). If you upgraded to a 310 or 410 pound capacity you will have an additional one or two pair of 50 pound Power Rod® units, respectively.
When You Are Not Using Your Bowflex
Disconnect the cables from the Power Rod® units when your are not using your Bowflex®. Use the rod binding strap included with your machine to bind all the rods together at the top. You can also place your cables and grips through the strap to keep them out of the way.
®
To Order Additional Sets Of 50 lb Power Rod® Units Please Call 1-800­269-3539
Hooking The Power Rod® To The Cables
You may use one rod or several rods in combination, to create the desired resistance level. To hook multiple rods up to one cable, simply bend the furthest forward rod toward the cable and place the cable hook through the rod cap. Now you can hook up the next furthest back rod.
Hooking up the most forward rod prevents rods from being crossed over the top of one another.
Using Your
Machine
3
The Workout Bench
Your Bowflex® Home Gym has three different bench positions. To adjust the bench simply remove the bench seat pin and move bench to the desired position. Replace the pin and threaded knob when finished.
Position 1
Position 2
Mounting The Incline Bench
Sit on bench and reach back, one arm at a time, grasping hand grips KEEPING HANDS DOWN AND PALMS UP. Curl your hands up towards the front of your shoulders AND turn your wrists so that your palms now face away from you. The cables will now be over your elbow.
Position 3
The Standing Platform
Your Bowflex® Home Gym has three standing platform positions available. Simply lift platform off machine to adjust positions. Platform locks in place when slots on platform sides fit over pre-placed pegs or J-hooks.
4
Using Your
Machine
Ankle Cuff : The ankle cuff fits snugly
around your ankle and secures with a standard “hook & loop” set up. Attach the cable snap to the D-Ring on the cuff.
Folding & Moving Your Bowflex® Home Gym: Folding and moving your Bowflex®
Home Gym is easy. Follow the simple steps below to fold your Bowflex® Home Gym.
1) Unscrew the threaded knob from the top of the seat rail (near the label).
2) Lift bench up.
3) Secure bench by inserting threaded knob into bottom hole of bench bracket.
Maintenance & Care Of Your Bowflex® Home Gym: Your Bowflex®
Home Gym requires very little maintenance. To keep your Bowflex® Home Gym in top condition check all fasteners and Rod Caps before each workout and tighten as needed.
Clean the bench with a non abrasive cleaner after each use. This will keep it looking new. Any non abrasive household cleaner or soap works well. Many automotive interior cleaners make surfaces too “slick” and should not be used.
If you have any questions regarding maintenance please call our customer service department at 1-800-269-3539.
The Bowflex® Home Gym Leg Extension / Leg Curl Attachment
This attachment is designed to add more effectiveness to all exercise routines where “leg work” is required.
Safety
•Before using the attachment make sure that all fasteners are in place and tightened.
•Make sure that the attachment’s cables are securely fastened to the regular Bowflex cables.
•Always use the supplied pin to secure the attachment to your Bowflex.
The Bowflex® Home Gym Lat Pulldown Attachment.
This attachment enhances several “Back” exercises and Triceps exercises.
Safety
•Before
using the attachment make sure that all
fasteners are in place and tightened.
•Make sure that the attachment’s cables are securely fastened to the regular
Bowflex® Home Gym cables.
Optional Equipment
Nautilus, Inc. is constantly working to provide you with the latest innovation and information to help you reach your goals.
•Always use the “Bar Holders” to support the lat pulldown bar or remove the bar when not in use.
WARNING!
Before beginning any exercise program con­sult your physician or health care profession­al. Only he or she can determine the exercise program that is appropriate for your particu­lar age and condition. If you experience any lightheadedness, dizziness, or shortness of breath while exercising, stop the exercise and consult your physician.
5
For Your Safety
Please Follow These
Instructions
Keep your body weight on the machine, bench, or standing platform while exercising.
When using the Bowflex® Home Gym for standing leg exercises, always grasp the Power Rod® units for stability.
Keep out of the path of the Power Rod® units when exercising and make certain that observers also stand clear of the Bowflex® Home Gym when the Power Rod® units are in use.
Never move or adjust the bench while sitting or lying on the bench. Never stand on the bench.
Before exercising, make sure that the seat adjustment lock is securely fastened and the bench is firmly in place.
Inspect your machine before each workout. Periodically check all fasteners to make sure none have loosened with use. Tighten if necessary.
When hooking up Power Rod® units do not stand directly looking over the top of the rods. Stand off to the side while attaching rods.
Never attempt to exercise with more resistance than you are physically able to handle.
Keep cables and Power Rod® units bound with the rod binding strap when the Bowflex® Home Gym is not in use.
6
Defining Your Goals
Your body will do what you train it to do. That’s why it’s important to define your goals and focus on those goals. Here are some fitness components that will help you define your goals and choose your fit­ness program.
Muscle Strength is the maximum force that you can exert against resistance at one time. Your muscle strength comes into play when you pick up a heavy bag of groceries or lift a small child. It is developed when a localized muscle is worked both positively (concentric) and negatively (eccentric) at a resistance - great enough so you can perform only five to eight repetitions of the exercise before the muscle fails. Each set of repetitions is followed by a rest interval that typically runs three times longer than the set. Later, between exercise sessions, the muscle overcompensates for the stress and usually increases in both strength and size.
Muscle Endurance is the ability to perform repeated contractions. It comes into play when you cross-country ski or work on your feet all day. Endurance training addresses the slow twitch, endurance muscle fibers, which depend on oxygen for energy. To develop muscle endurance, use low resistance and high repetitions - about 15-20 repetitions in each set, three sets to each exercise, working the muscle only to fatigue.
for power using the correct joint movements, as described in this manual. Then practice the skill associated with your sport, learning to apply this newly achieved power.
Body Composition is the ratio of fat weight (fat) to lean weight (muscles, bones and tissue). As you age, the ratio shifts. The fat weight increases and the lean weight decreases. Training for muscle strength will generally increase muscle size and aerobic conditioning will help burn extra calories. Performing these two forms of exercise, either at different times or together, will create the greatest changes in body fat weight.
Balanced Strength and alignment are the result of equal strength developed in all parts of the body. It comes into play in your standing and sitting posture, and in your ability to perform just about any activity safely and effectively. An over-development of the back will round the shoulders; weak or stretched abdominals can cause lower back pain. You want a balance of muscle strength in front and back. In addition, you need a balance of strength between your middle, lower, and upper body.
Muscle Power is the combination of strength and speed of the muscular contraction. This is often misinterpreted as a)being directly associated with certain skill or sport and/or b) meaning that you must move fast. Load is actually a more important factor than speed when attempting to improve power. When training to achieve muscular power, pick a resistance that fatigues you in the 3-5 repetition range. When performing these reps, it is more important to think of contracting the muscles faster rather than attempting to move faster. Performing sport simulation exercises usually results in a deterioration of the motor pattern or skill. The biomechanically sound method of improving power in your sport is to train
Flexibility is the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to move the joint through a full range of motion. Flexibility comes into play when you execute an overhand serve or stretch for the top shelf in the kitchen. It is a cooperative movement of opposite muscle groups. When a muscle contracts, its opposite muscle group must relax for the action to occur. Increased flexibility means an increased range of motion, made possibly by this simultaneous contracting and relaxing. Good flexibility is important in protecting the body from injury and can be achieved through the balanced strength training programs that are included in this manual.
Cardiovascular Endurance is the ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen and nutrients to exercising muscles over an extended period of time. It comes into play when you jog a mile or ride a bike. It is a critical component of overall fitness and health. Any exercise program must be supplemented with cardiovascular training, such as rowing on the Bowflex® Home Gym.
strategy. It’s important not to rush the process and try to accomplish too much too soon. That will lead to setbacks and discouragement. Instead, set a series of smaller achievable goals.
Select complementary exercises: Be sure to pair exercises that address compound joint movements and single joint movements. In addition, select exercises that address complimentary muscle groups.
7
Reaching
Your Goals
To reach your goals you must follow a consistent, well designed program that provides balanced development to all parts of the body and includes both aerobic and strength exercise. Only then will you meet your goals safely and efficiently.
The workout routines found in this manual are professionally designed and written to target specific fitness goals. Should you not find one specific program to your liking, you can design your own, based on sound information and the principles found in this manual.
Designing Your
Own Program
You may want to design your own personal program specifically geared to your goals and lifestyle. Designing a program is easy, as long as you follow these guidelines.
Understand fitness and its components:
Improperly designed programs can be dangerous. Take some time to review this manual as well as other fitness guides.
Know your current fitness level: Before you start any fitness program you should consult a physician who will help you determine your current abilities.
Identify your goals: Goals are critical to choosing and designing an exercise program that fits and enhances your lifestyle, but so is
Put first things first: During each session work those muscle groups that need the most training, first.
Remember your cardiovascular component:
Any fitness program must contain a cardiovascular fitness component to be complete. So complement your resistance training with aerobic exercise such as walking, running, bicycling or rowing.
Training variables: When designing your own program there are several variables that, when mixed properly, will equal the right fitness formula for you. In order to find out the best formula you must experiment with several combinations of variables.
The variables are as follows.
Training Frequency: The number of times you train per week. We recommend daily activity but not daily training of the same muscle group.
Training Intensity: The amount of resistance used during your repetition.
Training Volume: The number of repetitions and sets performed.
Rest intervals: The time you rest between sets and the time you rest between workouts.
Once you’ve established a base of fitness, follow these basic principles.
Isolate muscle groups: Focus work on specific muscle groups.
Progressive Loading: The gradual systematic increase of repetitions, resistance and exercise period.
8
Working Out
Cool Down
A workout begins in your minds eye. With concentration and visualization you can approach your workout with a positive, constructive attitude. A good pre-workout mental routine is to sit and relax, so that you can focus on what you are about to do and think about achieving your end goal.
Warming Up
We recommend that you warm up by doing light stretching and performing light exercises on the Bowflex® Home Gym.
Breathing
The most important part of breathing during exercise is, quite simply, that you do it. Breathing in or out during the actual performance is not dependent upon the direction of air flow relative to exertion. It is, in fact, a mechanical process that changes the position of your spine as your rib cage moves. Here are some tips for breathing:
An essential part of the exercise routine is the cool down. Gradually reduce the level of exercise intensity so that blood does not accumulate in one muscle group, but continues to circulate at a decreasing rate. Remember to gradually move yourself into a relaxed state.
1) Be cautious when you are concentrating or exerting effort. This is when you will probably hold your breath. DO NOT hold your breath. Do not exaggerate breathing. Depth of inhalation and exhalation should be natural for the situation.
2) Allow breathing to occur,
naturally, don’t force it.
Performing
Your Routine
The workout portion of your fitness routine is the series of exercises devoted to your particular goals. Remember, make sure to have fun!
The Workouts
20 MINUTE BETTER BODY WORKOUT
FREQUENCY: 3 DAYS PER WEEK (M-W-F) TIME: ABOUT 20 MINUTES
Start by performing one set of each exercise. Warm up with a light resistance that you can perform easily for 5 -10 reps without fatiguing. Focus on practicing and learning your technique before increasing the resistance. Then move to a more challenging resistance that you can perform no less than 10 reps and no more than 15 reps without your form deteriorating. As you become stronger, you can advance to two sets for each exercise. Complete all sets of each exercise before moving on to the next one. Rest 30 to 45 seconds between sets. Move slowly on each rep. Use a pace that would allow you to stop the movement instantly at any point in the rep. Count three seconds up and three seconds down and work to fatigue during each set.
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Body Part
Chest Back Shoulders Arms
Legs
Trunk
Exercise
Bench Press Seated Lat Rows Rear Deltoid Rows Biceps Curl Lying Triceps Extension Lying Leg Extension Lying (Prone) Leg Curl Functional Low Back Extension Resisted Abdominal Crunch
Sets
1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2
Reps
10-15 10-15 10-15 10-15 10-15 10-15 10-15 10-15 10-15
ADVANCED GENERAL CONDITIONING
FREQUENCY: 4 DAYS PER WEEK (M-T-Th-F) TIME: ABOUT 35-45 MINUTES
When you are proficient in performing the exercise techniques of the above routine and are no longer realizing results, or have become just plain bored, it is time to change your program. You can increase your training with this “split system” routine that works opposing muscle groups on different days. To do this, you’ll increase your resistance when you can perform 12 reps perfectly, and you’ll increase your volume by performing more sets and more exercises. Move slowly on each rep. Use a pace that would allow you to stop the movement instantly at any point in the rep. Count three seconds up and three seconds down and work to fatigue during each set.
Day 1 & 3
Day 2 & 4
Body Part
Chest Shoulders Arms
Legs
Body Part
Back
Shoulders Arms
Trunk
Exercise
Bench Press Seated Shoulder Press Lying Triceps Extension French Press Lying Leg Extension Lying (Prone) Leg Curl
Exercise
Seated Lat Rows Lying Lat Pulldowns Rear Deltoid Row Standing Biceps Curl Reverse Curl Functional Low Back Extension Resisted Abdominal Crunch
Sets
1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3
Sets
1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3
Reps
10-12 10-12 10-12 10-12 10-12 10-12
Reps
10-12 10-12 10-12 10-12 10-12 10-12 10-12
10
The Workouts
20 MINUTE UPPER/LOWER BODY
FREQUENCY: 4 DAYS PER WEEK (M-T-Th-F) TIME: ABOUT 20 MINUTES
This program provides you with a quick and effective workout that combines muscle conditioning with some cardiovascular benefits. Do this routine when you are limited in time or just want a variation to your normal routine. Perform this program training 2 days, resting 1 to 2. Perform all exercises to near failure, stopping at the point that your technique starts to deteriorate. Rest only 20-30 seconds between sets. As you get stronger, increase the number of sets you perform. Move slowly on each rep. Use a pace that would allow you to stop the movement instantly at any point in the rep. Count three seconds up and three seconds down.
DAY 1 & 3
DAY 2 & 4
Body Part
Chest Back Shoulders Arms
Body Part
Legs
Trunk
Exercise
Bench Press Seated Lat Rows Rear Deltoid Rows Biceps Curl French Press
Exercise
Lying Leg Extension Leg Curl Standing Hip Extension Standing Hip Abduction Functional Low Back Extension Resisted Abdominal Crunch
Sets
1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3
Sets
1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3
Reps
12-15 12-15 12-15 12-15 12-15
Reps
12-15 12-15 12-15 12-15 10-12 10-12
The Workouts
BODY BUILDING
FREQUENCY: 3 DAYS ON, 1 DAY OFF TIME: ABOUT 45-60 MINUTES
Body building requires focused concentration and dedication to training, as well as proper eating habits. Train each muscle group to failure before moving on to the next exercise. Do not neglect any muscle group. If needed, include an aerobic activity to increase your caloric expenditure and help to reduce your body fat levels to achieve a defined muscular look. Rest 30-60 seconds between each set and exercise. Focus on proper form. Tighten the muscle before you move, squeeze the muscle as you move, cramp the muscle at the point of full contraction, and resist the movement as you lower the weight. Move slowly on each rep. Use a pace that would allow you to stop the movement instantly at any point in the rep. Count three seconds up and three seconds down and work to fatigue during each set.
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DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
Body Part
Chest
Shoulders
Body Part
Back
Arms
Body Part
Legs
Trunk
Exercise
Bench Press One Arm Seated Fly Seated Shoulder Press Rear Deltoid Row Lateral Shoulder Raise Shoulder Shrug
Exercise
Seated Lat Row Lying Lat Pulldowns Standing Biceps Curl Standing Reverse Curl Lying Triceps Extension French Press
Exercise
Squat Lying Leg Extension Standing Hip Extension Leg Curl Functional Low Back Extensions Resisted Abdominal Crunch Resisted Oblique Crunch
Sets
2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4
Sets
2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4
Sets
2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4
Reps
8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12
Reps
8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12
Reps
8-12 8-12 8-12 12-15 8-12 8-12 8-12
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The Workouts
CIRCUIT TRAINING - ANAEROBIC/CARDIOVASCULAR
FREQUENCY: 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK TIME: ABOUT 20-45 MINUTES
Circuit training is a great way to achieve the benefits of strength training and cardiovascular training in one quick, challenging routine. The idea is to move quickly from exercise to exercise, taking only as much rest between sets as it takes to set up the next exercise (less than 20 seconds). One circuit equals one set of each exercise. Initially, start with completing one round of Circuit
1. Then add an additional round of the same circuit. Once you reach three rounds of Circuit 1, add one round of Circuit 2. Add additional rounds of Circuit 2 as your fitness level increases. Repeat process with Circuit 3. Do not let your heart rate exceed 220 minus your resting heart rate. Perform each rep of each exercise slowly and with perfect technique. Count three seconds up and three seconds down.
Circuit 1
Circuit 2
Circuit 3
Body Part
Chest Legs Back Legs Trunk
Body Part
Shoulders Legs Back Trunk Arms
Body Part
Shoulders Arms Legs Trunk
Exercise
Bench Press Squat Seated Lat Row Leg Curl Resisted Abdominal Crunch
Exercise
Seated Shoulder Press Lying Leg Extensions Lying Lat Pulldowns Functional Low Back Extensions Standing Biceps Curl
Exercise
Rear Deltoid Rows Lying Triceps Extensions Lying (Prone) Leg Curls Resisted Oblique Crunch
Reps
8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12
Reps
8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12
Reps
8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12
The Workouts
TRUE AEROBIC CIRCUIT TRAINING
FREQUENCY: 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK TIME: ABOUT 20-60 MINUTES
Circuit training is a great way to achieve the benefits of strength training and cardiovascular training in one quick, challenging routine. By returning to an aerobic exercise between each set you are increasing your aerobic capacity, endurance and burning fat as energy. The idea is to move quickly from exercise to exercise, taking only as much rest between sets as it takes to set up the next exercise (less than 20 seconds). One circuit equals one set of each exercise. Initially, start with completing one round of Circuit
1. Then add an additional round of the same circuit. Once you reach three rounds of Circuit 1, add one round of Circuit 2. Add additional rounds of Circuit 2 as your fitness level increases. Do not let your heart rate exceed 220 minus your resting heart rate. Perform each rep of each exercise slowly and with perfect technique. Count three seconds up and three seconds down.
Any type of aerobic exercise can be used for this routine. Some examples are: jumping jacks, jogging in place or stair climbing.
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Circuit 1
Circuit 2
Body Part
Chest Aerobic Exercise Legs Aerobic Exercise Back Aerobic Exercise Legs Aerobic Exercise Trunk Aerobic Exercise
Body Part
Shoulders Aerobic Exercise Legs Aerobic Exercise Back Aerobic Exercise Trunk Aerobic Exercise Arms
Exercise
Bench Press 30 - 60 Seconds Squat 30 - 60 Seconds Seated Lat Rows 30 - 60 Seconds Leg Curl 30 - 60 Seconds Resisted Abdominal Crunch 30 - 60 Seconds
Exercise
Seated Shoulder Press 30 - 60 Seconds Lying Leg Extension 30 - 60 Seconds Lying Lat Pulldowns 30 - 60 Seconds Functional Low Back Extension 30 - 60 Seconds Standing Biceps Curl
Reps
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
Reps
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
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