Special Edition Includes:
Dr. Ellington Darden’s
Six Week Fast Fat Loss –
Body Leanness Program
The Bowflex Xtreme
Home Gym
Assembly Instructions
& Owner
’s Manual
®
PN 11471 Rev E (7/2006)
Written By: Tom Purvis RPT, RTS
Registered Physical Therapist
and founder of the
Resistance Training
Specialist Program
Congratulations!
Introduction
Congratulations on your commitment to improving
your health and fitness! With the Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym, you have everything you need to exceed
all of your physical fitness, strength and health
expectations!
The Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym’s exceptional
resistance and quality is unmatched by any other
single piece of home fitness equipment available.
You will not believe the amazing results your body
®
will get with the Bowflex Xtreme
home gym!
In this Owner’s Manual you’ll find a variety
of exercises and leanness-enhancing workout
programs. For optimum safety and enjoyment of
your
Bowflex Xtreme® home gym, it’s important
that you read the instructions carefully before
performing any exercise for the first time.
With all of the fitness choices available today,
finding the best workout equipment for your needs
can be confusing. Everyone at Nautilus, Inc. would
like to congratulate you and thank you for selecting
®
the Bowflex Xtreme
home gym.
The Bowflex Xtreme® home gym is the best home
fitness product available, and you
’re just about to
prove it to yourself.
Before You Assemble
Please take the time to read all assembly
instructions before attempting to assemble your
Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym. Select where you are
going to locate your machine carefully. The best
place for your Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym is on a
hard, level surface. For best results, assemble your
Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym in the location where
you intend to use it. Allow a workout area of at least
8'4" x 6'6" (2.6 m x 2.0 m) of free space for
safe operation of the Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym.
Basic Assembly Principles
Here are a few basic tips that will make your
assembly of the Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym quick
and easy. By using these principles, you can simplify
each process and save yourself extra time and effort.
1. To make the assembly process go faster,
gather the pieces you need for each step and
thoroughly read the assembly instructions for
that step prior to starting assembly for the step.
2. When tightening a locknut on a bolt, use a
combination wrench to grip the locknut and
ensure that it is fastened securely.
3. When attaching two pieces, gently lift and look
through the bolt holes to help guide the bolt
through the holes.
4. As a general rule, and for all bolts and nuts on
your Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym, turn bolts
or nuts toward the right to tighten and left to
loosen. Or you can remember the mnemonic:
“Righty tighty, lefty loosey.”
Tools You Will Need:
• 7/16" Combination Wrench
• 9/16" Combination Wrench
• Adjustable Wrench
• Socket Wrench Set
• Phillips Screw Driver
• Flat Blade Screw Driver
• Rubber Mallet
• Utility Knife
• Scissors
IMPORTANT: LEAVE ALL CABLES WRAPPED AND BAGGED UNTIL YOUR
BOWFLEX XTREME
®
HOME GYM IS FULLY ASSEMBLED.
®
Parts Reference Guide
1
Optional Leg Extension Attachment
If you ordered the optional
Leg Extension Attachment,
you will receive the additional
parts shown here.
Button Head Screws:
Assembly Hardware: (1:1 Scale)
Button Head Screw
Top View
2 (5/16" x 2 1/2")
1 (3/8" x 5")
Flat Washers:
4 (5/16" x 3/4")
20 (3/8" x 3/4")
2 (3/8" x 3")
2 (3/8" x 1")
(in separate bag
with washers)
3 (1/4
")
Flat Washer
Side View
3 Self Threading Screws (#10 x 1")
Top View
Nylock Nuts:
Side View
4 (1/2")
4 (1/2")
26 (3/8")
1 (3/8")
6 (5/16
")
2 Cap Screws (1/4" x 1/2")
Top View
2 Threaded Studs
(1/2" x 9 1/2")
(shown shorter
than actual size)
4
Assembly Guide
Step 1 Base Frame Assembly
Parts:
• Base Frame • Right Frame Rail
• Left Frame Rail • Rear Cross Member
Hardware:
• 6 Button Head Screws ( 3/8" X 3/4")
• 6 Flat Washers (3/8")
Tool: 7/32" Allen Wrench
(or Hex Wrench)
1-1 Lay all parts on floor as
shown.
1-2 Insert Frame Rail
connectors into the
Base Frame and
Rear Cross Member.
Secure with screws
and washers as shown.
Do not tighten screws
at this time.
Left Frame Rail
Flat Washers
Button Head Screws
Base Frame
Button Head
Screws
Washers
Button Head Screws
Flat Washers
Rear Cross
Member
Flat
Right Frame Rail
Step 2 Lower Lat Tower Assembly
Parts:
• Lower Lat Tower Frame
• Rod Box with Power Rod
Hardware:
• 3 Self Threading Screws (#10 X 1")
• 3 Flat Washers (1/4
Tool: Phillips Screw Driver
2-1 Lay parts on floor as shown.
Firmly slide Rod Box into Lower
Lat Tower Frame.
2-2 Fasten the Rod Box to the
Lower Lat Tower Frame with
screws and washers as shown.
Tighten screws until snug.
")
®
Unit
Lower Lat Tower Frame
Rod Box w/ Rods
Flat Washers
Self Threading
Screws
Assembly Guide
Step 3 Install Lower Lat Tower Assembly
Parts:
5
• Lower Lat Tower Assembly
• Base Frame Assembly
Hardware:
• 2 Button Head Screws (3/8" X 3/4")
• 2 Flat Washers (3/8
")
Tool: 7/32” Hex Wrench
3-1 Align the Lower Lat Tower Assembly over
the Base Frame. Push the bottom of the Lower
Lat Tower onto the connector of the Rear Cross
Member as shown.
3-2 Secure Lower Lat Tower Assembly
using screws and washers as shown.
Do not tighten screws at this time.
Step 4 Install Seat Support Rail
Parts:
Button
Head
Screw
Flat
Washer
Base Frame
Assembly
Seat Support Rail
Flat
Washer
Button
Head
Screw
Flat
Washer
Button
Head
Screw
Lower Lat Tower
Assembly
• Seat Support Rail
• Base Frame Assembly
Hardware:
• 2 Button Head Screws (3/8" X 3/4")
• 2 Flat Washers (3/8")
Tool: 7/32" Hex Wrench
4-1 Slide the bottom of the Seat Support
Rail onto the Base Frame connector
as shown.
4-2 Slide the top of the Seat Support
Rail onto the Lower Lat Tower
Assembly connector as shown.
Secure using screws and washers
as shown.
Do not tighten screws at this time.
Base Frame/
Lower Lat Tower
Assembly
Button
Head
Screw
Flat
Washer
6
Step 5 Install Squat Pulley Frame
Parts:
Assembly Guide
Button Head
Screws
Flat
Washers
• Squat Pulley Frame Assembly
• Main Assembly
Squat Pulley
Frame
Hardware:
• 1 Button Head Screw (3/8" X 5")
• 1 Nylock Nut (3/8
• 2 Button Head Screws (3/8
• 4 Washers (3/8
")
" X 1")
")
Tools: 7/32" Hex Wrench & Adjustable
or Socket Wrench
5-1 Place the Squat Pulley Frame behind the Seat
Support Rail and align the top screw holes.
Secure using a 3/8" X 5" screw, washer and
nut in the top hole as shown.
5-2 Install screws and washers into the bottom
holes of the Squat Pulley Frame as shown.
Flat
Washers
Button
Head
Screw
Nylock
Nut
Step 6 Install Pulley
Arms
Parts:
• Right Pulley Arm
• Left Pulley Arm
• Main Assembly
Hardware:
• 4 Washers (3/8")
• 4 Button Head Screws
(3/8" X 3/4")
Tools: 7/32" Hex Wrench
6-1 Slide Left and Right Pulley Arms
onto the connectors on the base
frame as shown.
6-2 Secure Pulley Arms to Base Frame
using screws and washers as shown.
Do not tighten screws
at this time.
Base Frame &
Lower Lat Tower
Assembly
Left Pulley Arm
Washers
Button Head
Screws
Button Head
Screw
Right Pulley Ar m
Flat Washers
Button
Head
Screw
Step 7 Install
Slider Pulleys
Parts:
• 2 Slider Pulleys with Cable Assembly
• Main Assembly
Hardware:
• 2 Cap Screws (1/4" X 1/2")
Tools: Phillips Screw Driver
7-1 Install a Slider Pulley onto each Pulley
Arm as shown. Choose any of the four
holes to secure.
7-2 Install a cap screw into the underside
of each Pulley Arm, as shown.
Assembly Guide
Slider Pulley w/
Cable Assembly
Cap
Screw
Cap
Screw
Slider Pulley w/
Cable Assembly
7
Step 8 Secure Pulley Arms
Hardware:
• 2 Threaded Studs (1/2" X 11")
• 4 Nylock Nuts (1/2")
• 4 Washers (1/2")
Tool: Rubber Mallet
8-1 Align the two holes in the
Pulley Arms with those in the
Lower Lat Tower Assembly and
secure using threaded studs,
washers and nuts as shown.
Nylock Nut s
Flat Wa shers
Threaded
Studs
Flat Wa shers
Nylock Nut s
8
Assembly Guide
Step 9 Seat Assembly
Parts:
• Seat Backbone
• Seat Bottom
Hardware:
• 4 Button Head Screws (5/16" X 3/4")
• 4 Washers (5/16")
Tool:
9-1
3/16" Hex Wrench
Install the Seat Backbone to the
underside
of the Seat Pad using
screws and washers as shown.
Seat Bott
Flat
om
Washers
Button He
Screws
ad
Se
at Backbone
If you did not purchase the Optional Leg Extension,
skip steps 10 and 11 and proceed to Step 12
Step 10 Optional Leg Extension Assembly
Parts:
• Leg Extension Backbone
• 2 Chrome Tubes
• 4 Foam Rollers
• 4 End Caps
Tool:
10-1
10-2 Slide Foam Rollers onto the
Rubber Mallet
Insert Chrome Tubes through
e upper hole and one of
th
e lower holes in the Leg
th
Extension. (Select hole for
comfort level.)
your
Chrome Tubes and secure
end caps. A rubber
with
mallet may be needed to
secure th
e end caps.
End Caps
Foam Roll
e
rs
Chrome Tubes
.
Leg Extension
Backbone
NOTE: The Leg Extension may be adjusted
during workou
d personal preferences.
an
t to best suit your height
9
Assembly Guide
Step 11 Install Optional
Leg Exte
nsion Assembly
Parts:
• Leg Extension Assembly
•
Lock Knob
11-1
Insert Leg Extension
Backbone
into open end of
Seat Backbone as
shown.
11-2
Align one hole of the Leg
Extension with the hole
in
the Seat Backbone
to fit your
height and secure with the
Lock Knob as
shown.
Lock K nob
Step 12 Install Seat Assembly
Parts:
• Seat Assembly
•
Main Assembly
12-1
Align the top two hooks on
the Seat Backbone
with one
of the lower pairs of pins on
the Seat Support Rail
.
12-2
Tip seat front up and slide
hooks onto pins. Rotate seat
down and back to use.
Note:
Use lower pins until the seat
back is installed. Reverse
pr
ocedure to remove seat.
Seat
Backbone
Le
g
Extension
Backbone
Seat
Backbone
Seat Support
Rail
10
Upper Lat Tower Assembly
Parts:
• Upper Lat Tower
•
Lat Cross Bar
Hardware:
• 2 Button Head Screws (3/8" X 2 1/2")
•
2 Washers (3/8")
Tool:
7/32" Hex Wrench
14-1 Align the two holes on the Lat Cross Bar with
those on the Upper Lat Tower as shown.
14-2 Secure using washers and screws as shown.
Step 13 Install Seat Back Pad
Note: The back of the Seat Back Pad has two
pairs of hol
es. Select the appropriate
set based on your height.
Parts:
• Seat Back Pad
•
Main Assembly
Hardware:
• 2 Button Head Screws (5/16" X 2 1/2")
•
2 Washers (5/16")
Tool:
3/16" Hex Wrench
13-1
Position Seat Back Pad against the
Seat Support Rail and align the
screw holes for your
height with
those on the Seat Support Rail
.
13-2
Secure Seat Back Pad to the Seat
Support Rail using screws and
washers as
shown.
Seat Back Pad
Flat
Washer
s
Button
Head
Screws
Button Hea d
Screws
Flat
Washers
Lat Cro ss Ba
r
Uppe
r Lat Tower
Hex Nuts
Step 14:
(3/8” X 3”)
Assembly Guide
Rods not shown
for clarit
y
Step 15 Install Upper Lat Tower Assembly
Parts:
• Upper Lat Tower Assembly
• Main Assembly
Hardware (1:1):
• 6 Button Head Screws (3/8" X 3/4")
• 6 Washers (3/8")
11
Tool:
7/32" Hex Wrench
15-1 Position the Upper Lat Tower Assembly
over th
Slide the Upper Lat Tower onto the
15-2
Lower Lat Tower and secure with screws
an
Upper Lat Tower
Flat
s
Washer
Button Head
Screws
e Lower Lat Tower Assembly.
d washers as shown.
Lower Lat Tower
Flat
s
Washer
Button Head
Screws
TIGHTEN HARDWARE
Carefully go over the entire Bowfle
™
Xtreme
hardware befo
home gym and tighten all
re using.
x
12
12
Assembly Guide
Step 16 Connect Cables
16-1 Connect and route cables through pulleys
to confirm that cables can move freely.
Page 18 of the owner’s manual shows
pulley routing for individual exercises.
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have successfully completed assembly of your
Bowflex Xtreme®
home gym! Please inspect your machine to ensure that all fasteners are
tight and everything is properly assembled. Review all warnings affixed to
machine.
Special Edition Includes:
Dr. Ellington Darden’s
Six Week Fast Fat Loss –
Body Leanness Program
The Bowflex Xtreme
Home Gym
Owner’s Manual
®
PN 11471 Rev E (7/2006)
Written By: Tom Purvis RPT, RTS
Registered Physical Therapist
and founder of the
Resistance Training
Specialist Program
14
Important Safety Precautions
• Always read and follow the Warning and Safety
labels attached to your Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym.
Do not remove these labels. If you need replacement
labels, please call a
Bowflex® Representative at
(800) 605-3369.
• Read the owner
’s manual and follow it carefully
before using the machine.
• Parents and others in charge of children should be
aware of their responsibility, because the natural
play instinct of children can lead to situations for
which the training equipment is not intended.
• Never allow children to use the Bowflex Xtreme®
home gym unsupervised. To do so could result in
injury. If children are allowed to use the equipment,
their mental and physical development should be
taken into account. They should be instructed on
the correct use of the equipment.
• This equipment is under no circumstances suitable
as a children
’s toy.
• Inspect your machine for any worn or loose
components prior to use. Tighten or replace any
worn or loose components prior to use. Pay close
attention to cables or belts and their connections.
• Maximum user weight for the Bowflex Xtreme®
home gym is 300 pounds
(136 kg). For your safety,
do not use or allow others to use the Bowflex
Xtreme
®
home gym if they weigh in excess of 300
pounds (136 kg).
• Allow a workout area of at least 7' x 6" (2.1 m x 1.8
m) of free space for safe operation of the
Xtreme
®
home gym.
Bowflex
• Keep your body weight centered on the machine,
seat, or base frame platform while exercising.
• When using the Bowflex Xtreme® home gym for
standing leg exercises, always grasp the Lat Tower
on your machine for stability.
• Keep out of the path of the Power Rod® unit when
exercising and make certain that observers also
stand clear of the Bowflex Xtreme
the Power Rod
®
unit is in use.
®
home gym when
• Never move or adjust the seat while sitting on it.
Never stand on the seat.
• When hooking up Power Rod® caps, do not stand
directly over the top of the rods. Stand off to the
side while attaching rods.
• Never use dumbbells or other weight equipment
to incrementally increase the weight resistance.
Use only the Power Rod
Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym.
®
unit that came with your
• Set up and use your Bowflex Xtreme® home gym on
a hard, level surface.
• Do not wear any loose or dangling clothing or
jewelry while using the Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym.
Stand clear of all moving components.
• 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 light-headedness, dizziness,
or shortness of breath while exercising, stop the
exercise and consult your physician.
• This machine is meant for individual consumer use
only, and is not meant for use by institutions.
• Never attempt to exercise with more resistance than
you are physically able to handle.
• Keep cables and Power Rod® unit bound with the
rod binding strap when not in use.
• Before exercising, make sure the cable pulley system
is properly secured, properly attached, and in
perfect working condition.
• All exercises in this manual are based on the
calibrated resistance and capacity levels of the
Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym. Exercises not
in this manual are not recommended by the
manufacturer.
Table of Contents
15
Assembly Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Important Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Get To Know Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
How to Use Your Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-19
Define Your Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22
Working Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
The Workouts:
The 20 Minute Better Body Workout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Advanced General Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
20 Minute Upper / Lower Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Body Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Circuit Training Anaerobic / Cardiovascular . . . . . . . . . . 26
True Aerobic Circuit Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Strength Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Chest Exercises:
Bench Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chest Fly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Decline Bench Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Incline Bench Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Shoulder Exercises :
Reverse Fly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Crossover Reverse Fly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Crossover Rear Deltoid Rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Crossover High Rear Deltoid Rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Lateral Shoulder Raise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Forearm Lateral Shoulder Raise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Front Shoulder Raise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Seated Shoulder Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Shoulder Rotator Cuff (internal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Shoulder Rotator Cuff (external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Shoulder Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Shoulder Shrug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Scapular Protraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Scapular Depression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Scapular Retraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Back Exercises:
Standing Shoulder Pullover w/ Bent Lat Bar . . . . . . . . . . 39
Standing Shoulder Pullover w/ Hand Grips . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Narrow Pulldowns w/ Bent Lat Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Narrow Pulldowns w/ Hand Grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Bent Over Row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Crossover Bent Over Row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Seated Lat Rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Crossover Seated Lat Rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Standing Low Back Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Reverse Grip Pulldowns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Crossover Wide Pulldowns w/ Hand Grips . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Crossover Narrow Pulldowns w/ Hand Grips . . . . . . . . . .44
Seated Lat Pulldowns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Seated Wide Lat Pulldowns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Arm Exercises:
Triceps Pushdown w/ Hand Grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Triceps Hammer Pushdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Triceps Pushdown w/ Bent Lat Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Triceps Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Hammer Triceps Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Cross Triceps Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Triceps Kickback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Hammer Triceps Kickback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Resisted Dip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Biceps Curl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Concentration Biceps Curl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Reverse Curl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Barbell Biceps Curl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Reverse Barbell Biceps Curl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Seated Biceps Curl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Seated Biceps Hammer Curl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Wrist Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Wrist Curl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Abdominal Exercises:
Trunk Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Seated (resisted) Oblique Abdominal Crunch . . . . . . . . .55
Seated (resisted) Abdominal Crunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Leg Exercises:
Leg Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Squat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Standing Hip Extension (knee bent) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Standing Hip Extension (knee extended) . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Leg Kickback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Hip Flexion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Dead Lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Stiff Leg Dead Lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standing Hip Adduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Standing Hip Abduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Calf Raise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Fast Fat Loss Now!
By Ellington Darden, Ph.D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63-81
Exercise Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Muscle Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bowflex Xtreme® Home Gym 6-Week
Satisfaction Guarantee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Bowflex Xtreme
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
®
Home Gym Warranty Card . . . . . . . . . 85
60
82
83
87
16
Get to Know Your Bowflex Xtreme® Home Gym
Upper Lat
Tower
Power Rod®
Unit
Rod Hook
Cable
Hand Grip
Pulley
50” Bent Lat
Bar
Cable Storage
Rod Caps
Center Cross Bar
Seat Back
Pad
Seat
Leg Attachment
Rod Box
Lower Pulley/ Squat
Base Frame
Platform
Station
How to Use Your Machine
17
Power Rod® Resistance
Power Rod® resistance rods 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
Xtreme
comes with 210 pounds
of resistance (one pair
of 5 lb. (2.25 kg) rods,
two pairs of 10 lb. (4.5
kg) rods, one pair of
30 lb. (13.5 kg) rods,
and one pair of 50 lb.
(22.5 kg) rods.
If you upgraded to a 310 (140 kg) or 410 pound (186
kg) capacity you will have an additional one or two
pair of 50 lb. (22.5 kg) rods, respectively.
®
home gym
When You Are Not Using Your
Bowflex Xtreme
Disconnect the cables from the Power Rod® unit
when your are not using
your Bowflex Xtreme
home gym. 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.
®
Home Gym
®
Safety
When hooking the Power
®
caps to the cable
Rod
hooks, do not stand
directly over the tops of
the rods. Stand off to one
side when connecting and
disconnecting the Power
Rod® unit from the cables.
Hooking the Power Rod® Unit to the
Cables
You may use one rod or
several rods in combination,
to create your desired
resistance level.
To hook multiple rods up
to one cable, bend the
closest rod toward the cable
and place the cable hook
through that rod cap. You
can then hook up the next
closest rod through the same
cable hook.
Hooking up the closest
rod first prevents rods from
crossing over the top of
one another.
To Order Additional 50 lb. (22.5 kg)
Power Rod
®
Sets
Please Call 1-800-269-3539
18
How to Use Your Machine
The Bowflex Xtreme® Home Gym
Pulley Positions
With the versatility to perform over 65 different
exercises, the Bowflex Xtreme
transitions from one exercise to another. Below is a
guide to the five different pulley positions you will
use to optimally perform your workout routine.
Position One:
Standard Position – most
common. Active pulleys are
on center cross bar.
®
home gym easily
Position Two:
Lat Pulldown Position. Ac tive
pulleys are on lat tower.
Maintenance and Care of Your Bowflex
Xtreme
Inspect your machine for any worn or loose
components prior to use. Tighten or replace any
worn or loose components prior to use. Pay close
attention to cables or belts and their connections.
Clean the bench with a non-abrasive
household cleaner after each use. This will
keep it looking new. Do not use automotive
cleaner, which can make the bench too “slick.”
Review all warning notices. The safety and
integrity designed into a machine can only be
maintained when the equipment is regularly
examined for damage and repaired. It is the sole
responsibility of the owner to ensure that regular
maintenance is performed. Worn or damaged
components shall be replaced immediately or
the equipment removed from service until the
repair is made. Only manufacturer supplied
components shall be used to maintain/repair
the equipment.
®
Home Gym
Position Three (optional):
Leg Extension Position. Active
pulleys are on the squat pulley
frame.
Position Six:
Rowing position. Active pulleys
are on squat pulley frame.
Position Four:
Squat position. Active pulleys
are on squat pulley frame and on
center cross bar.
If you have any questions regarding your
®
Bowflex Xtreme
home gym, please contact our
Customer Service Department at 1-800-605-3369
or by mail to: Customer Service, Nautilus, Inc.
World Headquarters, 16400 SE Nautilus Drive,
Vancouver, WA 98683.
How to Use Your Machine
19
Hand Grip
The hand grips fit snugly around your ankle, instep
or wrist. Attach the pulley cable clips to the D-Rings
on the hand grips to attach them to the cables.
Standard Grip: Grasp the handle and cuff
together to form a grip without
inserting your hand through
the cuff portion. Most of the
exercises you perform utilize
this grip. The Standard Grip
also is used for Hammer Grip
exercises, when you need to
hold the hand grip vertically
for greater wrist support.
Hand Cuff Grip: Slip your
hand through the cuff portion
of the grip so that the foam
pad rests on the back of
your hand. Then grasp the
remainder of the grip that
is sitting in your palm. This
method of gripping is great for
exercises like front shoulder
raises or any exercise where
your palm is facing down.
Ankle Cuff Grip: The cuff
opening can be made larger
to accommodate the ankle.
Simply insert your hand in the
cuff and slide it away from the handle. Insert your
foot or ankle and tighten the grip by sliding the
handle back toward the cuff.
Arch Cuff Grip: The cuff opening can also fit
securely over the arch of your foot. For this grip,
insert your foot through the cuff until it is around
the arch of your instep, and tighten the cuff
around your heel to secure the grip.
Lat Pulldown
The Lat Pulldown tower enhances exercises
that work back, shoulders and triceps muscles.
Safety:
• Before using the Lat Pulldown, make sure
that all fasteners are in place and tightened.
• Make sure that the Lat Tower’s cables are
securely fastened to the regular
Xtreme
®
home gym cables.
Bowflex
• Always use the bar holders to support the lat
bar or remove the bar when not in use.
• Do not hang from the Lat Tower nor attempt
to perform “chin ups” from the bar.
• Never pull on the bar unless there is
resistance attached to it.
Leg Extension (optional attachment)
Designed to add more effectiveness to all exercises
where “leg work” is required.
Safety:
• Before using the Leg Extension, make sure
that all fasteners are in place and tightened.
• Make sure that the Leg Extension’s
cables are securely fastened
to the regular
Xtreme
®
home gym cables.
• Always use the Lock Knob
to secure the attachment to
Bowflex Xtreme®
your
home gym
Bowflex
.
Grips manufactured under
license agreement with HandsOn Sports & Gym Accessories,
Inc. Patent #4756527
20
Define Your Goals
Your body will do what you train it to do. That’s why it’s important to define your goals and focus them. 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 crosscountry 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.
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 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.
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 possible 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. 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 the below guidelines.
Design Your Own Program
21
Define Your Goals
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 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.
Put first things first. During each session, first work
muscle groups that need the most training.
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, or bicycling.
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
these basic principles:
• Isolate Muscle Groups: Focus work on specific
muscle groups.
• Progressive Loading: The gradual systematic
increase of repetitions, resistance and exercise
period.
’ve established a base of fitness, follow
22
Define Your Goals
Working Out
A workout begins in your mind’s 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 Xtreme
®
home gym.
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!
Cool Down
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.
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:
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,
’t force it.
don
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.
23
Body Part
Chest
Back
Shoulders
Arms
Legs
Trunk
Exercise
Bench Press
Seated Lat Rows
Crossover Rear Deltoid Rows
Biceps Curl
Triceps Pushdown
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Standing Low Back Extension
Seated 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
Body Part
Chest
Shoulders
Arms
Legs
Exercise
Bench Press
Seated Shoulder Press
Triceps Pushdown
Biceps Curl
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Sets
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
Day 2 & 4
Body Part
Back
Shoulders
Arms
Trunk
Exercise
Seated Lat Rows
Seated Lat Pulldowns
Crossover Rear Deltoid Row
Biceps Curl
Reverse Curl
Standing Low Back Extension
Seated Abdominal Crunch
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
10-12
24
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
Crossover Rear Deltoid Rows
Biceps Curl
Triceps Extension
Exercise
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Standing Hip Extension
Standing Hip Abduction
Standing Low Back Extension
Seated 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
25
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.
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
Body Part
Chest
Shoulders
Body Part
Back
Arms
Body Part
Legs
Trunk
Exercise
Bench Press
Chest
Fly
Seated Shoulder Press
Crossover Rear Deltoid Row
Lateral Shoulder Raise
Shoulder Shrug
Exercise
Seated Lat Row
Seated Lat Pulldowns
Biceps Curl
Reverse Curl
Triceps Pushdown
Triceps Extension
Exercise
Squat
Leg Extension
Standing Hip Extension
Leg Curl
Standing Low Back Extension
Seated Abdominal Crunch
Seated Oblique Abdominal 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
26
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
Seated Abdominal Crunch
Exercise
Seated Shoulder Press
Leg Extensions
Seated Lat Pulldowns
Standing Low Back Extension
Biceps Curl
Exercise
Crossover Rear Deltoid Rows
Triceps Pushdown
Leg Curl
Seated 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.
27
Any type of aerobic exercise can be used for this routine. Some examples are: jumping jacks, jogging in place
or stair climbing.
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
Seated Abdominal Crunch
30
– 60 Seconds
Exercise
Seated Shoulder Press
30
– 60 Seconds
Leg Extension
30
– 60 Seconds
Seated Lat Pulldowns
30
– 60 Seconds
Standing Low Back Extension
30
– 60 Seconds
Biceps Curl
Reps
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
Reps
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
28
The Workouts
Strength Training
Frequency: 3 Days Per Week (M-W-F) Time: About 45-60 Minutes
This program is designed to emphasize overall strength development. This is an advanced routine to be used
only after you have progressed from the advanced general conditioning routine and only after you have perfected
your exercise techniques. Work each set to near exhaustion. If you can perform more than 5 to 8 reps, you should
increase your resistance 5 pounds and decrease your reps to 5. Rest 60 – 120 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 two seconds up and four seconds
down and work to fatigue during each set.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Body Part
Chest
Shoulders
Body Part
Back
Arms
Body Part
Legs
Trunk
Exercise
Bench Press
Chest Fly
Seated Shoulder Press
Crossover Rear Deltoid Rows
Shoulder Shrug
Exercise
Seated Lat Row
Seated Lat Pulldowns
Biceps Curl
Reverse Curl
Triceps Pushdown
Triceps Extension
Exercise
Squat
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Standing Low Back Extension
Seated Abdominal Crunch
Sets
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
Reps
5-8
5-8
5-8
5-8
5-8
Reps
5-8
5-8
5-8
5-8
5-8
5-8
Reps
5-8
5-8
5-8
8-12
5-8
Chest Exercises
Bench Press – Shoulder Horizontal Adduction (and Elbow Extension)
29
Muscles worked:
Chest muscles (pectoralis major). Also
involves front shoulder muscles (anterior
deltoid and triceps, located on the back
of the upper arm.
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – wide position
Before you begin:
Remove Leg Extension and adjust seat height.
The pulleys should be in the wide position.
Key Points:
• Maintain a 90º angle between upper arms and
torso throughout exercise.
• Limit range of motion so elbows do not travel
behind shoulders.
• Keep shoulder blades pinched together and
maintain good spinal alignment.
START
START ACTION
• Sit and grasp hand grips.
• Straighten arms to front.
• Be sure arms are directly in
line with cables, palms facing
down and wrists straight.
• Raise chest and pinch shoulder
blades together. Maintain a
very slight, comfortable, arch
in lower back.
FINISH
• Slowly move elbows out,
simultaneously bending
arms, keeping forearms in
line with cables.
• Stop when upper arms are
straight out to the sides, level
with shoulders.
• Slowly press forward, moving
hands toward center. Return to
start position with arms straight
to front at shoulder width. Keep
chest muscles tightened.
Chest Fly – Shoulder Horizontal Adduction (Elbow Stabilized)
Muscles worked:
Emphasizes chest muscles (pectoralis
major). Involves front shoulder
muscles (anterior deltoid).
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – wide position
Before you begin:
Remove Leg Extension and adjust
seat height. The pulleys should be in
the wide position.
Key Points:
• Maintain 90º angle between upper
arms and torso throughout exercise.
• Limit range of motion so elbows do
not travel behind shoulders.
• Keep shoulder blades pinched
together and maintain good spinal
alignment.
START
START ACTION
• Sit and grasp hand grips.
• Straighten arms to front.
• Be sure arms are directly in line
with cables, palms facing in and
wrists straight.
• Raise chest and pinch shoulder
blades together. Maintain a
slight, comfortable, arch in
lower back.
FINISH
• Slowly move arms inward,
maintaining the elbows
in a slightly bent position
throughout movement.
• Stop when upper arms are
straight out in front, level with
shoulders.
• Slowly return to start position.
Keep chest muscles tightened
during motion.
30
Chest Exercises
Decline Bench Press – Shoulder Horizontal Adduction (and Elbow Extension)
Muscles worked:
Chest muscles (pectoralis major). Also
involves front shoulder muscles (anterior
deltoid) and triceps.
Position:
Seated (seat in lowest position)
facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – standard position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and adjust seat to
lowest setting.
Key Points:
• Maintain 90º angle between upper arms and
torso at the bottom of the motion, and slightly
less than 90º at the top of the motion.
• Limit range of motion so elbows do not travel
behind shoulders.
• Keep shoulder blades pinched together and
maintain good spinal alignment.
START
START ACTION
• Sit and grasp hand grips with
cable and grip positioned
beneath forearm.
• Lower arms 5-6 inches from stan
dard bench press position.
• Straighten arms to front.
• Be sure arms are directly in line
with cables, palms facing down
and wrists straight.
• Raise chest and pinch shoulder
blades together. Keep a gentle
arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Slowly move elbows outward,
simultaneously bending arms,
keeping forearms in line with
cables at all times.
-
• Stop when upper arms are
straight out to sides, 10º below
shoulders.
• Slowly press forward, moving
hands toward center. Return to
start position, arms straight at
shoulder width, hands just above
knees in line with cables. Keep
chest muscles tightened..
Incline Bench Press – Shoulder Horizontal Adduction (and Elbow Extension)
Muscles worked:
Chest muscles (pectoralis major), especially
upper portion. Also involves front shoulder
muscles (anterior deltoid) and triceps.
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – wide position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and adjust
seat height.
Key Points:
• Upper arms will be 90º from sides of
torso at the bottom of movement and
slightly more than 90º from the front of
torso at the top.
• Limit range of motion so elbows do not
travel behind shoulders.
• Keep shoulder blades pinched together
and maintain good spinal alignment.
START
START ACTION
• Sit and grasp hand grips.
• Straighten arms to front.
• Raise arms 6-8 inches above
regular bench press position.
• Keep arms in line with cables,
palms down, wrists straight.
• Raise chest and pinch shoulder
blades together. Keep a slight,
comfortable, arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Slowly move elbows out, simul
taneously bending arms. Keep
forearms in line with cables.
• Stop when upper arms are out
to sides, 10º above shoulders.
• Slowly press forward, moving
hands toward center. Return
to start position, with arms
straight to front at shoulder
width and in line with cables.
-
Shoulder Exercises
Reverse Fly – Shoulder Horizontal Abduction (Elbows Stabilized)
31
Muscles worked:
Back portion of shoulder muscles (rear
deltoids, rear portion of middle deltoids).
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Seat:
Removed
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – narrow position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension. The pulleys should
be in the narrow position.
Key Points:
• Maintain a 90º angle between
upper arms and sides of torso
throughout exercise.
• Keep shoulder blades pinched together
and maintain good spinal alignment.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Grasp hand grips with palms
facing floor, arms nearly
straight.
• Stand up straight and bend
over slightly from hips until
arms are in front of body at a
90º angle to torso.
• Lift chest and pinch shoulder
blades together.
FINISH
• Maintaining the same slight
bend in arms, move elbows
out and back, keeping a 90º
angle between upper arms
and sides of torso.
• Move until elbows are slightly
behind shoulders, then
slowly reverse the motion,
keeping rear shoulder muscles
tightened.
Crossover Reverse Fly – Shoulder Horizontal Abduction (Elbows Stabilized)
Muscles worked:
Back portion of shoulder muscles
(rear deltoids, rear portion of middle
deltoids).
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – narrow position
Before You Begin:
• Remove seat and leg extension. The
pulleys should be in the narrow
position.
Key Points:
• Maintain 90º angle between upper
arms and sides of torso throughout
exercise.
• Keep shoulder blades pinched
together and maintain good spinal
alignment.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Cross arms in front of body and
grasp hand grips (right grip in
left hand and vice versa) with
palms facing floor and arms
nearly straight.
• Stand up straight and bend
over slightly from hips until
arms are in front of body at a
90º angle to torso.
• Lift chest and pinch shoulder
blades together.
FINISH
• Maintaining same slight bend
in arms, move elbows out and
back, crossing cables as you
pull arms back.
• Keep a 90º angle between
upper arms and sides of
torso.
• Move until elbows are slightly
behind shoulders, then slowly
reverse motion keeping rear
shoulder muscles tightened.
32
Shoulder Exercises
Crossover Rear Deltoid Rows – Elbow Flexion
Muscles worked:
Back portion of shoulder muscles
(rear deltoids, rear portion of middle
deltoids).
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – narrow position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and seat.
Center Cross Bar Pulleys should be
in narrow position.
Key Points:
• Maintain a 90º angle between upper
arms and sides of torso.
• Keep shoulder blades pinched
together and maintain good spinal
alignment.
• To work one arm at a time, place nonworking hand on top of bench for
additional stabilization.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Cross arms in front of body and
grasp hand grips (right grip in
left hand and vice versa) with
palms facing down and arms
nearly straight.
• Bend over slightly from hips
(not spine) and raise arms in
front of body, 90º to torso.
• Lift chest, stand up straight with
spine in good alignment and
tighten trunk muscles.
FINISH
• Allowing arms to bend as you
go, move elbows outward and
backward keeping a 90º angle
between upper arms and sides
of torso.
• Always point forearms in the
direction of cables.
• Move until elbows are slightly
behind shoulders, then slowly
reverse motion. Keep rear
shoulder muscles tightened
during entire motion.
Crossover High Rear Deltoid Rows – Elbow Flexion
Muscles worked:
Back portion of shoulder muscles
(rear deltoids, rear portion of middle
deltoids).
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and seat.
Key Points:
• Keep shoulder blades pinched
together and maintain good spinal
alignment.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform facing
Power Rod® unit, with knees
slightly bent.
• Cross arms and grab hand
grips with palms facing down,
arms straight (right hand on
left hand grip and vice versa).
• Stand up straight and slightly
lean back from hips.
• Lift chest and pinch shoulder
blades together.
FINISH
• Allowing arms to bend as you
go, move elbows out and back
keeping a 90º angle between
upper arms and sides of torso.
• Always point forearms in direc
tion of cables.
• Move until elbows are slightly
behind shoulders, then slowly
reverse motion. Keep rear
shoulder muscles tightened.
-
Shoulder Exercises
Lateral Shoulder Raise – Shoulder Abduction (Elbows Stabilized)
33
Muscles worked:
Side shoulder muscles (middle
deltoids), top muscle of rotator
cuff (supraspinatus) and upper
trapezius muscles.
Position:
Standing – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame – use
squat straps
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• DO NOT swing arms upward or
move trunk.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform facing
outward. Grasp hand grips with
palms facing each other.
• Attain good spinal posture and
bend forward slightly at hip (15
to 20º) by keeping spine straight
and sticking rear end out. Do
not bend at waist.
• Let arms hang directly in line
with cables.
• Elevate shoulders slightly toward
back of head.
FINISH
• Raise arms out to sides to
nearly shoulder level.
• Keep side of arm/elbow facing
out/up throughout movement.
• Slowly bring arms into start
position without relaxing.
Seated Forearm Lateral Shoulder Raise – Elbows Stabilized
Muscles worked:
Side shoulder muscles (middle
deltoids), top muscle of rotator
cuff (supraspinatus) and upper
trapezius muscles.
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips over elbows
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame – narrow
position
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• DO NOT swing arms upward or
move trunk.
START
START ACTION
• Slide hand grips over forearms
until grip is cradled in elbow.
• Let upper arms hang in
line with cables and bend
elbows 90º.
• Elevate shoulders slightly
toward the back of your head.
• Raise chest and pinch shoulder
blades together.
• Maintain a slight, comfortable,
arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Raise arms out to sides to
almost shoulder level.
• Keep side of forearms/elbows
facing out/up throughout
movement.
• Slowly bring arms to start
position without relaxing.
34
Shoulder Exercises
Front Shoulder Raise – Shoulder Flexion (Elbow Stabilized)
Muscles worked:
Front part of shoulder muscles (front
deltoids) and front part of middle
deltoids.
Position:
Standing – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and seat. Use
platform pulleys.
Key Points:
• Keep chest lifted and abdominals tightened throughout entire motion and
maintain good spinal alignment.
• Do not increase arch in lower back
while lifting arms.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform facing
away from
with knees slightly bent. You
may want to lean back against
bench.
• Keep chest up, ads tight and
maintain a slight arch in
lower back.
• Grasp hand grips with palms
facing machine and arms
straight at sides.
Power Rod® unit
FINISH
• Arms may be moved alternately
or together.
• Keeping arms straight, move
them forward, then up to
shoulder height.
• Slowly return arms beside
torso and repeat.
Seated Shoulder Press – Shoulder Adduction (and Elbow Extension)
Muscles worked:
Front portion of shoulder muscles
(front deltoids and front part of
middle deltoids), upper back muscles
(upper trapezius), and triceps.
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – wide position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and adjust
seat height.
Key Points:
• Keep abdominals tight throughout
entire motion and maintain good
spinal alignment.
• Do not let the arch increase in the
lower back while pressing up.
START
START ACTION
• Sit facing away from Power
Rod® unit, knees bent and feet
flat on floor.
• Keep chest up, abs tight and
maintain a slight arch in
lower back.
• Grasp hand grips with palms
facing away from machine.
• Raise hand grips to just above
shoulder level, keeping palms
facing forward.
FINISH
• Straighten arms overhead,
focusing on moving elbows up
and in toward head.
• Slowly return to starting posi
tion keeping tension in front
shoulder muscles.
-
Shoulder Exercises
Shoulder Rotator Cuff – Internal Rotation
35
Muscles worked:
Front rotator cuff muscle
(subscapularis).
Position:
Standing – facing left or right
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar -wide position
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Motion should be slow and
controlled.
• Do not rotate spine to get
additional range of motion. Try
for pure rotation of shoulder joint.
More is not better!
• Use light resistance only. Pick a
resistance that you can perform
12-15 perfect reps.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform with one side
toward
tain good spinal alignment.
• Grasp hand grip with arm
closest to machine and draw
upper arm into side, keeping
elbow bent 90º.
• Distance yourself from tower to
eliminate slack in cable.
• Use very light resistance.
Power Rod® unit. Main-
FINISH
• Rotate forearm toward abdomen,
keeping elbow by side.
• Slowly return to start position.
Shoulder Rotator Cuff – External Rotation
Muscles worked:
Rear portion of rotator cuff
(infraspinatus, teres minor muscles).
Position:
Standing – facing left or right
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – wide position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and seat.
Key Points:
• Motion should be slow and
controlled.
• Do not rotate spine to get additional range of motion. Try for pure
external rotation of shoulder joint.
More is not better!
• Use light resistance only. Pick a
resistance that allows you to perform
12-15 reps.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform with one side
toward
tain good spinal alignment.
• Using arm furthest from rods,
reach across body, grasp hand
grip nearest you and draw
arm back into side. Keep elbow
bent 90º.
• Allow forearm to rest against
abdomen and elbow against
side, taking out some of the
slack or in cables.
Power Rod® unit. Main-
FINISH
• Rotate forearm away from
abdomen and out to side,
keeping elbow/upper arm
by side.
• Slowly return to start position.
36
Shoulder Exercises
Shoulder Extension – Elbows Stabilized
Muscles worked:
Upper back (latissimus dorsi, teres major,
rear deltoid muscles), muscles between
shoulder blades (middle trapezius,
rhomboid muscles) and triceps.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – narrow position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and seat.
Key Points:
• Do not lose spinal alignment, keep
chest lifted.
• Keep lats tightened throughout
entire motion.
• Release shoulder blades at end of
each rep. Initiate new rep by retracting
shoulder blades.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform, facing
Power Rod® unit, knees slightly
bent, feet flat on floor.
• Grasp hand grips with palms
facing floor.
• Tighten trunk muscles to stabilize spine while maintaining a
slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Initiate by pinching shoulder
blades together.
• Continue movement by
moving hands in an arc, down
and back toward hips.
• Slowly return to start position.
Shoulder Shrug – Scapular Elevation
Muscles worked:
Upper trapezius and associated smaller
muscles of region.
Position:
Standing – facing machine
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and seat.
Key Points:
• Do not bend neck backward or forward
while raising shoulders.
• Do not slouch upon lowering
shoulders.
• Keep spine in good alignment through
entire motion.
• Make sure both shoulders raise evenly.
• For variation, bend forward slightly from
hips, not spine.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform facing
Power Rod® unit.
• Reach down and grasp hand
grips with palms facing away.
• Let arms hang, extending
toward pulleys.
FINISH
• Raise shoulders toward back of
head, making sure neck/head
does not move.
• Slowly reverse motion, keeping
upper trapezius muscles tight.
Shoulder Exercises
Scapular Protraction – Elbows Stabilized
37
Muscles worked:
Serratus anterior muscles, the muscles
on the side of the rib cage.
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – narrow position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and adjust seat
height.
Key Points:
• Maintain a 90º angle between upper
arms and torso throughout the exercise.
• Keep elbows straight.
• Do not slouch forward in the upper
spine to further the motion. Maintain
a very slight arch in lower back
at all times.
START
START ACTION
• Sit grasp hand grips.
• Lie head back on bench and
straighten arms to front.
• Be sure arms are in line with
cables, palms facing down and
wrists straight.
• Raise chest and pinch shoulder
blades. Maintain a slight,
comfortable, arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Keeping arms straight and
pointing in the same direction
of cables, slowly move shoulder
blades forward off bench.
• Slowly return to start position.
• Movement is subtle and only
occurs in shoulder.
Muscles worked:
Develops lower trapezius
muscles, which stabilize and
move shoulder blades.
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
50” Bent Lat Bar
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and adjust
seat height.
Key Points:
• Do not lose spinal alignment,
keep chest lifted.
Scapular Depression
START
START ACTION
• Sit facing Power Rod® unit, knees
bent, feet flat on floor.
• Grasp 50” Bent Lat Bar.
• Tighten trunk muscles to stabilize spine while maintaining a
slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Keeping arms straight, slide
shoulder blades toward hips.
• When shoulder blades are fully
depressed, slowly return to start
position.
• Movement is subtle and only
occurs in shoulder.
38
Shoulder Exercises
Scapular Retraction
Muscles worked:
Develops muscles between shoulder
blades (trapezius and rhomboids).
Position:
Seated on floor, facing machine
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not bend torso forward.
• Do not lose spinal alignment, keep
chest lifted.
• Do not pull with arm muscles.
START
START ACTION
• Sit on floor facing Power Rod®
unit.
• Grab hand grips with palms
facing each other.
• Place heels against end of platform, bend hips and knees,
arms straight.
• Lift chest, sit up straight with
spine in good alignment and
tighten trunk muscles.
FINISH
• Keeping arms straight,
slowly pinch shoulder blades
together.
• When shoulder blades are
fully retracted, slowly return
to start position.
Back Exercises
Standing Shoulder Pullover – with Bent Lat Bar (Elbows Stabilized)
39
Muscles worked:
Upper back (latissimus dorsi, teres major,
rear deltoid muscles). Also involves chest
(pectoralis major muscles) and triceps.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
50” Bent Lat Bar
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not lose spinal alignment. Relax neck,
keep chest lifted, abs tight and maintain
a very slight arch in lower back.
• Keep lats tightened throughout
entire motion.
• Release shoulder blades at end of each
rep. Initiate new rep by depressing
shoulder blades.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Keep knees slightly bent and
feet flat on platform.
• Extend arms overhead and
grasp 50” Bent Lat Bar, palms
facing down.
• Tighten abs to stabilize spine
while maintaining a slight arch
in lower back.
FINISH
• Move hands in an arc down
toward legs.
• End with arms by sides,
pressing shoulder blades down,
completely tightening lats.
• Control the return to start
position by slowly moving
arms overhead and releasing
shoulder blades.
Standing Shoulder Pullover – with Hand Grips (Elbows Stabilized)
Muscles worked:
Upper back (latissimus dorsi, teres major,
rear deltoid muscles). Also involves chest
(pectoralis major muscles)and triceps.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension:
Key Points:
• Do not lose spinal alignment. Relax neck,
keep chest lifted, abs tight and maintain
a very slight arch in lower back.
• Keep lats tightened throughout entire
motion.
• Release shoulder blades at end of each
rep. Initiate new rep by depressing
shoulder blades.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Keep knees slightly bent and
feet flat on platform.
• Extend arms overhead and
grasp Hand Grips, palms
facing down.
• Tighten abs to stabilize spine
while maintaining a slight arch
in lower back.
FINISH
• Move hands in an arc down
toward legs.
• End with arms by sides,
pressing shoulder blades down,
completely tightening lats.
• Control the return to start
position by slowly moving
arms overhead and releasing
shoulder blades.
40
Back Exercises
Narrow Pulldowns with Bent Lat Bar – Shoulder Extension (with Elbow Flexion)
Muscles worked:
Latissimus dorsi, teres major and rear
deltoid, which make up the large
pulling muscles of upper back. Also
involves biceps group.
Position:
Seated – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
50” Bent Lat Bar
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not lose spinal alignment.
• Keep lats tightened throughout entire
motion.
START
START ACTION
• Grasp 50” Bent Lat Bar, palms
facing down, and sit facing
machine.
• Position thighs under
pulleys. Sit upright with arms
extending up. You may position hips under pulleys, but
you must lean back slightly
from the hips.
• Maintain good spinal alignment, chest lifted, abs tight
and slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Pull shoulder blades down and
together while drawing elbows
down to front, and then in,
toward sides of body.
• At end of motion, arms should
be near (not touching) sides,
shoulder blades fully depressed
toward hips, and forearms in line
with cables (not forward).
• Slowly return to start position.
Allow arms and shoulder blades to
move up, w/o relaxing muscles.
Narrow Pulldowns with Hand Grips – Shoulder Extension (with Elbow Flexion)
Muscles worked:
Latissimus dorsi, teres major and rear
deltoid, which make up the large
pulling muscles of upper back. Also
involves biceps group.
Position:
Seated – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not lose spinal alignment.
• Keep lats tightened throughout
entire motion.
START
START ACTION
• Grasp Hand Grips, palms
facing down, and sit facing
machine.
• Position thighs under pulleys
and sit upright with arms
extending up. You may position hips under pulleys but you
must lean back slightly from
the hips.
• Maintain good spinal align
ment, chest lifted, abs tight
and a slight arch in lower back.
-
FINISH
• Pull shoulder blades down and
together while drawing elbows
down and then in, toward sides
of body.
• At end of motion, arms should
be near (not touching) sides,
shoulder blades fully depressed
toward hips and forearms in line
with cables (not forward).
• Slowly return to start position.
Allow arms and shoulder blades
to move up fully, without relaxing
muscles.
Back Exercises
Bent Over Row
41
Muscles worked:
Latissimus dorsi, teres major and rear
deltoid, which make up the large
pulling muscles of upper back. Also
involves biceps group.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not bend neck backward or
forward while raising bar.
• Do not slouch when lowering
hand grips.
• Keep spine in good alignment
through entire motion.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform. Reach
down and grasp hand grips,
palms facing backward.
• Let arms extend in direction
of pulleys.
• Keep back flat and knees bent.
FINISH
• Move elbows back as you
bring hand grips to a point
below chest.
• Slowly reverse motion. Keep
knees bent and back flat.
Muscles worked:
Back portion of shoulder muscles
(rear deltoids, rear part of middle
deltoids).
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not bend neck backward or
forward while raising bar.
• Do not slouch when lowering
hand grips.
• Keep spine in good alignment
through entire motion.
Crossover Bent Over Row
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Cross arms and reach down
and grasp hand grips, palms
facing back.
• Let arms extend in direction
of pulleys.
• Keep back flat and knees bent.
FINISH
• Move elbows back as you
bring hand grips to a point
below chest.
• Slowly reverse motion. Keep
knees bent and back flat.
42
Back Exercises
Seated Lat Rows – Shoulder Extension (and Elbow Flexion)
Muscles worked:
Latissimus dorsi, teres major and rear
deltoid muscles, which make up the
large pulling muscles of upper back.
Also involves biceps.
Position:
Seated on ground, facing Power Rod®
unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not bend torso forward at any
point.
• Do not lose spinal alignment – keep
chest lifted.
• Release shoulder blades at end of each
rep and initiate new rep by pinching
shoulder blades.
START
START ACTION
• Grab hand grips with palms
facing each other.
• Place heels against end of platform, bend knees comfortably.
• Sit up straight with spine in
good alignment.
FINISH
• Pinch shoulder blades
together.
• Pull upper arms down and
back, brushing past sides of the
body while keeping forearms
pointing in direction of cable.
• Slowly return to start position.
Crossover Seated Lat Rows – Shoulder Extension (and Elbow Flexion)
Muscles worked:
Latissimus dorsi, teres major and rear
deltoid muscles, which make up large
pulling muscles of upper back. Also
involves biceps.
Position:
Seated on the ground, facing Power
Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not bend torso forward at any
point.
• Do not lose spinal alignment, keep
chest lifted.
• Release shoulder blades at end
of each rep. Initiate new rep by
pinching shoulder blades.
START
START ACTION
• Cross arms and grasp hand
grips (right grip in left hand
and vice versa) with palms
facing each other.
• Place heels against end of platform, bend knees comfortably.
• Sit up straight, spine in good
alignment.
FINISH
• Pinch shoulder blades
together.
• Pull upper arms down and
back, brushing past sides of
body while keeping forearms
pointing in direction of cable.
• Slowly return to start position.
Back Exercises
Standing Low Back Extension – with Hip Extension
43
Muscles worked:
Muscles in lower back (erector spinae,
deep spinal muscles), lower back muscles,
gluteus maximus and hamstrings.
Position:
Standing – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame – standard position
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Keep chest lifted and a very slight arch in
lower back at all times.
• Move from hips only, not waist. Do not
increase or decrease the arch in lower
back during the movement.
START
START ACTION
• Stand facing out.
• Slide hand grips up over
forearms to elbows.
• Bend knees comfortably, cross
arms in front of chest and pull
hand grips tightly to chest.
• Lift chest, tighten trunk muscles
and arch lower back slightly. Pinch
shoulder blades together slightly.
• Lean forward from hips, slightly
letting out tension in the cables.
FINISH
• Keep chest lifted, move entire
torso up as a unit by pivoting
at hips.
• Slowly return to start position
without slouching or changing
spinal alignment.
Reverse Grip Pulldowns – Lat Tower – Shoulder Extension (with Elbow Flexion)
Muscles worked:
Latissimus dorsi, teres major and rear
deltoid. Also involves biceps group.
Position:
Seated – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not lose spinal alignment.
• Keep lats tightened throughout entire
motion.
START
START ACTION
• Grasp hand grips with an underhand grip, at a comfortable
width, then sit on seat.
• Position thighs under pulleys
and sit upright with arms
extending up. You may position
hips under pulleys but you must
lean back slightly from the hips
(not the waist).
• Maintain good spinal alignment,
chest lifted, abs tight, and a
slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Pull shoulder blades down
and together while drawing
elbows down to sides, then in,
toward body.
• At end of motion, arms should
be drawn near sides (although
may not be touching sides),
shoulder blades fully depressed
towards hips and forearms in
line with direction of cables.
• Slowly return to start position
allowing arms and shoulder
blades to move up, without
relaxing muscles.
44
Back Exercises
Crossover Wide Pulldowns – Shoulder Extension (with Elbow Flexion)
Muscles worked:
Latissimus dorsi, teres major and rear
deltoid. Also involves chest (pectoralis
major) muscles and triceps muscles.
Position:
Seated – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not lose spinal alignment.
• Keep lats tightened throughout entire
motion.
• Do not lean backward as you pull.
START
START ACTION
• Cross arms, then grasp hand
grips with palms facing forward
(right grip in left hand and vice
versa). Sit on seat.
• Position thighs under pulleys
and sit up with arms extending
upward. You may position hips
under pulleys but you must lean
back from hips (not waist).
• Maintain good spinal alignment,
chest up, abs tight and a slight
arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Pull shoulder blades down and
together while drawing elbows
out, away from sides.
• At end of motion, arms should be
drawn away from sides, shoulder
blades fully depressed toward
hips, and forearms in line with
direction of cables.
• Slowly return to start position.
Allow arms and shoulder blades
to move fully up, without relaxing
muscles.
Crossover Narrow Pulldowns – Shoulder Extension (with Elbow Flexion)
Muscles worked:
Latissimus dorsi, teres major and rear
deltoid. Also involves biceps group.
Position:
Seated – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not lose spinal alignment.
• Keep lats tightened throughout
entire motion.
START
START ACTION
• Cross arms, then grasp hand
grips with palms facing down
(left grip in right hand and vice
versa). Sit on seat.
• Position thighs under pulleys
and sit up with arms extending
upward. You may position hips
under pulleys but you must lean
back from hips (not waist).
• Maintain good spinal alignment,
chest lifted, abs tight and a
slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Pull shoulder blades down and
together while drawing elbows
down to sides, and then in,
toward body.
• At end of motion, arms should be
drawn near sides (although not
touching sides), shoulder blades
fully depressed toward hips and
forearms up, in line with cables.
• Slowly return to start position
allowing arms and shoulder
blades to move fully up, without
relaxing muscles.
Back Exercises
Seated Lat Pulldowns – Shoulder Adduction (with Elbow Flexion)
45
Muscles worked:
Latissimus dorsi, teres major and rear
deltoid. Also involves biceps group.
Position:
Seated – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Maintain good spinal alignment, chest
lifted, abs tight and a slight arch in
lower back.
• Keep lats tightened throughout entire
motion.
• Do not let grips touch chest.
START
START ACTION
• Hold arms out to sides at
shoulder height. Bend elbows
90º, hands slightly less than
elbow width.
• Grasp hand grips at same width
as above, then sit down with
arms extending upward.
• You may position hips under
pulleys but only lean back
slightly from hips (not the waist).
FINISH
• Pull shoulder blades down
and together while drawing
elbows down to sides, then in,
toward trunk.
• At end of motion, arms should be
drawn near sides (not touching
sides), shoulder blades fully
depressed toward hips and forearms up in line with cables.
• Slowly return to start position.
Allow arms and shoulder blades to
move up, w/o relaxing muscles.
Seated Wide Lat Pulldowns – Shoulder Adduction (with Elbow Flexion)
Muscles worked:
Latissimus dorsi, teres major and rear
deltoid. Also involves biceps group.
Position:
Seated – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
50” Bent Lat Bar
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not lose spinal alignment.
• Keep lats tightened throughout entire motion.
• If you can’t complete the exercise with hands
in the wide position, bring hands closer
together.
START
START ACTION
• Grasp 50” Bent Lat Bar at a
comfortable, wide grip, then sit
with arms extending up.
• You may position hips under
pulleys but you must lean back
slightly from hips (not the waist).
• Maintain good spinal alignment,
chest lifted, abs tight and a slight
arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Pull shoulder blades down
and together while drawing
elbows down to sides, then in,
toward trunk.
• 50” Bent Lat Bar may not touch
chest, but, at end of motion, arms
should be drawn near sides (not
touching sides), shoulder blades
fully depressed toward hips and
forearms up in line with cables.
• Slowly return to start position,
Allow arms and shoulder blades
to move fully upward, without
relaxing muscles.
46
Arm Exercises
Triceps Pushdown – Elbow Extension
Muscles worked:
Triceps muscles.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Keep upper arms motionless.
• Keep wrists straight.
• Tighten triceps throughout exercise
and control motion on the way up.
• Maintain good posture by keeping
chest lifted and abs tight. Maintain a
very slight arch in the lower back.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Grasp hand grips at shoulder
width, palms down.
• Bring arms down to sides, elbows
straight. This is Start Position.
• Bend over slightly from hips,
so shoulders are directly over
hands. Lift chest and tighten
abs to stabilize spine. Maintain a
slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Keep upper arms stationary
and elbows next to sides of
torso. Slowly allow elbows to
bend, moving hands in arcing
motion away from legs and up.
• Stop at 90º.
• Think about tightening triceps.
Slowly reverse arcing motion
and straighten arms fully.
Triceps Hammer Pushdown – Elbow Extension
Muscles worked:
Triceps muscles.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips in “Hammer Grip”
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Keep upper arms motionless.
• Keep wrists straight.
• Tighten triceps throughout exercise
and control motion on the way up.
• Maintain good posture by keeping
chest lifted and abs tight. Maintain
slight arch in lower back.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Grasp hand grips at shoulder
width, with grips in vertical
hammer position.
• Bring arms down to sides, elbows
straight. This is Start Position.
• Bend over slightly from hips,
so shoulders are directly over
hands. Lift chest and tighten
abs to stabilize spine. Maintain a
slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Keep upper arms stationary
and elbows next to sides of
torso. Slowly allow elbows to
bend, moving hands in arcing
motion away from legs and up.
• Stop at 90º.
• Think about tightening triceps.
Slowly reverse arcing motion
and straighten arms fully.
Arm Exercises
Triceps Pushdown – with Bent Lat Bar (Elbow Extension)
47
Muscles worked:
Triceps muscles.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
50” Bent Lat Bar
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Keep upper arms motionless.
• Keep wrists straight.
• Tighten triceps throughout exercise
and control motion on the way up.
• Maintain good posture by keeping
chest lifted, abs tight. Maintain a very
slight arch in lower back.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Grasp 50” Bent Lat Bar at
shoulder width, palms down.
• Bring arms down to sides,
elbows straight. This is Start
Position.
• Bend over from hips, so shoulders are over hands. Lift chest
and tighten abs to stabilize
spine while maintaining a
slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Keep upper arms stationary
and elbows next to sides of
torso. Slowly allow elbows to
bend, moving hands in arcing
motion away from legs and up.
• Stop at 90º.
• Think about tightening triceps.
Slowly reverse arcing motion
and straighten arms fully.
Muscles worked:
Triceps muscles.
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – narrow position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and adjust
seat height.
Key Points:
• Keep upper arms/shoulders
motionless.
• Keep wrists straight.
• Tighten triceps throughout
exercise and control motion on
the way down.
Triceps Extension – Elbow Extension
START
START ACTION
• Bend knees and place feet
flat on floor.
• Reach behind and grasp one or
both of the hand grips, palms
facing away.
• Keep elbows above shoulders,
directly in line with cables,
palms facing out, wrists straight.
• Raise chest and pinch shoulder
blades together. Maintain a
slight, comfortable, arch in
lower back.
FINISH
• Keep upper arm stationary.
Slowly straighten elbows
allowing hands to move in
arcing motion above head.
• Slowly reverse arcing motion
until elbows are bent again.
48
Arm Exercises
Hammer Triceps Extension – Elbow Extension
Muscles worked:
Triceps muscles.
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips in “Hammer Grip”
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – narrow position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension and adjust seat
height.
Key Points:
• Keep upper arms/shoulders
motionless.
• Keep wrists straight.
• Tighten triceps throughout
exercise and control the motion
on the way down.
START
START ACTION
• Bend knees. Place feet flat
on platform.
• Reach behind and grasp one
or both of the hand grips in the
vertical hammer grip position.
• Keep elbows above shoulders,
directly in line with cables, palms
facing down, wrists straight.
• Raise chest and pinch shoulder
blades together. Maintain a slight,
comfortable, arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Keep upper arm stationary.
Slowly straighten elbows,
allowing hands to move in
arching motion above head.
• Slowly reverse arcing motion
until elbows are bent again.
Muscles worked:
Triceps muscles.
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips in “Hammer Grip”
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – narrow position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Keep upper arm motionless.
• Keep wrist straight.
• Tighten triceps throughout
exercise and control motion
on the way down.
• Keep knees bent and feet flat
on floor.
Cross Triceps Extension
START
START ACTION
• Reach over shoulder and grasp
a hand grip. Using the Hammer
Grip, bend elbow until hand is
in front of chest, palm down.
• Lay head back against bench
and straighten arm to front.
• With free hand, lightly grasp
back of arm near elbow, to stabi
lize working arm.
• Raise chest and pinch shoulder
blades together. Maintain a
slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Keep upper arm stationary.
Bend elbow, moving hand in
arcing motion across chest.
• Stop motion when arm is
straight, then slowly reverse arc
motion until elbow is back in
start position.
-
Arm Exercises
Triceps Kickback
49
Muscles worked:
Triceps muscles.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – narrow position
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Maintain spinal alignment.
• Keep arm at side and wrist straight
throughout entire motion.
• Tighten triceps throughout exercise
and control motion.
• Keep palms facing upward.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Keep chest lifted and maintain
a slight arch in lower back.
• Support yourself with one arm
on the horizontal bar and grasp
a hand grip with free hand,
palm facing backward.
• Draw elbow back so upper
arm is beside body, elbow bent
approximately 90º.
FINISH
• Straighten elbow while keeping
upper arm completely still.
• When arm is straight, slowly
return to start position.
Muscles worked:
Triceps muscles.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips in “Hammer Grip”
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – narrow position
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Maintain spinal alignment.
• Keep arm at side and wrist straight
throughout motion.
• Tighten triceps throughout exercise
and control motion.
• Maintain Hammer Grip throughout
exercise.
Hammer Triceps Kickback
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Keep chest lifted and maintain
a slight arch in lower back.
• Support yourself with one arm
on horizontal bar and grasp
a hand grip in the vertical
hammer grip position with free
hand, palm facing in.
• Draw elbow back so upper arm
is beside body and elbow bent
approximately 90º.
FINISH
• Straighten elbow while keeping
upper arm completely still.
• When arm is straight, slowly
return to start position.
50
Arm Exercises
Resisted Dip – Elbow Extension
Muscles worked:
Triceps muscles.
Position:
Standing – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Lat Tower
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Keep back straight and knees
slightly bent.
• Keep the abdominals tight
throughout the entire motion and
maintain good spinal alignment.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on the platform facing
away from
Reach back and grab hand
grips with thumbs on inside
toward body.
• Cable should be between arm
and body.
• Upper arms should be at a 90º
angle from torso.
Power Rod® unit.
FINISH
• Straighten arms down, focusing
on moving elbows down and
inward toward hips.
• Slowly return to start posi
tion keeping tension in back
shoulder muscles.
-
Biceps Curl – Elbow Flexion (in Supination)
Muscles worked:
Biceps muscles.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Keep elbows at sides.
• Keep wrists straight.
• Keep trunk muscles tight and main
tain a very slight arch in lower back.
START
FINISH
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Bend down and grasp hand
-
grips with palms forward.
• Stand with upper arms by
sides. Lift chest, tighten abs
and maintain a slight arch in
lower back.
• Curl hand grips forward, then
up, and then in toward shoul
ders while keeping elbows
at sides and upper arms
completely still.
• Slowly lower to start position
by performing the same arcing
motion.
-
Arm Exercises
Concentration Biceps Curl – Elbow Flexion (in Supination)
51
Muscles worked:
Biceps muscles.
Position:
Standing – right or left side facing
Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Keep elbow pointing toward floor
at all times.
• Keep wrist straight.
• Bend at hips, not at the waist.
• Keep back straight, chest up
and maintain a very slight arch in
lower back.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform, one side
toward
• With hand closest to
Rod® unit, grasp hand grip.
• Keeping back straight, bend
at hips and knees, until trunk
is parallel to floor. Place uninvolved hand on thigh to help
stabilize.
Power Rod® unit.
Power
FINISH
• Curl hand grip away from
cable, then up toward shoulder
while keeping upper arm
completely motionless and
elbow pointing toward the
floor at all times.
• Slowly return to start position
performing the same arc of
motion.
Reverse Curl – Elbow Flexion (in Pronation)
Muscles worked:
Deep arm muscle(brachialis).
Also the front forearm muscle
(brachioradialis) and biceps.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame – with squat straps
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Keep elbows at sides.
• Keep wrists straight.
• Keep trunk muscles tight and
maintain a very slight arch in
lower back.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Bend down and grasp hand
grips with palms facing
backward.
• Stand with arms by sides.
• Lift chest, tighten abs and
maintain slight arch in
lower back.
FINISH
• Keeping palms facing down,
slowly curl hand grips forward,
then up, then in toward
shoulders while keeping
elbows at sides and upper
arms completely still.
• Slowly lower to start position.
52
Arm Exercises
Barbell Biceps Curl – Elbow Extension
Muscles worked:
Biceps muscles.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Squat Bar – with squat straps
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Keep elbows at sides.
• Keep wrists straight.
• Keep trunk muscles tight and maintain
a very slight arch in lower back.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Bend down and grasp squat
bar with palms facing forward.
• Stand with upper arms by sides
(although not pressed tightly).
Lift chest, tighten abs and
maintain a slight arch in
lower back.
FINISH
• Curl squat bar forward, then
up, and then in toward shoulders while keeping elbows
at sides and upper arms
completely still.
• Slowly lower to start position
by performing same arcing
motion.
Reverse Barbell Biceps Curl – Elbow Extension
Muscles worked:
Biceps muscles.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Squat Bar – with squat straps
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Keep elbows at sides.
• Keep wrists straight.
• Keep trunk muscles tight and maintain a very slight arch in lower back.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Bend down and grasp squat
bar with palms facing down.
• Stand with upper arms by sides
(although not pressed tightly).
Lift chest, tighten abs and
maintain a very slight arch in
lower back.
FINISH
• Curl wrists back to bring squat
bar forward, then up, and
then in toward shoulders while
keeping elbows at sides and
upper arms completely still.
• Slowly lower to start position
by performing same arcing
motion.
Arm Exercises
Seated Biceps Curl – Elbow Flexion (in Supination)
53
Muscles worked:
Biceps muscles.
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not rock upper body while
bending elbow.
• Keep wrists straight.
• Keep chest lifted, trunk muscles
tight and maintain a very slight
arch in lower back.
START
START ACTION
• Grasp hand grips, arms at sides
with forearms near thighs.
• Maintain correct spinal
alignment.
FINISH
• Curl forearms toward upper
arms, keeping upper arms
completely still.
• Slowly return to start position
without relaxing biceps.
Seated Biceps Hammer Curl – Elbow Flexion
Muscles worked:
Biceps muscles and brachioradialis.
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips in “Hammer Grip”
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not rock upper body while
bending elbow.
• Keep wrists straight.
• Keep chest lifted, trunk muscles
tight and maintain a very slight
arch in lower back.
START
START ACTION
• Grasp hand grips in vertical
hammer grip position, arms at
sides, forearms near thighs.
• Maintain correct spinal
alignment.
FINISH
• Curl forearms toward upper
arms, keeping upper arms
completely still.
• Slowly return to start position
without relaxing biceps.
54
Arm Exercises
Wrist Extension
Muscles worked:
Back and top parts of forearms.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Move slowly and keep tension in back
of forearms at all times.
• Perform this exercise one arm
at a time to make it easier to focus
and isolate the back of forearms,
or perform it with both arms
simultaneously to save time.
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform, knees
slightly bent.
• Grasp hand grips, palms
facing down. Rest midforearms against sides with
elbows flared out.
• Raise chest, tighten trunk
muscles and maintain a slight
arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Slowly curl back of fists toward
forearms.
• Slowly return to start position.
Muscles worked:
Front part of forearms. Also increases
the strength of grip and isometrically
challenges biceps muscles.
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame Removed
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Move slowly and keep tension in
front of forearm at all times.
• Do not increase or decrease bend
in arms, perform the entire motion
at wrist.
• Do not rock body. Keep chest lifted,
abs tight and maintain a slight arch
in lower back.
Wrist Curl – with Wrist Flexion
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform.
• Bend down and grasp hand
grips, palms facing forward,
fingertips down.
• Stand with upper arms and
elbows by sides.
• Lift chest, tighten trunk
muscles and maintain a slight
arch in lower back.
• Bend arms 90º, palms up. Hold
position throughout entire
exercise.
FINISH
• Slowly curl fists towards front
of forearms.
• Keeping forearms still, slowly
let fists return to start position.
Arm Exercises
Trunk Rotation
55
Muscles worked:
Most of trunk muscles. Note: rotation is
limited in the spine and should be performed
with minimal resistance, in proper alignment.
Position:
Seated, facing outward left or right
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – standard position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Keep chest lifted and maintain good spinal
alignment with a slight arch in lower back.
• Keep hands centered in front of middle of
chest and shoulder blades pinched together.
Make sure all of motion occurs in torso.
• Move only as far as muscles will take you and
eliminate uncontrolled momentum.
• Caution: Do not use heavy resistance. Pick a
weight that allows you to perform 12-15 reps.
START
START ACTION
• Sitting sideways on seat with
one side facing
unit, grasp hand grip closest to
you with both hands.
• Raise both arms up to shoulder
level, centered in front of
middle chest.
• Keep elbows slightly bent.
• Lift chest, pinch shoulder
blades together, tighten abs
and maintain a slight arch in
lower back.
Power Rod®
FINISH
• Tighten entire ab area and
slowly rotate rib cage/arms
away from cables (30 – 40º),
as if rotating with a rod
through middle of spine.
• Slowly return to start position.
Seated (Resisted) Oblique Abdominal Crunch
Muscles worked:
External obliques on resistance side and
internal obliques on opposite side.
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – standard
position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Allow exhalation up and inhalation
down, don’t exaggerate it.
• Do not lift head/chin. head should
follow rib motion, not lead, allowing you
to maintain normal neck posture.
• Tighten abs throughout range of
motion. Do not let abs relax until
set is over.
• MOVING SLOWLY to eliminate
momentum is critical.
START
START ACTION
• Lower seat to lowest possible
setting.
• Once seated, open webbing
on hand grip, slide hand and
arm through opening, drawing
hand grip up and around one
shoulder.
• Lower back can start flat or in
a normal arch, knees and hips
bent, feet flat on floor.
FINISH
• Tighten abs before you move,
focusing on area from side of
ribs to front of pelvis on the
same side.
• Slowly move diagonally,
rotating and curling torso,
with the side of ribs directed
toward front of pelvis.
• Move as far as you can, without
moving hips or lower back from
bench.
• Slowly reverse motion returning
to start position without resting.
56
Abdominal Exercises
Seated (Resisted) Abdominal Crunch – Spinal Flexion
Muscles worked:
Abdominal area including upper and
lower front abs (rectus abdominus)
and side abs (obliques).
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Center Cross Bar – narrow position
Before You Begin:
Remove Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Allow exhalation up and inhalation
down, but don’t exaggerate it.
• Do not lift head/chin. Your head
should follow rib motion, not lead,
allowing you to maintain normal neck
posture.
• Tighten abs throughout range of
motion. Do not let abs relax until
set is over.
• MOVING SLOWLY to eliminate
momentum is critical.
START
START ACTION
• Once in seated position, slide
hand grips, one at a time, over
each arm, resting grips over
each shoulder.
• Lower back can start out flat or
in normal arch, knees and hips
bent and feet flat on floor.
FINISH
• Tighten abs and curl only
torso, slowly moving ribs
toward hips. Move as far as you
can without moving hips or
neck. LOWER BACK SHOULD
NOT LOSE CONTACT WITH
BENCH when fully crunched.
• Slowly reverse motion
returning to start position
without relaxing.
Leg Exercises
Leg Extension
57
Muscles worked:
All muscles on front of upper thigh
(quadriceps muscle group).
Position:
Seated – facing outward
Accessory:
Leg Extension
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Adjust seat height
Key Points:
• Use slow controlled motion. Do not
“kick” into extension.
• Do not let knees rotate out during
exercise. Keep kneecaps pointing up
and forward.
START
START ACTION
• Sit on seat facing away from
Power Rod® unit with knees
near pivot point and lower
roller pads on shins.
• Adjust thighs to hip width,
pointing knee caps to front.
• Grasp sides of seat.
• Sit up straight with chest lifted,
abs tight and a slight arch in
lower back.
FINISH
• Tighten quads and straighten
legs by moving feet forward,
then upward until legs are
completely straight and knee
caps are pointing up toward
the ceiling.
• Slowly return to start position keeping tension in quads
during movement.
-
Muscles worked:
All muscles of legs and buttocks
(gluteus maximus).
Position:
Standing – facing outward
Accessory:
Squat Bar – with squat straps
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Make sure you do not bend waist or
lower back.
• Keep abs tight throughout entire
exercise.
• Keep knees pointed straight out in
front of you.
• Never step off platform while under
resistance.
Squat
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform, feet
shoulder width apart.
• Squat down and place squat
bar across shoulders. Adjust
strap on bar to make sure
you have resistance at start of
movement.
• Keep spine in good posture,
with chest lifted, abs tight and
maintain a very slight arch in
lower back.
FINISH
• Slowly rise to standing position.
Keep knees slightly bent.
• Slowly return to start position.
Do not allow knees to exceed
a 90º angle.
58
Leg Exercises
Standing Hip Extension – Knee Bent
Muscles worked:
Buttocks area (gluteus maximus).
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grip on arch
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Make sure all motion occurs at
hip, NOT waist or lower back.
• Keep abs tight throughout entire
exercise.
• Maintain exactly the same
bend in the knee of moving leg
throughout entire exercise.
START
START ACTION
• Secure hand grip around arch
of foot. Keep this leg bent at
approximately 90º.
• Hold onto seat back pad to
stabilize yourself.
• Keep spine in good posture,
chest lifted, abs tight. Maintain
a slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Tighten glutes. Extend hip by
moving entire leg backward.
• Slowly move leg as far as you
can, without allowing ANY
movement to occur at waist.
• Slowly return to start position.
Standing Hip Extension – Knee Extended
Muscles worked:
Buttocks area (gluteus maximus).
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grip on arch
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Make sure all motion occurs at hip,
NOT waist or lower back.
• Keep abs tight throughout entire
exercise.
• Keep leg in same position – slightly
away from body’s midline through
entire exercise.
START
START ACTION
• Secure hand grip around arch
of foot. Move leg very slightly
away from midline – enough
to move leg freely.
• Very slightly bend knee of
support leg.
• Hold onto seat back pad to
stabilize yourself.
• Keep spine in good posture,
chest lifted, abs tight. Maintain
a slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Tighten glutes. Extend hip by
moving entire leg backward.
• Slowly move leg as far as you
can, without allowing ANY
movement to occur at waist.
• Slowly return to start position.
Leg Exercises
Leg Kickback – Hip and Knee Extension
59
Muscles worked:
Buttocks area (gluteus maximus).
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod® unit
Accessory:
Hand Grip on arch
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not allow waist, lower back or
supportive hip to move.
• Keep abs tight throughout entire
exercise.
START
START ACTION
• Secure cuff around arch of
foot. Keep this leg bent at
approximately 90º.
• Hold onto seat back pad to
stabilize yourself.
• Keep spine in good posture,
chest lifted, abs tight. Maintain
a slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Extend entire leg backward,
straightening knee.
• Slowly move leg as far as you
can, without allowing ANY
movement to occur at waist.
• Slowly return to start position.
Muscles worked:
Muscles on front of hips (iliopsoas,
rectus femoris).
Position:
Standing to the left or right of
machine facing away
Accessory:
Hand Grip on ankle
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Make sure all motion occurs at hip,
NOT waist or lower back.
• Keep chest lifted and trunk muscles
tight throughout entire exercise.
• Allow lower leg to hang in the direc
tion of cable at all times.
Hip Flexion – Knee Flexion
START
START ACTION
• Use Center Cross Bar as a
stabilizer.
• Secure a hand grip around one
of ankles.
• Straighten, but do not lock,
knee of support leg.
-
• Keep spine in good posture,
chest lifted, abs tight. Maintain
a slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Lift knee up and in
toward torso.
• Allowing knee to bend as you
move, bring knee up as far as
you can, without allowing ANY
movement to occur at waist or
lower back.
• Slowly return to start position
without resting leg muscles.
60
Leg Exercises
Dead Lift
Muscles worked:
Buttocks area (gluteus maximus).
Position:
Standing – facing outward
Accessory:
Squat Bar
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Make sure to keep back flat –
do not arch.
• Lift with legs, not your back or arms.
• Keep knees bent and head up.
START
START ACTION
• Facing away from machine, grip
squat bar using one hand with
an underhand grip and the other
hand with an overhand grip.
• Keep legs bent at 90º. Bend over
30-45º from hips (not waist).
• Keep spine in good posture,
chest lifted, abs tight. Maintain
a slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Push up with legs.
• Slowly move up until you are in
the standing position.
• Slowly return to start position.
Muscles worked:
Buttocks area (gluteus maximus)
and hamstrings.
Position:
Standing – facing outward
Accessory:
Squat Bar
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Make sure to keep your back flat
– do not arch.
• Your motion is entirely at the hips
NOT the waist.
• Keep knees slightly bent and
head up.
• Use light weight.
Stiff Leg Dead Lift
START
START ACTION
• Stand on platform. Grasp squat
bar with palms facing down.
• Keep legs very slightly bent.
• Bend 90º from hips (not waist).
• Keep spine in good posture,
chest lifted and abs tight. Main
tain a slight arch in lower back.
FINISH
• Push hips forward.
• Slowly move trunk up until
you are in standing position.
Glutes should be tight when
reaching standing position.
• Slowly return to start position.
-
Leg Exercises
Standing Hip Adduction
61
Muscles worked:
Insides of thighs (adductor muscle
groups). Also, the outside of hip
(gluteus medius) on support leg.
Position:
Stand to left or right of machine –
facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grip over ankle
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not use exercise for losing fat from thighs.
Use it to develop hip strength and stability.
• Do not cross attached leg in front of standing/
support leg. Use a small range of motion.
More is not better.
• Keep spine straight and hips level. Try not to
raise hips when raising leg to side or drop the
hip when returning to start position.
START
START
START ACTION
• Stand to one side of platform
with one side near
unit. Slide a hand grip over
ankle nearest machine (inside
leg).
• Stand straight, lift chest, tighten
abs and maintain a slight arch in
lower back.
• Adjust position away from
machine so there is room to
move attached leg toward pulley.
Power Rod®
FINISH
FINISH
• Slowly allow attached leg to
move in toward support leg
(30-45º), keeping hips and
spine still.
• Slowly draw leg back to start
position.
Muscles worked:
Sides of hips (gluteus medius), especially
on the standing/support side.
Position:
Stand to left or right of machine –
facing outward
Accessory:
Hand Grip over ankle
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not use this exercise for losing fat
from hips. It will not make hips smaller.
Use it to develop hip strength and
stability.
• Use a small range of motion. More is
not better.
• Keep spine straight and hips level. Try
not to raise hips when raising leg
to the side.
Standing Hip Abduction
START
START
START ACTION
• Stand to one side of platform
with one side near
Rod® unit. Slide hand grip to
ankle furthest from machine
(outside leg).
• Stand up straight, lift chest,
tighten abs and maintain a
slight arch in lower back.
• Adjust position so there is
some resistance in cables.
Power
FINISH
FINISH
• Slowly move attached leg out to
side away from pulley (30-45º),
keeping hips and spine still.
• Slowly return to start position
without relaxing muscles.
62
Leg Exercises
Calf Raise – Ankle Plantarflexion (Knee Stabilized)
Muscles worked:
Lower leg or calf (gastrocnemius,
soleus).
Position:
Standing – facing Power Rod®
unit
Accessory:
Hand Grips
Pulleys:
Squat Pulley Frame
Before You Begin:
Remove Seat and Leg Extension
Key Points:
• Do not lose contact between
the balls of feet and the frame
as you push.
• Do not change hip or knee
position, ONLY ankle motion
should be allowed.
START
START
START ACTION
• Stand with toes on platform
and heels hanging over edge.
• Use hand grips in both hands
as resistance and a balance
stabilizer.
• Lift chest, tighten abs and
maintain a slight arch in
lower back.
FINISH
FINISH
• Slowly press balls of feet into
platform and lift heels up.
• Slowly return to start position.
63
The Bowflex®
Body Leanness
Program
By Ellington Darden, Ph.D.
The following program was created
by Dr. Ellington Darden. It contains
a rigorous fitness and dietary program.
Please consult your physician before
beginning any fitness or dietary program.
Some of the names of the exercises
listed in this program have been
changed in order to match the
names of the exercises in this
manual. The exercises
themselves have not
been changed, in
order to preserve
the integrity of
Darden
Dr.
’s Study.
FAST FAT LOSS
NOW!
A personal guarantee from Dr. Ellington Darden
Dear Bowflex® Enthusiast,
I’m excited, really excited! I’m elated because I’ve researched and developed an exercise and
eating program that produces fat loss faster than any plan I’ve ever tested.
For example, the men involved in my research project had an average fat loss of 27.95 pounds
(12.68 kg) per man. Women on the same program averaged a reduction of 16.96 pounds (7.69
kg). Best of all, these dramatic results were achieved – not in six months – but in only six weeks!
That’s right – just six short weeks. Similar results can be
accomplished by you in six weeks when you follow my fitness
and nutrition program.
Bowflex® home gyms were a significant part of my research results.
The exercises in my program, performed on a Bowflex® machine – 18 workouts (3 per week)
– allowed the participants to build muscle, which accelerated their metabolisms, and produced
faster and greater fat losses.
Leanness Program.
Obtaining leanness means to strip away the fat from under the skin as well as at deeper levels.
Leanness also implies a pleasing shape and tone to the skeletal muscles. You might say leanness
is the opposite of fatness. The people involved in my research certainly got rid of their excessive
fatness in record time.
The plan worked so well that it became know as The Bowflex® Body
All the guidelines that were applied to my research, including simple exercise instructions and
specific menus to use, have been organized in the booklet you are now holding in your hands.
’s the next best thing to actually going through one of my research projects. In fact, it’s probably
It
better since nothing is experimental. All of the fine points have been tried, tested and proven
effective.
If you are overfat, and if you are interested in doing this program, there are several things you
need to understand about my experience. Since 1965, I
’ve trained more than 10,000 overfat
individuals. After many years of pushing, coaxing, and listening to these trainees, certain traits
became evident to me:
• People are not lazy by choice. They are forced into it by the confusion that surrounds the
abundance of fitness information that is available. If these individuals are given simple
decisive instructions, they will train very intensely.
• People, if they are provided with specific menus, will drastically alter their eating habits.
• Most of these people, however, will do neither of these challenging things for more than a
week – unless they quickly see and feel changes in their body.
®
The Bowflex
Body Leanness Program emerged from these findings.
If you want to get the best-possible results from this program, you must be willing to exercise very
®
intensely on the Bowflex
machine and adhere to a strict eating plan. In return, you’ll get my
guarantee that if you follow the program exactly as directed, you’ll observe the pounds and inches
disappear on almost a weekly basis.
Now it’s your turn to get excited, and get started!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ellington Darden
Introduction
65
The Bowflex® Body Leanness Program
This program is scientifically designed for maximal
fat loss over a period of six weeks. It is important
that you practice every aspect of the plan to
achieve optimum results.
The program separates into three two-week stages.
During each stage you will exercise, control the
number and quality of calories you consume, and
drink plenty of ice-cold water.
Before starting the exercise routine you must be
®
familiar with your Bowflex
experiment with finding the proper amount of
resistance to use on each exercise. You should be
able to perform 8 repetitions, but not more than
12 repetitions, for each exercise. It is essential that
you learn how to perform each movement before
trying a complete circuit, because part of the
effectiveness of the training depends on minimal
rest between each exercise.
home gym. You should
WARNING!
Before beginning this program consult your physician or healthcare
professional. Show this plan and your Bowflex® Owner’s Manual
to your physician or healthcare professional. Only he or she can
determine if this course is appropriate for your particular age and
condition. If you experience any light-headedness, dizziness, or
shortness of breath while exercising, stop the movement and consult
a physician.
Make sure you read your Bowflex® Owner’s Manual
BEFORE attempting a workout.
There are a few people who should not try this program: Children
and teenagers; pregnant women; women who are breast feeding;
diabetics; individuals with certain types of heart, liver, or kidney
disease; and those suffering from certain types of arthritis. This
should not be taken as an all inclusive list. Some people should
follow the course only with their physician’s specific guidance. Play
it safe and consult a healthcare professional.
66
Measurements
If you would like to measure your personal before-andafter results, there are several steps you need to take. It
is important that you accurately perform each task, then
at the end of the six-week program, repeat the process in
the same manner.
Body Weight:
Remove clothing and shoes and record your weight to
the nearest quarter pound or hundred grams. Be sure to
use the same scale when weighing yourself at the end of
the six-week program. For the most accurate recordings,
weigh yourself nude in the morning.
Since the program is divided into three two-week
segments, you may want to weigh yourself at the end of
each two-week period. Understand, however that weight
loss is not the best way to determine your success. Fat loss
is the key component. To determine the amount of fat
you’ve lost, you’ll need to follow the instructions in the
next section.
Enter your starting weight on the RESULTS SUMMARY
SHEET provided.
Circumference of Body Parts:
For an even better idea of the changes that will occur
to your body in the next six weeks, it is necessary to
measure the circumference of certain body parts.
This will tell you where the fat is shrinking and what
areas are toning up.
Women Measure:
Suprailium, triceps, and thigh.
Men Measure:
Chest, abdomen, and thigh.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Use a plastic tape to measure the following:
1) Upper arms – hanging and relaxed, midway
between the shoulder and elbow.
2) 2" (5 cm) above navel – belly relaxed.
3) At navel – belly relaxed.
4) 2" (5 cm) below navel – belly relaxed.
5) Hips – feet together at maximum protrusion
of buttocks.
6) Thighs – high, just below the buttocks crease with legs
apart and weight distributed equally on both feet.
Record each measurement on your RESULTS
SUMMARY SHEET.
67
Measurements
Skinfold Measurements
To accurately track your progress through this six-week program, it is necessary to take skinfold measurements.
By measuring yourself in this way, you will be able to determine your lean-body mass and your body-fat
percentage. The goal of this program is to increase your lean-body mass and decrease your body-fat percentage.
Please read this section carefully. Proper measuring techniques are essential to track your success. It is best to
have someone measure you. Measuring yourself can lead to inaccurate results.
Suprailium
Stand relaxed. Pick up a diagonal
skinfold just above the crest of the hip
bone on the right side of the waist.
Chest
Stand relaxed. Pick up a diagonal
skinfold over the right pectoralis
muscle, midway between the
armpit and the nipple.
Triceps
Stand with right elbow flexed 90
degrees and locate the center of
the back of the upper arm midway
between the shoulder and the
elbow. Relax arm at your side.
Pick up skinfold as pictured.
Abdomen
Stand relaxed. Pick up a vertical
skinfold on the right side of the navel.
Thigh
Stand relaxed with most of the
weight on your left leg. Pick up a
skinfold in the vertical plane on the
front side of the right thigh, midway
between the hip and knee joints.
68
Measurements
Using Calipers When Measuring Skinfolds
The procedure for measuring skinfold thickness is to grasp firmly with the thumb and forefinger a fold of
skin and surface fat and pull it away from the underlying muscle. Take the caliper in your other hand and
open the jaws. Clamp the jaws over the pinched skin and fat. The jaws exert constant tension at the point
of contact with the skin. The thickness of the double layer of skin and fat can then be read directly from
the caliper, which is marked in millimeters.
Women
Suprailium
Triceps
Thigh
Total
Use these figures on the following chart to determine your body-fat percentage
and enter the number on the line below.
Starting body-fat percentage
Men
Chest
Abdomen
Thigh
Total
Optional Picture Taking
Pictures can be the most exciting evaluation
you can do. The numbers and the tape
measurements are great, but actually seeing
differences from comparison photographs of
yourself is quite satisfying.
Taking full-length photographs is not difficult, but
to see the maximum difference between before and
after, you should follow these guidelines.
1) Keep everything the same. Wear the same outfit,
a snug solid color is best, and have the person
taking the picture stand in the same place, with
the same setting behind you.
2) Make sure you stand against an uncluttered, light
background.
3) Have the person taking the photograph move
away from you until he can see your entire body
in the viewfinder.
4) Stand relaxed for three pictures, front, right side,
and back. Do not try to suck in your stomach.
5) Interlace your fingers and place them on top of
your head, so the contours of your torso will be
plainly visible. Keep your feet 8" (20 cm) apart in
all three pictures.
6) When you get the film developed tell the
processors to make your after photos the same
size as your previous ones. This way, your height
in both sets of photos is equal and more valid
comparisons can be made.
Determining Your Body Fat
To Use The Nomogram:
1) Locate the sum of your three skinfolds in the
right column and mark it.
2) Locate your age in years on the far left column
and mark it.
3) Connect the two marks with a straightedge.
Where the straightedge intersects the line in the
middle column appropriate to you, you will find
your body-fat percentage.
69
130
125
120
Female
Male
40
33
31
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
Age in Years
25
20
15
29
27
25
23
21
19
17
15
13
11
38
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
9
14
7
12
5
10
3
Percent
Body-Fat
115
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
Sum of Three Skinfolds (mm)
10
Baun, W.D, Baun, M.R., and Raven, P.B. A nomogram for the estimate of percent body fat from generalized equations.
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 52:380-384, 1981.
70
Calculating Lean Body Mass
Now that you know your body-fat percentage, you can calculate your lean-body percentage. This will
eventually show you how many pounds of muscle were added to your body, after completing the program.
For Example:
Before the program, Joe weighs 200 pounds (90.7 kg) and measures 30% fat, which amounts to 60 pounds
(27.2 kg). Thus, his lean-body mass is 70%, or 140 pounds (63.5 kg).
After the program, Joe weighs 180 pounds (81.6 kg) and is 20% fat, which equals 36 pounds (16.3 kg). His
lean-body mass is 80%, or 144 pounds (65.3 kg).
Simple calculations allow us to find the amount of fat Joe lost, and the amount of muscle Joe gained.
Before fat weight (60 pounds), minus after fat weight (36 pounds) equals 24 pounds (10.8 kg) of fat lost.
After lean-mass weight (144 pounds) minus before lean-mass weight (140 pounds) equals 4 pounds (1.8 kg)
of muscle gained.
Enter Your Information Here: (Pounds or Kilograms)
Before
Body Weight Fat Percentage Body Fat Weight
x
Body Weight Weight of Body Fat Lean-Body Weight
Use the Same Factors to Calculate After Six Weeks.
After
Body Weight Fat Percentage Body Fat Weight
Body Weight Weight of Body Fat Lean-Body Weight
–
=
x
–
=
=
=
Final Results
Before Body Fat Weight After Body Fat Weight Total Fat Lost
After Lean-Mass Weight Before Lean-Mass Weight Total Lean-Mass Gained
–
–
=
=
Your Results Summary Sheet
Name Age
Height Weight Loss
Weight Before Muscle Gain
Weight After Fat Loss
Please follow the instructions in the “Measurements” section for measuring circumferences.
71
Measurements
Right Arm
Left Arm
2" (5 cm) Above Navel
Navel
2" (5 cm) Below Navel
Hips
Right Thigh
Left Thigh
Percent Body Fat
Before After
Total
Difference
If you wish to send in your results to Nautilus, Inc., please send to: Bowflex® Results, Nautilus, Inc.
World Headquarters, 16400 S.E. Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, WA 98683.
Or you may fax this sheet to Bowflex
®
Results at 1-360-694-7755. Please include your name, address, and
phone number. Submissions may be selected for use in promotional marketing materials.
72
The Workouts
GUIDELINES Week 1&2
All exercises should be practiced with one set of 8 to 12 repetitions. The style of performance is very
important. The movement for each repetition should be 4 seconds in the positive phase and 4 seconds in the
negative. Keep the motion slow and smooth. When 12 repetitions are accomplished, increase the resistance
by approximately 5 percent. Keep the time between exercises to a minimum, no longer than 60 seconds. No
workout should take more than 30 minutes to complete. Perform each workout three days a week.
Exercise
Leg Curl
Leg Extension
Bench Press
Lying Biceps Curl
Seated Shoulder Press
Seated Abdominal Crunch
Sets
1
1
1
1
1
1
Reps
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
GUIDELINES Week 3&4
All exercises should be practiced with one set of 8 to 12 repetitions. The style of performance is very
important. The movement for each repetition should be 4 seconds in the positive phase and 4 seconds in the
negative. Keep the motion slow and smooth. When 12 repetitions are accomplished, increase the resistance
by approximately 5 percent. Keep the time between exercises to a minimum, no longer than 45 seconds. No
workout should take more than 30 minutes to complete. Perform each workout three days a week.
Exercise
Leg Curl
Leg Extension
Bench Press
Lying Biceps Curl
Seated Shoulder Press
Rear Deltoid Rows*
Seated Triceps Extension
Seated Abdominal Crunch
Sets
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Reps
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
GUIDELINES Week 5&6
All exercises should be practiced with one set of 8 to 12 repetitions. The style of performance is very
important. The movement for each repetition should be 4 seconds in the positive phase and 4 seconds in the
negative. Keep the motion slow and smooth. When 12 repetitions are accomplished, increase the resistance
by approximately 5 percent. Keep the time between exercises to a minimum, no longer than 30 seconds. No
workout should take more than 30 minutes to complete. Perform each workout three days a week.
Exercise
Leg Curl
Leg Extension
Leg Press
Bench Press
Lying Biceps Curl
Lying Shoulder Pullover
Reverse Fly
Rear Deltoid Rows*
Seated Triceps Extension
Seated Abdominal Crunch
* The Upright Row exercise was use d in Dr. Darden’s original study. Although many people have used this exercise for years, re cent infor mation in the
Physical Therapy field has caused the authors of this manual to c aution against performing this exerc ise b ecause of the unnatural t wisting movemen t
created in the shoulder joint. We sugge st you substitute Rear Deltoid Rows for the upright Row exercise.
Sets
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Reps
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
73
Eating Guidelines
You will be following a reduced-calorie nutrition program, which is divided into three two-week segments. The
program is a proven method for achieving maximal fat loss over a six-week period. It consists of a carbohydraterich, descending-calorie eating plan and a superhydration routine.
Follow a Carbohydrate-Rich, Descending-Calorie Eating Plan:
Approximately 60 percent of the daily calories should be from carbohydrates. The other 40 percent will be
equally divided between proteins and fats. The 60:20:20 ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is ideal for
maximum fat loss.
Keep Menus Simple and Food Substitutions to a Minimum:
Research has established that successful dieters prefer the same foods each day for breakfast and lunch. They
like variety, however, for dinner. Detailed menus and food choices are included later in this manual.
If you must vary from the menu items, try to stay within the 60:20:20 ratio of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
For Example
Daily Amount
Carbohydrate
60%
Protein
20%
Fat
20%
Calories
2000
1900
1800
1700
1600
1500
1400
1300
1200
1100
1000
Avoid Too Much Stress:
Too much stress of any kind can cause the body to actually preserve fat stores. You should relax more. An afterdinner walk at a leisurely pace is helpful. Extra sleep is suggested, since sleep facilitates fat loss and muscle
recovery. Furthermore, to keep the body well rested, no other exercises or activities are allowed during the six-week
program. This is a scientifically proven program that works. More is not better. Any additional exercise other
than the amount recommended can and will harm your fat loss.
1200
1140
1080
1020
960
900
840
780
720
660
600
400
380
360
340
320
300
280
260
240
220
200
400
380
360
340
320
300
280
260
240
220
200
74
Superhydrate Your System
Drinking plenty of water is essential to the success of
this program. Drinking the recommended amount
of water can seem like a challenge at first. Stick with
it. Carry a large sports bottle or similar item with you
throughout the day. After several weeks, you will find
that you actually thirst for more and more water, and
the amounts recommended are easily reached.
Superhydration aids fat loss in a number of ways.
First, the kidneys are unable to function without
adequate water. When they do not work to capacity
some of their load is dumped onto the liver.
This diverts the liver from its primary function, which
is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy. Because
it’s performing the chores of the water-depleted
kidneys, the liver metabolizes less fat.
Second, overeating can be averted through water
intake, as water can keep the stomach feeling full and
satisfied between meals.
Third, ice-cold water requires calories to warm it to
core body temperature. In fact, 1 US gallon of ice cold
water (3.8 l) generates 123 calories of heat energy.
Don’t be surprised if you have to make more than
a dozen trips to the restroom, especially during the
first week of the program. Remember, your body is
an adaptive system, and it will soon accommodate the
increased water consumption.
Note: Although it is doubtful that you could ever drink
too much water, a few ailments can be negatively affected by
large amounts of fluid. For example, anyone with a kidney
disorder, or anyone who takes diuretics, should consult a
physician before going on the recommended water-drinking
schedule. If you have any doubts about the recommendations,
play it safe and check with your doctor.
You’ll be drinking from 1 to 1 5/8 US gallons
(3.8 - 6.2 l) of water each day on the following
superhydration schedule:
Week 1 = drink four 32-oz. bottles (3.8 l) of ice-cold water per day.
Week 2 = drink four and a half
Week 3 = drink five 32-oz. bottles (4.6 l) of ice-cold water per day.
Week 4 = drink five and a half
Week 5 = drink six 32-oz. bottles (5.7 l) of ice-cold water per day.
Week 6 = drink six and a half
32-oz. bottles (4.3 l) of ice-cold water per day.
32-oz. bottles (5.2 l) of ice-cold water per day.
32-oz. bottles (6.2 l) of ice-cold water per day.
The Eating Plan
75
The menus in the Bowflex® eating plan are designed
for maximum fat-loss effectiveness and nutritional
value. For best results, follow them exactly.
Every attempt has been made to utilize current
popular brand names and accurate calorie counts,
which are listed in the menus. But as you probably
realize the products are sometimes changed
or discontinued. If a listed item is not available
in your area, you’ll need to substitute a similar
product. Become an informed label reader at your
supermarket. Ask questions about any products you
don’t understand. Supermarket managers are usually
helpful. If they don’t have an answer to your question,
they will get it for you.
Each day you will choose a limited selection of foods
for breakfast and lunch. Most people can consume
the same basic breakfast and the same basic lunch for
months with little modification. Ample variety during
your evening meal, however, will make daily eating
interesting and enjoyable. Additionally, the eating
plan includes a mid-afternoon and late-night snack to
keep your energy high and your hunger low.
You’ll always have a 300 calorie breakfast, a 300
calorie lunch, and a 300 calorie dinner (women),
or 500 calorie dinner (men). With each two-week
descend, only your snack calories will change: from
400 to 300 to 200 calories per day (men), or 300 to
200 to 100 calories per day (women). For each of your
five daily meals, you’ll have at least three choices.
Everything has been simplified so even the most
kitchen-inept man or woman can succeed. Very
little cooking is required. All you have to do is read
the menus, select your food choices, and follow the
directions. It’s as simple as that.
If you find that you wish to vary from the outline
menu items try to stay with in the 60:20:20 ratio of
carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Begin Week 1 on Monday and continue through
Sunday. Week 2 is a repeat of Week 1.
Calories for each food are noted in parentheses.
A shopping list follows.
The eating plan for the next six weeks descends:
Week 1 & 2:
Men 1500 calories per day.
Women 1200 calories per day.
Week 3 & 4:
Men 1400 calories per day.
Women 1100 calories per day.
Week 5 & 6:
Men 1300 calories per day.
Women 1000 calories per day.
76
The Eating Plan - US Measurements
Breakfast = 300 calories
Choice of bagel, cereal or shake.
Bagel
1 plain bagel (frozen) (210)
3/4 oz. light cream cheese (45)
1/2 C. orange juice, fresh or frozen (55)
Any beverage without calories, caffeine, or
sodium, such as decaffeinated coffee or tea.
Cereal
1.5 oz. (42 grams) serving equals
approximately 165 calories.
Choice of one: Kellogg
(without raisins), General Mills
Clusters, General Mills
’s® Low Fat Granola
®
®
Honey Nut
Basic 4
1/2 C. skim milk (45)
3/4 C. orange juice (82)
Noncaloric beverage
Shake (choice of one shake)
Place ingredients in blender. Blend until
smooth.
Banana-Orange Shake
1 large banana (8 3/4 inches long) (100)
1/2 C. orange juice (55)
1/2 C. skim milk (45)
2 T. wheat germ (66)
1 t. safflower oil (42)
2 ice cubes (optional)
or Chocolate or Vanilla Shake
1 packet Carnation
Champion UltraMet
®
Instant Breakfast,
®
, or another diet shake
powder that contains the appropriate calories
(100)
1 C. skim milk (90)
1/2 large banana (8 3/4 inches long) (50)
1 t. safflower oil (42)
1 t. Carnation
®
Malted Milk powder (20)
2 ice cubes (optional)
Lunch = 300 calories.
Choice of sandwich, soup or salad.
Sandwich
2 slices whole wheat bread (140)
2 t. Promise Ultra
®
Vegetable Oil Spread (24)
2 oz. white meat (about 8 thin slices), chicken
or turkey (80)
1 oz. fat-free cheese (1 1/2 slices) (50)
(Opt.: Add to bread 1 t. Dijon mustard (0)
Noncaloric beverage
Soup (choice of one soup)
®
• Healthy Choice
Hearty Chicken, 15-oz. can
(260), or
• Campbell
’s® Healthy Request Hearty
Vegetable Beef, 16-oz. can (260)
1/2 slice whole-wheat bread (35)
Noncaloric beverage
Chef Salad
2 C. lettuce, chopped (20)
2 oz. white meat, chicken or turkey (80)
2 oz. fat-free cheese (100)
4 slices tomato, chopped (28)
1 T. Italian, fat-free dressing (6)
1 slice whole wheat bread (70)
Noncaloric beverage
Mid-Afternoon Snack
Men–200 calories for Weeks 1&2;
150 calories for Weeks 3&4;
100 calories for Weeks 5&6.
Women–150 calories for Weeks 1&2;
100 calories for Weeks 3&4;
50 calories for Weeks 5&6.
Choose calories from:
1 large banana (8 3/4 inches long) (100)
1 apple (3-inch diameter) (100)
1/2 cantaloupe (5-inch diameter) (94)
5 dried prunes (100)
1 oz. (2 small 1/2 oz. boxes) raisins (82)
1 C. light, nonfat, flavored yogurt (100)
Dinner
Men–500 calories, Women–300 calories
Choice of tuna salad dinner, steak dinner
or frozen microwave dinner
.
Tuna Salad Dinner
In a large bowl, mix the following:
1 6-oz. can chunk light tuna in water (180)
1 T. Hellmann
’s® Light, Reduced-Calorie
Mayonnaise (50)
2 T. sweet pickle relish (40)
1/4 C. whole kernel corn, canned, no salt
added (30)
Noncaloric beverage
Men add:
1/2 C. sliced white potatoes, canned (45)
2 slices whole wheat bread (140)
Steak Dinner
3 oz. lean sirloin, broiled (176)
1/2 C. sweet peas, canned, no salt added (60)
1/2 C. beets, canned (35)
1/2 C. skim milk (45)
Noncaloric beverage
Men add:
2 slices whole wheat bread (140)
1 t. Promise Ultra
®
Vegetable Oil Spread (12)
1/2 C. skim milk (45)
Frozen Microwave Dinner
Choice of one meal:
• Glazed Chicken Dinner, Lean Cuisine® (230)
2/3 C. skim milk (60)
Noncaloric beverage
• Lasagna with Meat Sauce, Lean Cuisine
®
(240)
1/2 C. skim milk (45)
Noncaloric beverage
• Macaroni and Cheese, Weight Watchers
®
(260)
1/2 C. skim milk (45)
Noncaloric beverage
• Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Sauce over
Baked Potato, Lean Cuisine
®
Lunch Express
(250)
1/2 C. skim milk (45)
Noncaloric beverage
• Grilled Turkey Breast, Healthy Choice
®
(260)
1/2 C. skim milk (45)
Noncaloric beverage
Men add:
2 slices whole wheat bread (140)
2 t. Promise Ultra
®
Vegetable Oil Spread (24)
1/2 C. skim milk (45)
Late-Night Snack
Men–200 calories for 1&2; 150 calories for
Weeks 3&4; 100 calories for Weeks 5&6.
Women–150 calories for Weeks 1&2; 100
calories for Weeks 3&4; 50 calories for Weeks
5&6.
Choose calories from afternoon snack
selections plus the following:
1/2 C. low-fat frozen yogurt (100)
2 C. light, microwave popcorn (100)
The Eating Plan - Metric Measurements
77
*
Breakfast = 300 calories
Choice of bagel, cereal or shake.
Bagel
1 plain bagel (frozen) (210)
21 g light cream cheese (45)
120 ml orange juice, fresh or frozen (55)
Any beverage without calories, caffeine, or
sodium, such as decaffeinated coffee or tea.
Cereal
42 gram serving equals
approximately 165 calories.
Choice of one: Kellogg
(without raisins), General Mills
Clusters, General Mills
’s® Low Fat Granola
®
®
Honey Nut
Basic 4
120 ml skim milk (45)
177 ml orange juice (82)
Noncaloric beverage
Shake (choice of one shake)
Place ingredients in blender. Blend until
smooth.
Banana-Orange Shake
1 large banana (22 cm long) (100)
120 ml orange juice (55)
120 ml skim milk (45)
15 ml wheat germ (66)
5 ml safflower oil (42)
2 ice cubes (optional)
or Chocolate or Vanilla Shake
1 packet Carnation
Champion UltraMet
®
Instant Breakfast,
®
, or another diet shake
powder that contains the appropriate calories
(100)
240 ml skim milk (90)
1/2 large banana (22 cm long) (50)
5 ml safflower oil (42)
5 ml Carnation
®
Malted Milk powder (20)
2 ice cubes (optional)
Lunch = 300 calories.
Choice of sandwich, soup or salad.
Sandwich
2 slices whole wheat bread (140)
10 ml Promise Ultra
®
Vegetable Oil
Spread (24)
57 g white meat (about 8 thin slices), chicken
or turkey (80)
28 g fat-free cheese (1 1/2 slices) (50)
(Opt.: Add to bread 5 ml Dijon mustard (0)
Noncaloric beverage
Soup (choice of one soup)
®
• Healthy Choice
Hearty Chicken, 420 g can
(260), or
• Campbell
’s® Healthy Request Hearty
Vegetable Beef, 450 g can (260)
1/2 slice whole-wheat bread (35)
Noncaloric beverage
Chef Salad
480 ml lettuce, chopped (20)
57 g white meat, chicken or turkey (80)
57 g fat-free cheese (100)
4 slices tomato, chopped (28)
15 ml Italian, fat-free dressing (6)
1 slice whole wheat bread (70)
Noncaloric beverage
Mid-Afternoon Snack
Men–200 calories for Weeks 1&2;
150 calories for Weeks 3&4;
100 calories for Weeks 5&6.
Women–150 calories for Weeks 1&2;
100 calories for Weeks 3&4;
50 calories for Weeks 5&6.
Choose calories from:
1 large banana (22 cm long) (100)
1 apple (7.6 cm diameter) (100)
1/2 cantaloupe (12.7 cm diameter) (94)
5 dried prunes (100)
28 g (2 small 14 g. boxes) raisins (82)
240 ml light, nonfat, flavored yogurt (100)
Dinner
Men–500 calories, Women–300 calories
Choice of tuna salad dinner, steak dinner
or frozen microwave dinner
.
Tuna Salad Dinner
In a large bowl, mix the following:
1 can (170 g) chunk light tuna in water (180)
15 ml Hellmann
’s® Light, Reduced-Calorie
Mayonnaise (50)
30 ml sweet pickle relish (40)
60 ml whole kernel corn, canned, no salt
added (30)
Noncaloric beverage
Men add:
120 ml sliced white potatoes, canned (45)
2 slices whole wheat bread (140)
Steak Dinner
85 g lean sirloin, broiled (176)
120 ml sweet peas, canned, no salt
added (60)
120 ml beets, canned (35)
120 ml skim milk (45)
Noncaloric beverage
Men add:
2 slices whole wheat bread (140)
5 ml Promise Ultra
®
Vegetable Oil Spread (12)
120 ml skim milk (45)
Frozen Microwave Dinner
Choose one meal:
• Glazed Chicken Dinner, Lean Cuisine® (230)
160 ml skim milk (60)
Noncaloric beverage
• Lasagna with Meat Sauce, Lean Cuisine
®
(240)
120 ml skim milk (45)
Noncaloric beverage
• Macaroni and Cheese, Weight Watchers
®
(260)
120 ml skim milk (45)
Noncaloric beverage
• Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Sauce over
Baked Potato, Lean Cuisine
®
Lunch Express
(250)
120 ml skim milk (45)
Noncaloric beverage
• Grilled Turkey Breast, Healthy Choice
®
(260)
120 ml skim milk (45)
Noncaloric beverage
Men add:
2 slices whole-wheat bread (140)
10 ml Promise Ultra
®
Vegetable Oil
Spread (24)
120 ml skim milk (45)
Late-Night Snack
Men–200 calories for 1&2; 150 calories for
Weeks 3&4; 100 calories for Weeks 5&6.
Women–150 calories for Weeks 1&2; 100
calories for Weeks 3&4; 50 calories for
Weeks 5&6.
Choose calories from afternoon snack
selections plus the following:
120 ml low-fat frozen yogurt (100)
240 ml light, microwave popcorn (100)
* Nutritionally equivalent products with similar calorie counts may be substituted if recommended products cannot be found.
78
Shopping List
Quantities needed for listed items will depend
on your specific selections. Review your choices
and adjust the shopping list accordingly. It may be
helpful for you to photocopy this list each week
before doing your shopping.
Staples
Orange juice, skim milk, whole-wheat bread,
Promise Ultra
®
Vegetable Oil Spread, Italian fat-free
dressing, Dijon mustard, safflower oil, noncaloric
beverages (tea, decaffeinated coffee, diet soft
drinks, water).
Grains
Bagels, Sarah Lee (frozen)
Cereals – 1.5 oz. (42 g) serving equals
approximately 165 calories; Kellogg
Granola (without raisins), General Mills
Clusters, General Mills
®
Basic 4.
’s® Low-Fat
®
Honey Nut
Meat, Poultry, Fish and Entrees
Chicken (thin sliced), turkey (thin sliced), tuna
(canned in water), sirloin steak (lean).
Canned soup
Healthy Choice® Hearty Chicken, Campbell’s®
Healthy Request Hearty Vegetable Beef.
Frozen microwave dinners or entrees:
Lean Cuisine® Glazed Chicken Dinner, Lean
Cuisine
Lunch Express Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese over
Potato, Weight Watchers
Healthy Choice
®
Lasagna with Meat Sauce, Lean Cuisine®
®
Macaroni and Cheese,
®
Grilled Turkey Breast.
Wheat germ, malted milk powder, popcorn
(microwave light).
Fruits
Bananas, large (8 3/4 inches [22 cm] long), apples
(3-inch [7.6 cm] diameter), cantaloupes (5-inch
[12.7 cm] diameter), dried prunes, raisins.
Vegetables
Lettuce, tomatoes, whole kernel corn (canned no
salt added), sweet peas, (canned no salt added),
sliced white potatoes (canned), cut beets (canned).
Dairy
Yogurt (light nonfat), cream cheese (light), cheese
(fat-free), low-fat frozen yogurt, Carnation
Breakfast packets, Champion UltraMet
®
Instant
®
Packets.
Q & A
79
Q. I often get headaches when I eat only 1000
calories a day. What should I do?
A. Your headaches may be caused by going longer
than three hours between meals or snacks. Try
spacing your meals and snacks where there are
fewer hours between them.
Some people who are used to drinking regular
coffee with caffeine notice headaches when they
stop consuming coffee for several days. If this is
the case with you, you might want to ease off the
coffee more gradually.
Q. I don
’t like red meat. I notice that the Lean
Cuisine Lasagna with Meat Sauce contains beef.
What can I substitute for it?
A. Lean Cuisine has many other frozen dinners
that you may substitute for Lasagna with Meat
Sauce. Try to find one that contains the same
calories, with approximately 15 to 20 percent of
the calories coming from fat. Some of the Lean
Cuisine dinners actually have too little fat for my
nutritional requirements.
Q. May I have dinner for lunch and lunch for
dinner?
A. Yes.
Q. I tend to get a headache when I drink cold water.
Can I drink water without it being chilled?
A. Yes, but you won’t get the 123 calories or more
thermogenic effect from warming the cold water
to core body temperature. Try a more gradual
drinking of the cold water. You may have been
consuming it too quickly.
Q. Is it possible to drink too much water?
A. Certainly. To do so, however, you’d probably have
to drink four or five times as much per day as I’m
recommending. There are a few ailments that can
be negatively affected by large amounts of fluid.
If you feel you have a problem, check with your
doctor before starting the program.
Q. Is bottled water better than tap water?
water from your tap. Some people say it makes a
significant difference in the taste.
’m a middle-aged woman who gets black and
Q. I
blue marks on my legs when I diet. Am I doing
anything wrong?
A. I doubt you are doing anything wrong. Such
black and blue marks are usually the result of an
increased level of estrogen circulating in your
body, which weakens the walls of the capillaries
and causes them to break under the slightest
pressure. When this happens, blood escapes and
a bruise occurs. Estrogen is broken down in the
liver, and so is fat. When you are dieting, your liver
breaks down the fat, leaving a lot more estrogen in
the bloodstream.
It may be helpful to supplement your diet with a
little extra vitamin C each day to help toughen the
walls of the capillaries.
Q. I’m a 40 year-old woman with a teenage son and
daughter. My husband and I both want to lose 10
pounds (4.5 kg) and the children would also like
to lose some weight. Can I put the whole family
on the program?
A. It would be great if you could, but you cannot.
The number of calories per day is the problem.
Teenagers require significantly more calories each
day than 1500, which is the highest level. Check
with a registered dietician (RD) for appropriate
recommendations.
Your teenage son and daughter, however, could
follow the Bowflex® exercise routines.
Q. I’m afraid that I might get large, unfeminine
®
muscles from some of the Bowflex
exercises
you recommend in this course. What can I do to
prevent this from happening?
A. You are worrying about large muscles unnecessar-
ily. Building large muscles requires two conditions.
First, the individual must have long muscles and
short tendons. Second, an abundance of testoster
one must be present in the blood stream. Women
almost never have either of these conditions.
-
A. Research shows that bottled water is not always
higher quality water than tap water. The decision
to drink bottled water or not is usually one of taste.
If you dislike the taste of your tap water, then drink
your favorite bottled water. But first you might
want to try a twist of lemon or lime added to the
Under no circumstances could 99.99 percent
of American women develop excessively large
muscles. Progressive resistance exercise such as
Bowflex® will make your muscles larger – but not
excessively large – and larger muscles will make
your body firmer and more shapely.
80
Q & A
Q. Why is it so important I perform the Bowflex®
exercises with a 4-second count on the lifting and
lowering?
A. Because a slow, smooth 4-second lifting followed
by a 4-second lowering involves more muscle fibers
more thoroughly than faster speeds of movement.
The more completely each involved muscle fiber
works simply means you’ll get better musclebuilding results.
’m confused about how to breathe during each
Q. I
Bowflex
®
exercise?
A. Let’s say your goal is to do 10 repetitions on a
specific Bowflex® exercise that is performed in
the recommended 4-second lifting and 4-second
lowering style. Here are the proper breathing
guidelines to
follow:
• Breathe normally during the first five repetitions.
• Take shorter, more shallow breaths during the sixth,
seventh, and eighth repetitions.
• Emphasize exhalation more than inhalation,
especially during the ninth and tenth repetitions.
Focus on good form and slow movement.
• Do not hold your breath on any repetition. Practice
relaxing your face and neck. Do not grit your
teeth. Keep your eyes open and remain alert.
Q. I’m not as disciplined and patient as I’d like to be.
How can I better stay on track with the program?
A. One suggestion is to team up with a partner. Most
people are more motivated and make better
progress if they go through the program with a
friend. In selecting a training partner, here are
several things to keep in mind:
• Your partner should be similar to you in age and
condition.
• Your partner should be serious about getting into
shape and making a commitment. That commitment
means you’ll be exercising together one hour, three
times per week. Each of your joint training sessions
should take approximately 50 minutes: 25 minutes
for your workout and 25 minutes supervising your
partner’s workout.
• Your partner should be someone with whom you’ll
share a spirit of cooperation, not competition.
normal interpersonal problems to interfere with the
training.
Q. Why won
’t you allow me to do aerobic dancing on
my off-days to speed up the loss of body fat?
A. Because doing so doesn’t speed up fat loss.
Aerobic dancing – and other activities such as
running, swimming, cycling, stair-stepping, and
racquetball – do not contribute significantly to
the fat-loss process. In fact, when added to proper
strength training they can actually retard the
reduction of fat.
Fat loss is retarded in two ways. Too much
repetitive activity prevents maximum muscle
building by using up your recover ability. A wellrested recover ability is necessary for muscle
growth. Too much activity – especially if you are on
a reduced-calorie diet – causes you to get the blahs
and quickly lose your enthusiasm. If this happens,
you’re sure to break your diet.
The primary purpose of this program is to lose fat
in the most effective and most efficient manner.
Fat loss is prioritized and maximized by building
muscle at the same time. The muscle-building
process is optimized by a well-rested recovery
ability, which necessitates keeping your strenuous
and moderately strenuous activities to a bare
minimum.
Once you get your body fat to a low level, you can
add other activities – and I encourage you to do
so – to your weekly fitness schedule. For now,
follow the plan exactly as directed.
Q. What happens after six weeks? How do I continue
the program if I need to lose more weight?
A. You should repeat the program for as long as it
takes you to reach your goal. For example, it took
Barry Ozer three six-week sessions – 18 weeks
– to lose all of his excessive fat, which amounted
to 75 pounds (34 kg). There are, however, a few
guidelines and modifications to apply.
Repeat the eating plan exactly as before: Men, go
back to 1500 calories a day for two weeks. Women,
go back to 1200 calories a day for two weeks. Then,
descend your calories in the same manner.
Keep your superhydration schedule at the highest
level. In other words, sip 1 5/8 gallons (6.2 l) of
ice-cold water each day.
• Your partner should not be your spouse, brother,
sister, or other family member. You do not want
Continue your Bowflex
®
exercise routine at the
Q & A
81
highest level. Perform the same 10 exercises three
times per week. Try to get as strong as you can
in each exercise, while always focusing on the 4second count in both lifting and lowering.
’m pleased that I lost the fat I wanted to lose.
Q. I
What do I do to maintain my new body weight?
A. Once you’ve lost your excessive fat, your next task
is to maintain that status. Here are the adjustments
you need to make to your current practices.
Adhere to a carbohydrate-rich, moderate-calorie
eating plan.
Instead of eating from 1000 to 1500 calories a day,
you’ll be consuming from 1600 to 2400 calories
per day. Maybe you can eat even more after your
new body weight has stabilized. Trial-and-error
experimentation is a must. Women should start
with 1600 calories, and men with 2000 calories
per day. Note what happens after a week. If your
body weight keeps going down, raise the calories
by 100 or 200, depending on how much weight you
lost during the last week. Soon, you should reach a
level where your body weight stabilizes. That level
is your daily calorie requirement. Naturally, you’ll
be able to consume other foods than those listed
®
in the Bowflex
eating plan. By then, however, you
should know the value of being a smart shopper
and a wise eater. Read labels. Compare nutritional
information. Be conscious of the ideal 60:20:20
ratio for carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Eat smaller meals more frequently.
You’ve been limiting your five meals per day to 300
calories if you’re a woman, or 500 calories if you’re
a man. You may now up the calories by 100. What
happens if during a single meal you eat more than
400 calories if you’re a woman, or 600 calories if
you’re a man? Don’t panic. Simply understand that
you will sometimes backslide. Learn to anticipate
these urges and take corrective action.
Drink at least 1 gallon (3.8 l) of cold water each day.
You should realize by now the benefits of consuming
plenty of water each day. Make your water bottle a
permanent part of your lifestyle.
for 12 repetitions on the leg extension, then keep it
on 100 pounds and do not go up to 105 pounds. You
can maintain the 100-pound level much easier that
you can increase it. Second, you do not need to train
three times a week. You can maintain your strength at
twice a week.
Add variety to your Bowflex
®
routines.
Now is the time to introduce more variety to your
routines by adding some new exercises while
removing some old ones. Below are two sample
routines.
Maintenance Routine 1
1. Seated Hip Abduction
2. Seated Hip Adduction
3. Seated Straight Leg Calf Raise
4. Chest Fly
5. Incline Bench Press
6. Shoulder Pullover
7. Shoulder Shrug
8. Standing Biceps Curl
9. Seated Wrist Curl
10. Seated Wrist Extension
Maintenance Routine 2
1. Leg Curl
2. Leg Extension
3. Standing Lateral Shoulder Raise
4. Seated Shoulder Press
5. Rear Deltoid Row
6. Decline Press
7. Reverse Curl
8. Seated Triceps Extension
9. Low Back Extension
10. Abdominal Crunch
Look in your Bowf lex
®
Owner’s Manual for
descriptions of the new exercises.
Be consistent with your Bowflex® home gym exercising, healthy eating, and superhydrating – and your
accomplishments may well exceed your goals.
Train on Bowflex
®
home gym at least twice a week.
There are two primary differences between
maintenance and strength-building routines. First,
for maintenance, you do not have to increase the
resistance each week or so. If you can do 100 pounds
82
Exercise Log
Please feel free to make copies of this chart to continue your exercise log.
EXERCISE
Bench Press
Sets
Reps
Resistance
Sets
Reps
Resistance
Sets
Reps
Resistance
Sets
Reps
Resistance
Sets
Reps
Resistance
Sets
Reps
Resistance
DATE DATE DATE DATE DATE DATE
2
10, 9
120, 130
Sets
Reps
Resistance
Sets
Reps
Resistance
Sets
Reps
Resistance
Sets
Reps
Resistance
Sets
Reps
Resistance
Sets
Reps
Resistance
Sets
Reps
Resistance
Muscle Chart
83
Sternocleidomastoid
Pectoralis Major
Anterior Deltoid
Medial Deltoid
Biceps
Brachialis
External
Obliques
Brachioradialis
Pronator Teres
Flexor Carpi
Radialis
Tensor
Fasciae
Latae
Iliopsoas
Pectineus
Rectus Femoris
Vastus Lateralis
Vastus Medialis
Peroneus Longus
Extensor Digitorum
Longus
Trapezius
Serratus Anterior
Rectus Abdominus
Flexor Digitorum
Superficialis
Adductor Longus
Iliotibial Tract
Gracilis
Sartorius
Gastrocnemius
Soleus
Posterior Deltoid
Infraspinatus
Teres Major
Triceps
Latissimus
Dorsi
Gluteus
Medius
Gluteus
Maximus
Adductor
Magnus
Biceps
Femoris
Semitendinosus
Semimembranosus
Tibialis Anterior
Bowflex® 6-Week Satisfaction Guarantee
We want you to know that Bowflex Xtreme® home gym is a superior product.
Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
If, for any reason, you are not 100% satisfied with your Bowflex Xtreme
®
home
gym, please follow the instructions below to return your merchandise and receive a
refund of the purchase price, less shipping and handling.
®
1. Call a Bowflex
Representative at 1-800-605-3369 for a Return Authorization
Number. Return Authorization will be granted if:
a. You purchased your Bowflex Xtreme
®
home gym directly from Nautilus,
Inc.; and
b. You are calling within 6 weeks of the delivery date of your merchandise.
2. All returned merchandise must be properly packaged in the original boxes
and in good condition. Returns should be shipped to: Nautilus, Inc. World
Headquarters, 16400 S.E. Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, WA 98683.
NOTE: You are responsible for return shipping and for any damage or loss
to merchandise that occurs during return shipment. We highly recommend
that you insure your shipment.
3. Please mark all boxes clearly with:
• Return Authorization Number
• Your Name
• Your Address
• Your Phone Number
Boxes without this information clearly marked on the outside may be refused.
4. Please make copies of your original invoice and put one in each box of
merchandise. Nautilus, Inc. must receive your shipment within two weeks
from the date the Bowflex
®
Representative issued you your Return
Authorization Number.
Refunds may be denied or delayed
if these instructions are not completely followed.
This Bowflex
®
Satisfaction Guarantee applies only to merchandise purchased by
consumers directly from Nautilus, Inc. This guarantee does not apply to sales made
by dealers or distributors.
Nautilus, Inc. World Headquarters, 16400 S.E. Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, Washington, USA 98683 1-800-NAUTILUS
Bowflex, Bowflex Xtreme, Power Rod and the Bowflex and Nautilus logos are either registered trademarks
© 2006 Nautilus, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
or trademarks of Nautilus, Inc.
Bowflex Xtreme® Warranty Registration Card
IMPORTANT! MAIL WITHIN 30 DAYS OF PURCHASE
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY – THANK YOU
Mr. 2. Mrs. 3. Ms. 4. Miss Customer ID from Invoice:
Name:
Address: Apt. #:
City: State: Zip:
Phone number: -
( )
EXT.
E-Mail address:
Is this your primary address?
Yes No
Place of purchase:
Date of purchase:
M M
D D
Purchaser date of birth:
D D Y Y
Gender:
Male Female
Marital status:
M M
Married Single
Including yourself, total number of people living in your household: (Examples: 01, 02, 03 …)
Would you like to receive additional information on healthy lifestyle products? Yes No
Which best describes your family income: (US dollar figures)
Under $15,000 $25,000 – $34,999 $50,000 – $74,999 $100,000 – $149,999
$15,000 – $24,999 $35,000 – $49,999 $75,000 – $99,999 Over $150,000
What other types of exercise equipment do you own?
Did you receive this item as a gift? Yes No
Name of original purchaser:
Original purchaser customer ID number:
Please check here if you would prefer not to obtain information on new and interesting opportunities from other exciting companies.
Thanks for filling out this questionnaire. Your answers are important to us.
Bowflex, Bowflex Xtreme, Power Rod and the Bowflex and Nautilus logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Nautilus, Inc.
Nautilus, Inc. World Headquarters, 16400 S.E. Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, Washington, USA 98683 1-800-NAUTILUS
© 2006 Nautilus, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
What Is Covered
Nautilus, Inc. warrants to the original
purchaser of the Bowflex Xtreme
gym that the Bowf lex Xtreme
defects in materials or workmanship, with
the exceptions stated below. This warranty is
not transferable or applicable to any person
other than the original purchaser and is
only applicable for products sold and used
in the United States or Canada. Tampering
with the unit will void the warranty.
Bowflex Xtreme® Home Gym
XLU/XTLU
• 7 years on machine
• No-Time-Limit Warranty on individual
Power Rod
®
resistance rods
Warranties Do Not Cover
• A Bowf lex Xtreme® home gym purchased
for commercial or institutional use.
®
home
®
is free from
• Damage due to use by persons who
weigh more than 300 pounds (136 kg).
• Damage due to abuse, accident, failure
to follow instructions or warnings in the
Owner’s Manual, misuse, mishandling,
accident or Acts of God (such as floods
or power surges).
• Damage due to normal wear and tear.
What We Will Do
During your Warranty Coverage Period,
Nautilus, Inc. will repair any Bowf lex
Xtreme
defective in materials or workmanship. In
the event repair is not possible, Nautilus, Inc.
will either replace your Bowflex Xtreme
home gym or refund your purchase price,
less shipping and handling.
®
home gym that proves to be
®
How To Get Service
Return the defective part, at your expense,
to the address given to you by a Bowflex
Representative at 1-800-605-3369. Include
an explanation of the problem. Adequate
protective packaging of the defective
parts or unit and cost of shipping are
your responsibility.
The repaired part or unit will be returned
to you at the company’s expense.
®
How State Law Applies
This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
Please fold over and tape before mailing
Please fold over and tape before mailing
Place
Stamp
Here
Nautilus, Inc.
World Headquarters
16400 S.E. Nautilus Drive
Vancouver, WA 9868
3
Warranty Information
(Keep For Your Records)
87
We want you to know that the Bowflex
Xtreme® home gym is a superior product.
Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
If, for any reason, you are not 100%
®
satisfied with your Bowflex Xtreme
home
gym, please follow the instructions below
to return your merchandise and receive
a refund of the purchase price, less
shipping and handling.
®
1. Call a Bowflex
Representative at
1-800-NAUTILUS (628-8458) for a
Return Authorization Number. Return
Authorization will be granted if:
a. You purchased your Bowflex
®
Xtreme
home gym directly from
Nautilus, Inc., and
b. You are calling within 6 weeks
of the delivery date of your
merchandise.
2. All returned merchandise must be
properly packaged in the original
boxes and in good condition.
Returns should be shipped to:
Nautilus, Inc. World Headquarters
16400 SE Nautilus Drive
Vancouver, Washington, USA 98683.
NOTE: You are responsible for return
shipping and for any damage or loss to
merchandise that occurs during return
shipment. We highly recommend that
you insure your shipment.
3. Please mark all boxes clearly with:
• Return Authorization Number
• Your Name
• Your Address
• Your Phone Number
Boxes without this information clearly
marked on the outside may be refused.
4. Please make copies of your original
invoice and put one in each box of
merchandise. Nautilus, Inc. must
receive your shipment within two
weeks from the date the Bowflex®
Representative issued you your
Return Authorization Number.
Refunds may be denied or delayed if
these instructions are not completely
followed.
®
This Bowflex
Satisfaction Guarantee
applies only to merchandise purchased
by consumers directly from Nautilus, Inc.
This guarantee does not apply to sales
made by dealers or distributors.
What Does This Warranty
Cover?
Nautilus, Inc. warrants to the original
purchaser of the Bowflex Xtreme®
home gym that the Bowflex Xtreme®
is free from defects in materials and
workmanship, when used for the
purpose intended, under normal
conditions. This warranty is extended
only to the original purchaser and is
not transferable or applicable to any
other person.
How Long Does Warranty
Coverage Last?
• 7 years on machine
• No-Time-Limit Warranty on individual
Power Rod® resistance rods
• This warranty is void if Bowflex
Xtreme
Commercial Environment
This warranty covers all defects in
material or workmanship of the Bowflex
Xtreme
cover commercial or institutional use or
misuse and abuse by the consumer.
To make this warranty effective, you
must completely fill out the Bowflex
Xtreme
Card within 30 days of the purchase of
your Bowflex Xtreme® home gym, and
return it to the address on the Warranty
Registration Card.
Warranty Does Not Cover
• A Bowflex Xtreme® home gym
purchased for commercial or
institutional use.
®
home gym is used in a
®
home gym. Warranties do not
®
home gym Warranty Registration
• Damage due to use by persons who
weigh more than 300 pounds (136 kg).
• Damage due to abuse, accident, failure
to follow instructions or warnings in the
Owner’s Manual, misuse, mishandling,
accident or Acts of God (such as floods,
tornadoes, power surges, etc.).
• Damage due to normal wear and tear.
Wh
at Nautilus, Inc. W
ill Do
During your Warranty Coverage
Period, Nautilus, Inc. will repair any
Bowflex Xtreme® home gym that
proves to be defective in materials or
workmanship. In the event repair is
not possible, Nautilus, Inc., will either
replace your Bowflex Xtreme® home
gym or refund your purchase price,
less shipping and handling.
Nautilus, Inc. reserves the right to
substitute material of equal or better
quality if identical materials are not
available at the time of service under
this Warranty. The replacement of the
product under the terms of the Warranty
in no way extends the Warranty period.
How to Get Service
Return the defective part at your expense
to the address given you by a Bowflex
Xtreme® home gym Representative at 1800-NAUTILUS (628-8458).
Always include an explanation of the
problem with service shipments.
For information, contact a Bowflex
®
Xtreme
home gym Representative at
1-800-NAUTILUS (628-8458). Adequate
protective packaging of the defective parts
or unit and cost of shipping to the above
address are your responsibility.
The repaired part or unit will be returned
to you at the company’s expense.
How State Law Applies
This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may also have other rights,
which vary from state to state.
This manual is written and designed by industry
professionals. If you have any questions regarding your
Bowflex Xtreme
this manual, please call Customer Service at
®
home gym or any instructions found in
1-800-NAUTILUS (628-8458) for assistance.
© 2006 Nautilus, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nautilus, Inc. World Headquarters, 16400 S.E. Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, Washington, USA 98683 1-800-NAUTILUS
Bowflex Xtreme, Nautilus, Power Rod and the Bowflex and Nautilus logos are registered trademarks of Nautilus, Inc.
Printed in China
PN 11471 Rev E (7/2006)
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