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added: Wed, 06th September 2006 | 1888 views | 0x in favourites
feed url: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BowflexAndTreadmillReview
Bowflex Blaze , Ultimate 2, Treadmill, Treadclimber, Xtreme 2 Review
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Some home gym equipment is made of all metal and has limited movement patterns. Have you ever worked out with traditional gym equipment, and felt that the machine was restricting your movements? Bowflex fitness machines offer more natural movements, and allow for smooth transitioning from one movement to the next. And they have a warranty that backs up their equipment.
On a Bowflex, you can perform the same weight-training exercises that you can on most of the gym equipment. Unfortunately, it leaves out most of the cardiovascular and aerobic work out exercises that are all part of a well-rounded, efficient work out. A treadmill or other fitness trainer compliments the Bowflex to make a work out complete. The Bowflex treadmills and TreadClimber have warranties similar to that of the home gyms.
The Satisfaction Guarantee
Bowflex advertises a 100% satisfaction guarantee when the home gym equipment is purchased. You have six weeks to try out the Bowflex fitness machine. If not satisfied, you can return it with no obligation. To take advantage of this, you do need to obtain a return authorization number from their customer service center before sending it back.
After the return authorization has been given to you, you have two weeks to return the machine. Of course, you'll need to return it in the original condition and in the original packaging, along with all accessories it came with for a full refund. You will be the one paying for the shipping and handling.
The Limited Warranty
Bowflex provides a limited warranty on workmanship and materials. Only the original purchaser can only use this limited warranty. Additionally, they must have signed the proper paperwork and returned it to the company. Your rights may vary from state to state.
The limited warranty does not cover misuse and abuse. If you break it by doing something you're not supposed to, it's your problem, not theirs. The warranty also doesn't cover machines placed in commercial gyms. These are HOME gyms. And while they're pretty sturdy, they're not made for 24/7 use. If you need a commercial model, buy a Nautilus.
The Bowflex Sport has a five year limited warranty. The Xtreme and Xtreme 2 have a seven year limited warranty. The Ultimate has a 10 year warranty while the Ultimate 2 has the longest limited warranty of all at 12 years.
The Power Rods
There is a no time limit warranty on the Bowflex power rod units. The warranty covers only the Power Rod units and not anything to which they are attached.. Bowflex expects the Power Rods not to wear out or lose their resistance after repeated flexes over years of continuous workouts.
You can contact The Nautilus Group, makers of the Bowflex fitness machines, in several ways in case of a warranty problem. Their website has a "contact us" page and gives their phone number for the twenty-four hour customer care support center.
Bowflex has a decent customer service track record. However, there may be a small delay in honoring the warranties due to the high volume of calls and deliveries that are being made to and from the consumers.
You can boost your Bowflex workout with videos, software, and books from their online store.
Videos
Bowflex produces 2 fitness trainer video sets to enhance your workout, reshape your body and strengthen your core muscles. Formerly only on VHS, you can get them now on DVD.
The two-video set, the Upper and Lower Body Workout, focuses individual muscle groups. Together they feature a full-body workout that allows you to target both your upper and lower body muscle groups separately in a regime that alternates daily.
With the three-video set, Body Building Workout, you work "alongside" professional Bowflex fitness trainers. The series separately targets three main muscle groups: the chest and shoulders; back and arms; and legs and trunk.
If you don't have enough to occupy you just working out, you can mount a Bowflex Portable DVD Play to your Ultimate 2. They suggest you just pop in your favorite fitness trainer video and you're set. It can also be attached to your TV or home theatre system, or it can travel with you. Somehow, I don't see watching the same video day after day as being very beneficial. Maybe you could also stock up on the Rocky movies for inspiration or The Sound of Music for peaceful thoughts.
The Bowflex i-Trainer Interactive Software is designed by professionals to help you meet your fitness goals. The i-Trainer acts as a fitness trainer by determining your fitness level, creating routines to meet your goals, guiding you through each exercise (specifically for the Ultimate), recording your progress, and teaching you workout and fitness tips. Of course sitting at your PC (not available for Mac users) devising routines takes on a life of its own. You have to be careful not to use all your fitness time at the computer. At some point you have to move it.
Another available accessory is the Bowflex Pilates Kit, combining Bowflex with Pilates principles. June Kahn created this kit to help you achieve strength, co-ordination and core conditioning. The Pilates Kit works together with parts of your Bowflex total gym. It includes a specially designed mat, stability ball, cable extensions, a Bowflex foot harness and yet another 45-minute video.
Dr. Ellington Darden's book, The Bowflex Body Plan, wraps up all the explanations into one package. An expert fitness trainer, he guides you through 24 different routines, complete with illustrations. He has also, with many years experience behind him, developed comprehensive diet guidelines for the serious fitness buff. He explains the secrets of water as related to fitness and the need for sufficient rest. Darden's dietary information is not for young athletes only. He has devised a four meals a day plan that encourages weight loss for women and anyone else who wants to target areas of their body and lose fat.
Expect more solid products developed with Bowflex exercise equipment in mind. But don't expect an avalanche that'll bury you. A study of the products on their site reveals a select group of carefully designed, well-researched videos, books and other support materials. Ones that stress good documented information and tested systems of fitness development - much like their well-known, durable machines.
Buying from Bowflex
If you buy your Bowflex or Treadclimber through the official site, you will find the most complete customer service and be eligible for their full warranty and satisfaction guarantee.
Buying through the Bowflex website is an option if you are unsure of what equipment you need. It has information on every Bowflex available for your home gym. You may read descriptions and find exercises a Bowflex can be used for. You will be able to read testimonials of people who have purchased their equipment.
For questions about any Bowflex or one of their Treadmills, there is the FAQ page. Another benefit of getting your Bowflex from the official site is the Bowflex interactive demo, available at the click of your mouse. You can order a free DVD and brochure from Bowflex to find your best treadmill.
If you purchase your Bowflex or Treadclimber from the online site, you will be get zero-down financing with the Bowflex guarantee. All these full features come at the full price.
Buying from an independent dealer
If you are looking to buy Bowflex or Treadclimber through an independent online dealer, the treadmills may be more economical. But beware of warranty terms. Most independent online dealers offer a 5-year warranty. You'll have to consider if that's enough for a purchase like the Bowflex or Treadclimber.
Purchasing treadmills or a Bowflex directly through Bowflex offer warranties anywhere from 5 to 12 years. People actually use this equipment that long. In order to get that long warranty term from an independent online dealer, customers often have to purchase extended warranties.
Buying from an online auction
Online auction sites such as eBay may be an option for you to purchase your Bowflex or Treadclimber. There are many treadmills, not just Treadclimber, for sale at auction sites. It's a good time to "let the buyer (meaning you) beware."
These prices for a Bowflex or Treadclimber are attractive to the potential buyer. But the equipment will lack Bowflex's warranty that extends only to the original, registered owner.
If you are have time to spend bidding, auction sites are a viable option. Before bidding on treadmills, find out who is selling at the auction site. You can find out about the seller and feedback on their sales through their ID number. You'll see what kind of service previous buyers have experienced with the particular seller.
One big drawback of buying a Bowflex through an auction site has got to be shipping. Find out if a seller has experience packaging and shipping. You may want to look for a local seller where you could go pick it up yourself. Craigslist.com in many cities provides this service.
Other option
If you have to see the equipment and try it out first, you'll have to bypass the Net and head for a store. Specialty stores selling fitness equipment will have many treadmills to choose from. Find out their about guarantees and what it covers for their treadmills. A store selling treadmills may have a limited warranty.
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