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Bowflex Defects

Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym Recall October 2007
In October 2007, Nautilus Inc. recalled another 68,000 Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gyms.   Fasteners on the machine could loosen, allowing sections of the equipment to separate and possibly hit someone.  Prior to the recall, three consumers had complained of bruised arms and soreness as a result of the box holding the gym’s resistance rods separating from the frame.

The recalled Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gyms were manufactured in China.  The home gyms were sold by fitness retailers and direct to consumers for about $2,300. The exercise device was equipped with pulleys, tension rods, and other equipment to permit the user to select from among a variety of exercise routines. "Bowflex" and "Bowflex Ultimate 2" are on the front of the “Lat Tower” and sides of the main upright frame structure. Customers who purchased a recalled Bowflex Ultimate Home Gym were instructed to contact Nautilus Inc. for a repair kit, too little too late if you were already injured..

Bowflex Defects Go Unreported
Between 1995 and December 2003, Nautilus made and sold approximately 420,000 Bowflex Power Pro fitness machines with a “Lat Tower” and a backboard bench. The CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) alleges that between December 1998 and July 2002, Nautilus knew of 27 incidents and 25 injuries to consumers when the backboard bench broke apart and collapsed unexpectedly during use.

The company allegedly knew, but did not report to CPSC, that consumers suffered back, disc and neck injuries and falls resulting in chipped teeth. In addition, CPSC alleges that the company failed to report a June 2000 design change, intended to reinforce the bench by adding a steel plate. In January 2004, after the company had finally reported in full, CPSC and Nautilus announced the recall of Power Pro machines.

Between August 2002 and April 2004, Nautilus received 32 reports of consumers suffering injuries when the seat pin on the Bowflex Power Pro (with a “Lat Tower”) and Ultimate fitness machines unexpectedly broke or became disengaged during use. Nautilus, it is alleged, failed to tell CPSC that users unexpectedly fell back on the adjustable seat and suffered injuries.

2004 Bowflex Ultimate and Power Pro Recall
The injuries included a blood clot, a laceration requiring stitches, pulled ligaments and back, disc and neck injuries. In November 2004, after the company had finally reported in full, CPSC and Nautilus announced a new recall of Power Pro and Ultimate fitness machines.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Nautilus Inc., of Vancouver, Wash., has agreed to pay a $950,000 civil penalty. The penalty, which has been provisionally accepted by the Commission, settles allegations that the company failed to give CPSC timely reports on serious injuries and safety defects with nearly 800,000 Bowflex fitness machines.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective bowflex machine, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified product liability attorney.