Filed under: App Review
First Look: iFlex trainer for Bowflex
As the owner of a new Bowflex system, I was excited to be able to try the $1.99 iFlex app from Redkab Creative [iTunes link]. For the new system owner, this app is really helpful. It provides a video reference library that shows you how to use the equipment to perform a wide range of exercises for every part of the body.
Each movement is categorized into an area of your anatomy, including shoulders, chest, arms, legs, and so forth. Within each category are a dozen or more individual exercises. Each unit contains both a video overview and a starting and ending position -- very helpful when trying to understand exactly how to perform the exercise.
In addition to the reference material, iFlex offers a virtual trainer. This section of the app includes suggested workout routines for gaining muscle, losing weight, and toning. You can track your sets, report the number of pounds lifted and your reps. Days 6 and 7 instruct you to "take the day off." I did not find any graphing tools or any way to track progress otherwise, nor can you create your own workouts.
To wrap up the program, a simple fitness calculator figures out your BMI (Body-Mass Index, the same index used by Wii Fit), BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate), and your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure). It's a nice enough feature, but something of an afterthought.
iFlex was nicely designed and for just two bucks, it's a great accessory to a Bowflex-style system. My personal unit is different from the one used in the videos, but it wasn't hard to adapt the instructions to the realities of the equipment in use. I'm looking forward to using iFlex over the next few weeks to add to my workout vocabulary.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tom G said 7:32PM on 11-25-2009
You say you bought a different Bowflex model than the one in the video. Would that be one of their Revolution models? Congrats if so, sounds like you seriously want to develop muscle (not that the rod design doesn't). What are your workout goals? Can't get value out of a gym like this unless you have them - though I'm sure I don't need to tell you. Have fun. I envy you.
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mike said 9:52PM on 11-25-2009
"As the owner of a new Bowflex system"
Pics or it didn't happen
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(01) said 10:31AM on 11-26-2009
Wait, people actually own the Bowflex? It's a thanksgiving miracle!
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Eddie said 1:17PM on 11-27-2009
Me, I've owned one for several years. I got it because when I was in high-school PE we did archery and I remember how strong my arms got, especially the right one which was the pulling one. The rods do pretty much the same thing in that the harder I push them the harder they push back. Since I've had it, I've used it mostly consistently (but sometimes I've had gaps where I'm just lazy and the TV shows are just too good), but now I use it pretty much three times per week. I'll have to check out this app. Thanks for the tip!
DrWho said 11:45AM on 11-26-2009
I own one. The rods make great clothes hangers.
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Connie said 1:13PM on 11-27-2009
I have owned a Bowflex for several years (the rod kind). I find that I go through periods where I use it and periods where I use it to store things (like you mentioned clothes). Luckily the former is longer than the latter as it seems to help me keep toned and not put on weight while sitting behind this computer all day. I use an app called iFitness that does some of the same things, but it also provides progress charts as well. As to the recall, they had one on mine where the bench would slip occasionally -- they provided an additional retainer and it has worked fine ever since.
King Fysel said 10:24AM on 11-27-2009
Consumer Reports
March 6, 2009
Nautilus makes third recall of the Bowflex Ultimate 2 home gym
BowflexRecall Nautilus has recalled 78,000 Bowflex home gyms after getting 18 reports of injuries resulting in head and shoulder lacerations, some requiring stitches or staples.
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