CPSC, Nautilus Direct Announce Recall of Bowflex Power Pro Fitness Machines
CPSC recall 04073 · announced January 29, 2004 · Nautilus Direct (doing Business As Bowflex) · 420,000 units affected
The product
The recalled fitness machines are the Bowflex Power Pro XL, XTL and XTLU systems with the "Lat Tower" attachment. The "Lat Tower" attaches to the back of the bench, and has pull-down pulleys attached. The name "Bowflex" and the model name are printed on the front of the machine. The machine has 10 to 14 resistance rods that extend about 48 inches high and a backboard bench that is about 36 inches long.
The hazard
First, while being used in the incline position, the machine's backboard bench can unexpectedly collapse and break, posing a risk of injury to the user. Second, the "Lat Tower," can rotate forward and fall during use, posing a risk of injury to the user.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should stop using the backboard bench in the incline position and "Lat Tower" on the fitness machines immediately. The firm is no longer in business and the recall remedy is no longer available. Discard this product. Do not donate or resell.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): Nautilus Direct and CPSC have received at least 70 reports of the backboard benches breaking, resulting in at least 59 back, neck and shoulder injuries. Nautilus Direct has received at least 18 reports of the "Lat Tower" rotating forward and falling, resulting in at least 14 back, neck, shoulder, teeth, nose and head injuries, some of which required stitches.
Sold at: Infomercials and specialized retail stores nationwide sold the fitness machines, from January 1995 through December 2003, for between $1,200 and $1,600.
Consumer contact: The company is out of business. Consumers should call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.