How to Build the Bowflex

Bowflex is a resistance training machine that uses tension for muscle and strength training in a compact package. Built around a central tower system with bow-like flexible rods, a system of pulleys and cables allows the user a variety of exercises. Of course, the exercising can't start until the Bowflex is assembled. The Bowflex has some variations and different configurations, but once a classic Bowflex like this one is assembled, the procedure will be relatively familiar.

Things You'll Need

  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • 3/8 inch wrench
  • Hex head wrenches included with the Bowflex
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the end caps to the base rails. Screw the lower lat tower to the base using the hex head screws provided and the hex head wrench. The lat tower base sits on the center rail of the base and the screw holes align with the metal flanges on the bottom of the tower. Screw the carriage bolts through both the lat tower flanges and the base rail, and attach the nuts to secure it.

    • 2

      Affix the seat rail into the seat slider. The threaded hole on the end of the seat rail needs to face upward. Attach with four sets of bolts, washers and nuts. Attach the rubber pad to the connector plate on the seat assembly.

    • 3

      Add the leg extension to the front end of the seat rail. Next attach the entire seat rail assembly to the base, with the mount on the front of the lat tower. A bolt passes through the mount on the lat tower, and the seat rail end that slides between the sides of the mount. Secure the bolt with a nut and washer, and add the screw that is set down in on the top of the rail.

    • 4

      Insert the lat tower cross bar to the upper lat tower assembly by sliding the cross bar between the mount flanges and bolting it in place. Make sure not to unwrap the cables from the pulleys. Slide the upper lat bar assembly into place on the lower lat tower and secure with the six bolts provided.

    • 5

      Add the rod pack to the mounting plate at the back of the lat tower assembly. Secure with three threaded screws with washers, but do not tighten completely. Attach the rod box end plate to the back of the rod pack base, use two sets of threaded screws with washers to secure it.

    • 6

      Bolt the chest bar assembly with pulleys into place on the back of the lower lat tower with the two bolts provided. They slide through the chest bar mount, the lat tower, and are secured on the other side with a washer and a nut.

    • 7

      Add the cushioned rolls to the leg extension by threading the metal rods through the leg assembly arm. Slide the cushions onto either ends of the metal rods and place the end caps in place to secure them.

    • 8

      Slip the hinged end of the bench into the holder on the seat. Snap the placard into place on the upper lat tower. Attach the cable clip to the rear of the lat tower next to the rod assembly.

    • 9

      Thread the cables through the pulleys that will operate the device for your first exercise. Clip the cables onto a resistance rod, then the other ends to the hand grips. Attach the cables for the leg extension. Connect cables in different configurations to operate each exercise device on the Bowflex.