Strength gains consequent to ten weeks of universal or bowflex training
Abstract
A strength training program was undertaken to determine if a
home strength training device (Schwinn Bowflex) could result
in similar improvements in strength compared to a more
traditional method (Universal). Seventy-two men and women,
aged 20-55 yrs, were randomly assigned to Universal (U) (n =
26; M = 14, F = 12), Bowflex (B) (n = 25; M = 13, F = 12),
or Control (C) (n = 21; M = 11, F = 10). Following a 1 week
orientation period, Ss were tested with OEI equipment and
free weights for 1 RM strength on: chest press, chest fly,
shoulder press, tricep extension, bicep curl, lat pulldown,
upright rows, leg extension, leg curl, and leg press.
Additionally, U and B subjects were tested for 1 RM on their
respective training apparatus. Ss trained 3 days per week
for 10 weeks with sets, repetitions, and intensities matched
between groups. Data were analyzed using repeated measures
ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests. There were no significant
(p > .05) differences in relative strength gains between
males and females, thus data were collapsed across genders.
Utilizing OEI equipment and free weight testing, strength
significantly (p < .05) increased in B (14.5%) and U (19.3%)
with no change (p > .05) in C. The only significant
(p < .05) difference between B and U were for leg curls
(5 vs. 17%) and upright rows (8 vs. 15%). For the group
specific testing, overall strength significantly (p < .OS)
increased for both B (23.5%) and U (25.5%). Skinfold
(chest, tricep, bicep, abdominal, subscapular, and
suprailiac) and girth (bicep relaxed, bicep flexed, and
thigh) measurements were taken with a Harpenden caliper and
tape measure, respectively. There were no significant
(p > .05) differences between B, U, and C groups except for
the chest skinfold with U having a significant (p < .01)
decrease. There were no significant (p > .05) differences
between groups for girth measurements except a small but
significant (p < .05) increase in the bicep flexed
measurement for B (1.98) and U (2.2%). These data indicate
that significant improvements in strength can be obtained
using the Schwinn Bowflex, and gains are comparable to
traditional resistance training methods. Changes in body
composition should not be expected following a 10-week
strength training study.
Subject
Universal weight training equipment
Weight training - Equipment and supplies
Weight training - Physiological aspects
Muscle strength