Nautilus recalls 78,000 Bowflex gyms
Home gym system is recalled for the second time in 15 months after users report injuries.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Fitness product maker Nautilus Inc. is recalling a total of 78,000 Bowflex home gym systems because of safety concerns, federal officials said Tuesday.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the seat of the Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym could fall unexpectedly and injure a user or bystander. The seat, which must be fastened manually, is designed to be latched in a vertical position for storage.
Vancouver, Wash.-based Nautilus Inc. has received 18 reports of injury due to seats coming unlatched, some involving head and shoulder lacerations that required stitches or staples, according to the CPSC.
It was the second time less than two years that the company has recalled the Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gyms.
Nautilus recalled 68,000 of the same item in December 2007 after receiving three reports of injury related to fasteners that failed to hold parts of the equipment in place.
The Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym was sold at specialty fitness retailers nationwide and through direct Nautilus sales from June 2005 through January 2009. It retails for about $2,300.
The CPSC said owners may continue to use their home gyms for exercising, but should not place the seat rail in its upright storage position until it is repaired. Repair kits are being sent to registered owners.
Nautilus (NLS) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.