cover image The Bowflex Body Plan: The Power Is Yours: Build More Muscle: Lose More Fat

The Bowflex Body Plan: The Power Is Yours: Build More Muscle: Lose More Fat

Ellington Darden. Rodale Press, $29.95 (300pp) ISBN 978-1-57954-689-2

Who hasn't seen the infomercial on BowFlex, an ultra muscle-tightening, weight-reducing, cable-bending workout machine that looks like it takes a rocket scientist to assemble? Well, here's that infomercial in book form--with a number of additional features. Darden, who has a doctorate in exercise science and is the former director of research for Nautilus, extols BowFlex's benefits and describes exercise routines designed to improve weak arms, flabby stomachs and sagging rear-ends. He also offers a muscle-promoting diet, a plan for""superhydration,"" several motivational pep talks, testimonials and a question and answer section. For owners of the machine, the manual is a must-have; for those pondering an investment in the machine, Darden's treatise--which makes the Bowflex sound like the greatest thing since sliced bread--will probably have them reaching for their wallets. 60 black & white photographs