Bowflex® SelectTech® 552 Dumbbells

People have ever increasing demands from their items these days and ways to get in shape is no exception.  We don’t just want a product to serve its purpose well; we want it to fit into our lifestyle too.  Such is the case with adjustable dumbbells.  I have personally used one, the Bowflex kind that goes up to 90 lbs and I think that whoever thought of these babies know that health buffs who would prefer to do their thing at home than in the gym would want to have an equipment that can progress with them without cluttering their space.  A complete set of dumbbells can do the former but not necessarily the latter.  Adjustable weights can do both and then some more.

The Pros and Cons of Using Adjustable Weights

The Pros

• We all know that muscles adapt to the resistance they are subjected to after a period of time and the only way to get around this and ensure your muscle growth doesn’t stagnate (and so too your training) is to introduce heavier resistance.  With adjustable weights you get to do that without having to run to the store to get new ones once you’ve outgrown your old ones.  You simply replace the weight plates and whatnot.  So that’s one point for adjustable weights: the assurance that you have readily available resistance you can use. No hassle, no pauses in your training.
• Another obvious point for adjustable weights is their easy-to-store features.  As mentioned earlier, you can have all the weight you need with no problems of how to squeeze them into your space.  This is especially practical for those with small living spaces.
• Adjustable weights are a great option for those who want to do their strength training without having to run to the gym.  Dumbbells can help train and tone practically every muscle in the body with the right training exercises and with these weights, your entire body should be covered well and good, if it is a well-rounded workout you are after.
• Some adjustable weights even have additional features that make them ideal over the average dumbbells and one notable feature is the quick dial and lock switch that you can make use of so you don’t have to get up to change the resistance.  You can literally just lie down there, do a little dialing and you’re good to go.  Bowflex’s adjustable dumbbells have this exact feature.

The Cons

• Some people find the range to be a big minus but personally, I think that a 130 pound range is pretty good and reliable for the features adjustable weights provide.  Heck, I would even go for the 50 to 90 if I didn’t have anyone to share it with. In any case, these weights are for the average person simply wanting to tone, maintain or get fit and definitely not made with the heavy lifters in mind.
• It can get pretty expensive and it isn’t exactly practical if you’ve no intention of using the whole range the product offers.  If you’re only planning to use 5- to 10-pound weights, you’re better off buying these weights individually.  But if you’re sharing it with someone, such as in my case where I’m sharing an adjustable dumbbells set with my husband, it’s a pretty good investment.
• Users complain about parts breaking, getting lost or making noises.  Some even have weights slipping off.  These are probably some of the adjustable dumbbells’ biggest and reason-for-concern flaws.  Compared to the solid sturdy build of your traditional hexagon weights, there’s definitely some maintenance and caring time that should be allotted for your adjustable set if you ever decide to get one.  You want to add oil on some parts and make sure you put them back in their designated area, and you should have a designated area, for them.  They’re compact but it’s not good advice to leave them just anywhere.  Also, it’s very important to get a good brand.  More often than not, you always get what you give, or in this case, pay for.
• Grip isn’t an issue, as far as I’m concerned, but it certainly is for some.  The irregular shapes make it hard for some to do certain exercises or even get their hands to grip the product in the first place.

Overall, adjustable dumbbells are pretty up to par with the ordinary or traditional hex weights that are neoprene or vinyl-coated that you can find out there, minus the clutter.  At least that is the case as far as my experience with the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells go.  But of course, it’s always a different stroke for each different folk so it is important to know about other similar products that are available so you can make the best choice for you.

Vs Weider Adjustable Dumbbells

The Weider Powerswitch Adjustable Dumbbells are pretty traditional looking and compared to the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, they are much more affordable.  There are three models available: 5-25lbs single dumbbell, a pair of these 25 lbs model that adds up to up to 50 lbs of resistance, and lastly a 10-50lbs model that is bought in pairs adding up to a total of 100 lbs of resistance.  Compared to the Bowflex SelectTech’s, these models are pretty limited in range.  Durability-wise, Weider has had a good share of complaints as opposed to Bowflex’s practically zero.  Both have plastic parts that people are initially very wary of but in the end, Bowflex keeps it together while Weider just cracks at the threading (which is a key component in keeping the plates in place) and the storage case.

Vs Lifecore Adjustable Dumbbells

The Lifecore Adjustable Dumbbells set works just like the Bowflex ones: each has to be on their respective tray when you adjust them.  The mechanism differs, however:  While Bowflex uses an adjustable dial that you turn to change the weights, Lifecore uses a slide-and-lock design.  Both have plastic parts which many people have serious doubts with in terms of life expectancy.  But neither has ever really broken with careful use.  Smashing either dumbbell sets is not recommended.

Since you can probably get the same results using either of the two, I guess the determining factor for which to choose would be the range, price and warranty.  If you place Bowflex’s lower-end, Selectech 552 with Lifecore’s Corebell 5-55 head-to-head, Lifecore outdoes Bowflex in the range category by a mere 2.5 lbs while Bowflex wins the price battle as it is priced around $40 lower.  These two are a close call as both have equally good reviews with users.  If you want heavier weights though, Bowflex becomes the clear winner as it offers up to 90 lbs with its 1090 model.  When it comes to warranty however, Lifecore is the clear winner with lifetime offering on the weight plates and Bowflex providing only up to 5 years.

Vs Powerblocks

The Powerblocks Adjustable Dumbbells set is pretty much the only real competition Bowflex has in the category because when compared head-to-head, each has their own advantage over the other.  Price-wise, Powerblocks are slightly higher than the Bowflex variety but the difference is almost negligible.  In terms of build, they’re equally sturdy too.  There’s the clacking sound of the parts that many complain of when you use them but really, they’re just a nuisance in the beginning and is no reason for worry at all as both have been proven to not fall apart and be very reliable and safe even after years of use.

In terms of range, Powerblocks offers more.  It has models that have 3-24 lbs, 5-45 lbs and 5-90 lbs ranges as opposed to Bowflex’s 5-52.5 and 10-90 lbs models.  Both offer 2.5 increments for the lower weights.  Powerblocks also offer add-on weights that can bring you up to 130 lbs of weight for each dumbbell but this is only available for the 5-45 lbs model and not for the cheapest personal training set of 3-24 lbs.

In terms of design, I personally like Bowflex.  It looks rather traditional and you get more space for your grips.  Powerblocks tend to make my arms feel cramped although they really aren’t.  It’s a frivolous category as function should always take precedence over form but to those of you care about the little details, it is worth mentioning.

Function-wise, each has an edge over the other.  Bowflex has the edge over Powerblocks for its ability to provide distinct distribution on each end of the dumbbell as you can set the dial lower on one side and higher on the other.  This is perfect for tricep curls, as most would say, and for other exercises that works best when this feature is used.  In terms of overall weight distribution though, Powerblocks seems to edge out on Bowflex a little since the upper part of the Bowflex dumbbells are a bit bare and most of the weight are settled at the bottom.

Powerblocks are smaller in size which makes them easier to do double-arm exercises with.  But the Bowflex carries an advantage for its plastic covered weights over the Powerblocks’ pure metal finish.  With the Bowflex, irritating noises when the dumbbells clash are completely eliminated.

As to ease of use, I think each have their advantages as well.  In terms of the switching mechanism, Bowflex’s dial switch is a breeze to use; you can run into minor mistakes when switching using the pins with Powerblocks.  However, Powerblocks can also easily be adjusted on any flat surface while Bowflex has to be placed in its case.

The Best Adjustable Weights: Price, Feature, and Function

In summary, although I’m a big Bowflex fan and user, I have to say that you can’t go wrong with getting a Bowflex, a Powerblocks Adjustable Weights or a Lifecore set.  It all boils down to the features.  You have to really ask yourself which of the features you are actually willing to live with and/or without.

• Choosing between new and used equipment.
• Some helpful tips before you decide to buy your used Bowflex.
• How to get the very best deal and the most bang for your buck.
• Where to get the best deals online and off.

In these difficult times, money seems to be tight for just about everyone.  However, we have certain requirements in life whether the money is there or not.  Those requirements include maintaining our physical health.  If we suddenly find ourselves out of work, being in great shape allows us to have the energy to push forward find new work and even make our lives better than they were before.   Sure times are tough right now, but that's no reason to throw in the towel.

If you haven't been keeping up on a regular exercise routine, even though money is tight, now is a better time than ever before to invest in a piece of home exercise equipment.  Bowflex obviously jumps to the top of the list because of it's versatility, durability, and ease of use and storage.  But these machines can be quite costly.  It's like the bill collector passing judgment on you for not making a payment on time... it's ridiculous.  If you had the money you would have made the payment right?   The same goes for purchasing the needed equipment for a home gym.   So what are the solutions?

When we are trying to save money, one of the first things that pops up is buying things used.   It's the same for exercise equipment.  There are dozens of benefits of buying used gear, if you know what to look for.  You have to be careful that you're not getting suckered into buying a lemon.

Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym List Price: $799.00 Sale Price: $394.95 You save: $404.05 (51%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

If you've already made up your mind to buy used Bowflex equipment, then you should keep a couple things in mind.  First of all, do you have any kind of guarantee if the product turns out to be faulty?  Some products such as a full Bowflex home gym has replaceable parts, such as the Power Rods.  If an item has replaceable parts that are not too costly to get or install, then you're starting out in pretty good shape.  Check some pricings and make sure that if something were to go wrong that you would be able to afford to fix it.  You don't want your new (or should I say used) investment just sitting and collecting dust in the garage.

Keep in mind that Bowflex offers warrantys and guarantees on most of their products.  These warrantys and guarantees do not necessarily cross over when you are purchasing a used product, although they may.  If they do, undoubtedly the seller will be using this as a selling point in their sales description.   Great information to know.

Choosing Between New and Used

If you are in the market for a used Bowflex for sale then you will have your choice of many that are on the market. This is because Bowflex is very popular exercise equipment and they are durably built, so they last for a long time. Bowflex has several models that they market including the Bowflex Ultimate, the Ultimate 2, the Bowflex Extreme and Extreme 2, not to mention the Bowflex Blaze.

When you find your used Bowflex for sale it will usually carry a price tag that is roughly half as much as a new Bowflex machine. A used Bowflex for sale is almost always in good condition, because of the fact that the bows themselves are engineered to maintain their tensile strength and the rest of the machine is solid and durable construction.

Where to Find a Used Bowflex For Sale

A second hand sporting goods store is an excellent place to find a used Bowflex for sale but you are always going to find a broader choice and better prices shopping online. One problem that you may face when shopping for and buying a used Bowflex for sale is transporting it to your home. If you don’t have a pick-up truck then maybe you can convince a friend who does to do the transporting for you.

Tips Before You Buy a Used Bowflex

If you buy a Bowflex machine online it can be shipped but because they are quite heavy the shipping charges can run up, so you have to do some math to make sure that the savings from buying it online offset the cost of the shipping. If you are interested in having a lot of features on your Bowflex machine then you should shop for one of the newer models but if you’re not interested in added features one of the older models should work just fine.

How to Get the Best Deal

If you are in the market for a Bowflex fitness machine then one option is to buy a used Bowflex. Bowflex equipment is durably built and lasts for years and the bows themselves are designed to never wear out, so you should have no trouble finding a used Bowflex in great shape. One thing to remember if you are going to buy a used Bowflex is that it has to be transported to your home, so you are going to need a truck or a mini-van with a large passenger capacity.

Another option is to rent a small trailer that you can attach to the back of your vehicle. If you don’t have a tow ball on the back of your vehicle, remember to check the price on renting a tow-bar with the trailer. These things will be required if you are not buying your used Bowflex online, which is where you are going to find the best prices and more choices and options.

Research Your Used Bowflex Before You Buy

You should try to make yourself familiar with all the various models of Bowflex fitness gyms that have been marketed over the years and one thing to remember is that the older the model, the fewer feature options it is going to have. As Bowflex produced each newer model, they included in it more optional equipment that could be added onto it for various reasons.

Where to Start Finding Deals on Used Bowflexes?

There are several places to look for a used Bowflex and one place to start is your local sporting goods store that features in used sporting goods equipment. There are a couple of chain stores that specialize in used sporting goods equipment and you can find them in the yellow pages. Another place is the classified advertisement section of your local news paper. You are always going to find the best deals online but you have to make sure that your shipping costs don’t exceed your savings from buying online.

If you want to buy online consider searching Craigslist and doing a local pickup so you can dodge the high shipping costs for a machine like this.

See larger image Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym (Sports) List Price: $799.00 USD New From: $394.95 In Stock Release date September 22, 2008.

Now you can scrap your cumbersome and impractical standard hand dumbbells and switch to a far more compact, sensible and easy to use system. It's the Bowflex 1090 Dumbbells that combine a complete set of weights into one easy to use system.

• Weight Range: 10 to 90 lbs (4.5 to 40.8 kg)
• Exercises: 30+
• Weight Settings: 17
• Weight Settings (in pounds): 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90
• Dimensions (Each): 15.75 inches long by 8 inches wide by 9 inches tall
• Dimensions: 17.5 inches long by 10 inches wide by 10 inches tall (44.4 x 24.2 x 5.3 cm)

All in One Dumbbell

This all in one set of weights is fully adjustable from ten pounds up to ninety pounds in five pound increments. Simply turn the smooth-click dial and the handle automatically connects up more weights. Stop on the number you've chosen and you're good to go.

Just set it back in its form fitting open case when your done. No clanging or floor scuffing because the entire system is completely coated with a durable and heavy layer of industrial grade plasticized rubber. It's designed to last a lifetime.

In the end though, all convenience and technology aside, if a system isn't better for building muscle then it's really all just whistles and bells. So then is there anything beyond the above listed conveniences and features that make the Bowflex 1090 better in that way?

Yes there is and it has to do with the speed and ease that the weight can be adjusted down during reps. You see with a standard dumbbell, you have to stop a rep to adjust down the weight as your arm becomes fatigued. It's time consuming and breaks concentration.

However; with the Bowflex 1090 switching down weight in increments is as easy as turning a dial. It's done in mere seconds. What this means is that you don't have to stop when your arm or leg becomes tired. Instead you can just click down the weight and keep on going for maximum gain.

For more information about this product, click here.

See larger image Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell (Single) (Sports) List Price: $399.00 USD New From: $273.91 In Stock Used from: $243.97 In Stock

The Best Weights in Town

• Substitute up to 30 Dumbbells with a turn of a dial
• Fiddle With Your Workout by adjusting in 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) increments
• Space Saver say goodbye up to 30 dumbbells cluttering your fitness space.
• Great Body Results - with more weight options, you can already tone your body by increasing the amount of the dumbbell’s weight in an instant

If when you close your eyes and think of exercise dumbbells you see a bunch of heavy iron weights scattered about the floor of a gym or exercise room then you haven’t seen the cutting edge technology that Bowflex has to offer in their new series of Bowflex Dumbbells. With these new Bowflex Dumbbells, all of the weights are contained in a complete compact set that operates with a smooth functioning dial.

Bowflex Dumbbells Provide Simple Convenience

Rather then several dumbbell bars with a bunch of weights that are put on the bars as they are needed its one complete set per dumbbell bar that operates as a self contained unit. It’s so much more convenient to use ands you can even keep a set by your easy chair so you can do reps while you watch the tube.

When the dial is turned on a Bowflex Dumbbell set, the interlocking mechanism selects out and locks in only the amount of weight that you have selected with the dial. It’s so simple and convenient to use and with a simple turn of the key-lock mechanism you can adjust the weight of each dumbbell from 2.5 pounds all the way up to 20 pounds on each Bowflex Dumbbell if that is what you want. It takes only a few seconds at most and this means that when your arm becomes fatigued with the weight you have on the dumbbell you can quickly adjust the weight down and do another set, for maximum results from a maximum workout.

These dumbbells are so much safer to use than those that you have seen in the past, because with Bowflex Dumbbells there is absolutely no risk of any of the weights coming off the end and landing on anyone’s foot. Bowflex SelectTec Dumbbells are quite simply the latest technology in exercise and fitness equipment and they have been shown to give faster and more visible results. This is because; with Bowflex Dumbbells it is so much more expedient to switch from one amount of weight to the next for various exercises.

Bowflex Dumbbells are perfect for use in your home or apartment because each individual weight is geometrically shaped and has a thick coating of rubberized plastic, so they won’t roll around or scratch anything.

Selecting out the amount of weight that you want on the Bowflex Dumbbell is as easy as turning the dial to the desired number that you want and it’s just that simple. For instance if you want five pounds on the Bowflex Dumbbell you simply turn the dial to the number five and five pounds of weight is securely locked into place. It’s a simple key-lock mechanism that works smoothly every time so it’s so easy to use and it won’t ever wear out.

My Own First Time

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) List Price: $549.00 Sale Price: $314.99 You save: $234.01 (43%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

Now I'll be the first to admit that when I first heard about Bowflex Selecttech Dumbbells, I was more than a little skeptical. Think about it. Who hasn't grown up without a set of standard dumbbells sitting around? They're basic and relatively inexpensive. Particularly if you pick them up used.

So in my mind, it seemed a little bit like an attempt to re-invent the wheel because dumbbells in form and function are about as basic as you can get. However; that was all about to change after I finally had a chance to try out a set of Selecttechs myself.

My buddy Dave spun the dials and set me up with fifteen pounds on each one, set them in the rack on their stand and told me to give em a go. So I reached down and grabbed them. Man, the very first thing that I noticed about them was their rounded ergonomic handles.

They felt great in the palms of my hand and my fingers wrapped around them perfectly. “Real comfortable”. So anyway, I started in doing a rep of ten curls then set them back in the stand when I was done, to rest my arms and let Dave have a go at em.

So what does Dave do? He reaches down and flips the dials around so I have ten pounds on each one of the Bowflex Selecttech 552 Dumbbells. Then he tells be to kick out another ten curls, which I did and once again I thought I was done.

So once again, Dave reaches down and quickly flips the dials so that I now have five pounds on each dumbbell and tells be to push out one last rep, which I of course did. Now this time for sure I was done because I knew that they can't go any lower than five pounds.

I'll tell you what! My arms were burning by the time I was done with those thirty curls! Dave just looked at me and laughed. “Now do you see why I've switched to Bowflex Selecttechs? “They're worth every penny cause you just can't get results like that with standard dumbbells man”.

Why You Should Check Out Bowflex Dumbbells

These weights are so much cheaper than the old style bare iron dumbbells, because one set of Bowflex Bumbbells replaces several standard bare iron dumbbells. This means that instead of having to have several dumbbell sets sitting around with various weights on them you simply have one Bowflex Dumbbell set.

Find more information here.

See larger image Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) (Sports) List Price: $549.00 USD New From: $314.99 In Stock Used from: $300.00 In Stock Release date August 21, 2008.