40 Something Reviews

Bowflex SelecTech 552 Dumbbells Review

The set of loose dumbbells I had ranging in weight from 5 to 15 lbs was sufficient for me until I decided to do the ChaLEAN Extreme program by Beachbody.   During the first week of the program, it quickly became apparent that I was going to need heavier weights.  However, with the average price ranging from $40.00 – $60.00 US per dumbbell, I was mortified at how much it was going to cost me to buy a couple more sets.

Pros

I noticed that workout instructor, Chalene Johnson, uses the Bowflex SelecTech 552 dumbbells in her ChaLEAN Extreme videos and she speaks very highly of them.  Their appeal is obvious – you get 30 dumbbells compacted into a set of just 2 dumbbells – an incredible space saver.

While the Bowflex SelecTech dumbbells are fairly expensive, it would cost me nearly as much to buy a couple more sets of loose dumbbells.  In addition, the SelecTech dumbbells would provide me with the range of weights I needed without adding clutter to my workout space.

After reading pages of online reviews and doing extensive price comparisons, I found that Amazon.com had the best price hands down.  They also offered free shipping – an enormous savings – considering that the shipping weight of the two dumbbells would be over 100 lbs.

My Bowflex SelecTech dumbbells arrived just days after I placed my order.  I was immediately impressed with how nice they looked.  They have a sleek, modern design, so I don’t mind storing them in my living room, which is where I do my workouts.  Everything arrived fully assembled, so all I had to do was unpack the dumbbells and place them in their holder and I was good to go.

There are two dials on each dumbbell.  They can be turned in either direction to select the weight you want.  The dials turn smoothly and click into place at each marker.    There are no awkward pins or clips to use.  The dumbbells both lift out and slide back to their holders effortlessly.  The bars are coated with a rubber grip which makes them comfortable to hold and helps prevent them from becoming slippery when you sweat.

As a 40-something woman, I appreciate the 2.5 lb increments that go up to 25 lbs.  That means instead of having to jump from a 10 lb weight up to a 15 lb weight, I can use the 12.5 lb weight.  Or instead of making the drastic jump from a 15 lb weight to a 20 lb weight, I can use the 17.5 lb weight.

I’ve had them for nearly a year now, in which I’ve used them through the entire 4-month ChaLEAN Extreme program, and couldn’t be happier with them.  The guys in my household also use them.  The heaviest weight I’ve lifted so far is 30 lbs and the guys get to 40 lbs on occasion.    The SelecTech dumbbells provide what you need for the present with plenty of room to grow in the future.

Cons

The Bowflex SelecTech 552 dumbbells are longer and somewhat bulkier than your standard sized dumbbells, so that takes some getting used to.  At first, they would bump into my legs or other body parts because I wasn’t used to their size, but I quickly adjusted.

There is also a slight movement in the weight plates, but it’s so minimal that you hardly notice it after awhile.

Recommended: Yes

At a Glance:

• Space saver – 30 dumbbells compacted into 2 dumbbells
• Each dumbbell offers a range of 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs:
  5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 lbs
• Ability to select 2.5 lb increments up to 25 lbs
• Easy to use, all it takes is a turn of the dials to switch to a different weight
• Sleek, modern design
• Longer and bulkier than standard dumbbells which takes some getting used to

Questions about the Bowflex SelecTech 552 dumbbells?  Leave a comment and I will be happy to answer you.  Already own them?  Tell us what you think!

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