Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells – Adjustable Dumbbell Set Ideal for Dumbbell Workouts
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Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells help you to get a good strength workout without stepping out of your house, without paying for a gym membership, without having those huge home gym equipment occupying a big space of your house.
With its unique and effective design, Bowflex SelectTech 552 offers a flexible strength-training option. With just the turn of a dial, you can automatically change your resistance on each dumbbell from 5 pounds all the way up to 52.5 pounds of weight.
My Story with Bowflex SelectTech 552
I have been a runner since young, especially cross country running / trail running. I enjoy running in the nature.
Unfortunately, when I stepped into my 40′s, I realized that my running has slowed down quite significantly. And my knees started to hurt. I could not find running or even jogging enjoyable anymore.
Fortunately, I discovered the Barefoot running method and I relived the joy of running. I felt just like a young kid when I run nowadays. Oh yes, efficient running certainly helps a person feel young and look young.
Using a Running Metronome (Seiko DM50S Clip On Digital Metronome) to help to manage my running cadence; a Gymboss Interval Timer to help me to extend my running distance as well as a Garmin Forerunner 305 to track my timing and performance. And it works, now I could run much faster, longer and further than 10 years ago.
I learnt from the book “Runner World’s Run Less Run Faster” I needed to incorporate strength training into my running program to up my performance. But I hate to pay a membership fee to join the gym. Anyway, I find that time spent on traveling to and from the gym for an hour of strength training is not an ideal approach.
So I did my research and discovered that there is such a thing called the adjustable dumbbells which combine various weights into one dumbbell set. I did some market research and went through hundreds of consumer reviews, I noticed that the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells seems to be the most popular adjustable dumbbells that could enable me to have a good strength workout without stepping out from my house.
I bought the Bowflex dumbbells for my strength training following the Run Less Run Faster (FAST) cross training method. I was not totally satisfied with the strength training method laid out in the FAST as it covers little on using dumbbells for strength training.
Though SelectTechs 552 comes with a short DVD that shows you some workouts specifically designed for these dumbbells and how to use them, I did my research again, looking for some strength training method using the dumbbell set and I found “P90X: Tony Horton’s 90-Day Extreme Home Fitness Workout DVD Program”.
P90X Workout DVD Program
Since I am more into running, I did not follow the P90X Workout Schedule to the T neither the P90X nutrition plan but within a short 4 months, I put on 9 pounds of solid lean muscle.
Though I like the challenge of running up hill, normally I could not complete the run with consistent speed running up hill, I slowed down tremendously half way through. Now after going through the P90X Workout using the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells, I have strengthen my legs, chest, shoulder and neck muscle, I could do the up hill running with ease. This is my P90X results. 
Anyway, you certainly need to check out this P90X Workout DVD Program if you are or intend to use the Bowflex dumbells.
Oh, so sorry for my side tracking, let’s go back to my experience and reviews of Bowflex SelectTech 552.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells Reviews
If you want to get a good strength workout without stepping out of the comfort of your home (especially during winter), or not wanting to pay for the membership of joining a gym, or you don’t have much space at your home to set up a fully equipped home gym, the Bowflex 552 SelectTech Dumbbells are the ideal solution.
Uniquely designed, this innovative pair of Bowflex Dumbbells 552 combines 15 sets of weights into one using an unique dial system. It offers the most space-efficient and flexible strength-training options. With just the turn of a dial, you can automatically change your resistance on each dumbbell from 5 pounds all the way up to 52.5 pounds of weight. It adjusts in 2.5-pound increments (up to 25 pounds), enabling you to gradually increase your strength without bulking up. Thus, it is called the adjustable dumbbell set.
Main Feature of Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
- This Adjustable Dumbbell Set is incredibly flexible.
- Each dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds; adjusts in 2.5-pound increments up to the first 25 pounds.
- With just the turn of a dial, you can automatically change your resistance on each dumbbell. Thus allowing you to rapidly switch from one exercise to the next.
- Bowflex SelectTech 552 combines 15 sets of adjustable weights into one, using a unique dial system, eliminating the need for multiple dumbbells cluttering your workout space
- With its unique and effective design, Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells is one of the most space-efficient and flexible strength-training options available in the market.
- Bowflex SelectTech 552 comes with a Manufacturer’s Warranty of two-year limited warranty on all parts; five-year warranty on weight plates; one-year warranty on labor.
What I like about these Bowflex dumbells is its space-saving and flexible strength-training options. When I was in my teens, I did workout with free weights (ie. dumbbell set) too, but I had to have 3 sets each with different weight, ie. 6 dumbbells altogether. Imagine how much space it took up, not only that, I hate pulling out and storing these three sets of dumbbells every day to workout. So I left it on the floor and one day I accidentally kicked on them and hurt my feet. 
With Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells, changing weight is a breeze, you only need ONE dumbbell set.
If you are like me, wanting to have a good workout to tone and strengthen your muscle groups, to pack on strong muscle or to lose weight but reluctant to pay to join a gym or to purchase one of those expensive and gigantic machine (warn you, it might turn into a white elephant ), then Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells is the ideal option for you.
Almost forgot to mention, if you are into P90X Workout, this Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells is the best adjustable dumbbells for this workout program. In the P90X 90-Day Workout, you have only 15 to 30 seconds to switch to the next exercise. Unless you can have a few dumbbell sets at by your side, and I don’t think there is any gym would allow you to keep more than one dumbell set to yourself, then you would not be able to following the P90X Workout.
But with Bowflex Dumbbells 552, based on my experience, all you need is only about 10 seconds to change the weight. So, I would say SelectTech 552 and P90X Workout are the perfect match.
Okay, let’s get into the Good and the Bad about this Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells.
The Good (Pros) of Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
- Instead of buying 15 pairs of dumbbells, you save a lot of space, weight, and money.
- Bowflex dumbells use metal tabs on the weight plates to lock them in place. Construction is solid and it is very unlikely these will break.
- The handle is ergonomic to fit the palm of my hand and the grip feels good and natural during lifting.
- Bowflex SelectTech 552 provides small weight increment (2.5 pounds), say from 17.5, then 20, then 22.5, it prevents me from slipping into the wrong or poor weight lifting form.
- Changing the weight increment is a breeze. The time I need to change the four dials on the Bowflex adjustable dumbells and get a new weight is around 10 seconds.
- Weights on SelectTech 552 are very tightly secured, there’s no clanking or weight shifts during lifting. The dials are very easy to adjust and they adjust quickly.
- There is a safety feature for the weights. During weight changing, if you did not lock the weights properly, the weights will not leave the stand until you lock them in. And also while the weights are being used, the dial to adjust the weights becomes locked so that you will never accidentally turn it and cause the weights to fall. During the past 1 year of using Bowflex 552 I have never once dropped the weights.
The Bad (Cons) of Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
- I personally find that the Bowflex 552′s 16″ length is little bit too long for some of the exercises I do. For example the Overhead Triceps Extension. I need to be slow and careful when performing the overhead triceps extension, else the dumbbell might hit my shoulder or my back. But on the other hand, when doing Lying Triceps Extension, I can use only one dumbbell holding on to the outer rings.
- These Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are a bit expensive with a price tag of more than $300, but if you think the gym membership, the membership fee alone will cost you more than $300 a year.
Specifications of Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
- Weight Range: 5 to 52.5 lbs (2.27 to 23.8 kg) for each dumbbell
- Exercises Available: 30+
- Weight Settings: 15
- Weight Settings in pounds: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 pounds
- Dumbbell Dimensions (Each): 15.75 inches long by 8 inches wide by 9 inches tall
- Weight (Each): 52.5 pounds / 23.8 kg
Workout with Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
Chest Exercises:
- Flat chest press
- Incline chest press
- Flat fly
- Incline fly
- Decline chest press
Shoulder Exercises:
- Standing shoulder press
- Lateral raise
- Seated overhead press
- Front raise
- Rear dead row
- Shrugs
Arm Exercises:
- Standing curls
- Concentration curls
- Incline bench curls
- Scott curls
- Overhead triceps extension
- Triceps kickback
- Lying triceps extension
- Hammer curls
Abdominal Exercises:
- Ab crunch
- Reverse crunch
- Lying trunk rotation
- Twisting side crunch
- Lying leg raise
Back Exercises:
- Alternating rows
- Wide row
- Dead lift
Leg Exercises:
- Wide squats
- Calf raises
- Stationary lunges
- Stiff-leg dead lift
- Reverse lunge
- Side lunge
What People Are Raving About Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
My friend Anthony who does triathlon and who is working as a Personal Trainer. He conducts workout sessions for his clients either at their homes or offices, it is impossible for him to carry and travel with tonnes of dumbbells or training equipment, so he decided that he needs an adjustable dumbbells set. Let’s hear what Anthony has to say about the reasons he picked the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells.
Here are more customer reviews on the Bowflex SelectTech 552.
“I used the 552 Bowflex Selecttech with my P90X workout and I have to say they made life a heck of a lot easier. It couldn’t be easier to select the appropriate weight with these things, and with limited time between exercises, these were golden. The construction is sturdy; not once did I feel any uneasiness in using them.” …… Ronald W. Smiley
“They are AWESOME! The dials, in my opinion, are ten times easier than the magnetic pins of PowerBlocks, and these Bowflex dumbells look ten times more fashionable (our gym equipment is on our loft, so yes my wife and I have a style standard).” ….. Steve
“These dumbbells are absolutely amazing. They are very tight during lifting so there’s no clanking or weight shifts, the dials are very easy to adjust, they adjust quickly, and are easy to read. This is crucial for anyone doing P90X or any other video workout because they are generally fast paced. These dumbbells allow you to move seamlessly between exercises.” ….. Lee Strickland
Let’s also find out what Mike has to say about the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
Based on my personal experience, I must say Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are the Best Adjustable Dumbbells.
The Verdict – Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
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97% |
Verdict: If you dislike the idea of driving to the gym (especially during winter) and dealing with some of those like-to-show-off-guys, and have to wait for your dumbbells. Or you have limited space at your home, and yet you need a variety of weights, or if you need to change weights quickly in your workouts (especially the P90X workout), this Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells set is for you.
Where To Buy The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells For The Best Price?
That’s a really important question. I wanted to be sure that I was getting a really good deal. So I did some extensive research on the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells and found it to be Amazon.com