Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Review
The 15-in-1 Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells offer easy adjustment, small weight increments, and affordability.
8 min readUpdated March 11th, 2024
MLRNCWritten By Meg Lambrych RN, NASM, CPT
OVERVIEW
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
We love adjustable dumbbells and have reviewed our top favorites and the best budget options available. One pair we liked so much, they deserved their own review: the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells.
These dumbbells are affordable, versatile, and easy to use. Users agree as they're one of the most popular and highest-rated choices on the market.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells: Our Take
Buy today for $429
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Best for Saving Space in Home Gyms
- Weight Range: 5 to 52.5 lb
- Replaces 15 sets of weights
- Weight selection dial
- JRNY app with Motion Tracking
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells: Our Take
Overall, I think the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are stylish, easy to use, and an excellent choice for beginners and general fitness enthusiasts.
Design
The feature that stands out most to me as someone who has used and reviewed multiple adjustable dumbbell options is just how great the design is.
Adjustable dumbbells are only as good as their weight change mechanism, and the SelecTech 552s have the easiest-to-use design on the market. They feature a twist dial system in the handle, so changing weights couldn't be easier.
In addition to their easy twist adjustment, the 552s have the smallest weight increment changes in the industry–just 2.5 lb and range from 5 to 52.5 lbs in each dumbbell. This unique feature is huge for newer and smaller people who don't have adequate strength built up for larger weight jumps.
A 5 lb change may not sound like much, but when you're working small muscles like the shoulders or biceps in isolation, it feels significant.
One thing to note: the SelectTech design is similar to a traditional dumbbell, but it is almost 17 inches long. This is quite long, which can be problematic for certain exercises where you must hold the weight close to your body, like a chest press. The weights will likely hit your chest, which can be annoying and even unsafe.
Another thing to note: these dumbbells are made of steel, plastic, and rubber. So, those plastic and rubber components are going to be much less durable than steel. Because of this, the company has made it clear that these dumbbells are never to be dropped, which is easier said than done in the weight room sometimes.
Price
Regarding price, the clear winner here is the Bowflex Selectech adjustable dumbbells. For around $429, you get a versatile adjustable dumbbell set that replaces 15 traditional dumbbell sets.
Even for adjustable dumbbells, the 552s are really well-priced and a fantastic value.
Subscription Options
A unique feature of the SelectTech 552 dumbbells is they come with 2 months of free access to the Bowflex JRNY app. The app enables you to use their JRNY motion tracking technology, which counts your reps and tracks your form in real time simply by using your phone or tablet's camera. This app is especially helpful for beginners still learning lifting form.
Warranty
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells come with a 2-year warranty, and you can purchase an additional 2-year protection plan from Amazon for $44.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Pros
- 15 weight options
- 2.5 lb weight increments
- Storage cradle included
- Easy spin dial weight adjustment
- Free JRNY app trial for 60 days
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Cons
- Less durable plastic
- Cannot be dropped
- Max weight is only 52.5 lb
- 16-inch length is unwieldy
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell Total Body Workout Program for Beginners
After a thorough strength training warm-up, give this total-body dumbbell workout program a shot. Your rest time between sets and exercise depends on your fitness level and training purpose.
If you're not fit, rest for as long as you need to feel ready to start the next set. If you have a fitness foundation and are focused on increasing strength, lift heavier and rest for longer.
If your goal is muscle gain or general fitness, you can rest for shorter periods of time, typically 30 to 90 seconds between sets and as needed.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Goblet Squat, 4 x 8 reps | Weighted lunges, 4 x 8 reps each leg | Romanian deadlifts, 4 x 8 reps each leg |
| Bench press, 4 x 8 reps | Single arm supported row, 4x 8 reps | Thrusters, 3 x 10 reps |
| Gorilla row, 4 x 8 reps | Chest flys, 4 x 10 | Renegade row, 3 x 8 reps each side |
| Bicep curl, 4 x 8 reps | Hammer curls, 4 x 8 reps | Shoulder press, 4 x 10 reps |
| Skull crushers, 4 x 8 reps | Tricep extensions 4 x 12 | Drag curls, 4 x 8 reps |
| Side laterals, 4 x 12 reps | Reverse flys, 4 x 12 | DB woodchoppers 3 x 20 each side |
| Weighted sit-ups, 3 x 20 reps | V-ups 3 x 30 reps | DB Russian twists, 3 x 20 reps |
My Personal Experience with Adjustable Dumbbells
I love going to the gym. It's my happy place, and somewhere I feel truly comfortable. However, as I've gotten older and busier, I don't have the 2+ hours a day available for the commute and waiting around for equipment.
In my late twenties, I knew I needed to transition away from my super long powerlifting workouts toward something that was much faster but still provided results. I discovered that circuit training and supersetting with dumbbells was the perfect answer.
By using weights that are lighter than a barbell–but still plenty heavy–I can string together a few supersets that allow me to work super efficiently and still get all the fantastic health benefits of strength training. You can get an amazing strength workout in just 30 to 45 minutes. Circuit training is truly the perfect solution for busy people.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells vs. Gym Cost Comparison
If you're considering investing in home gym equipment or a traditional gym membership, there are multiple factors you'll want to consider.
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are a great price for a dumbbell set that replaces 15 individual sets of traditional dumbbells.
According to Forbes, the average monthly cost of a gym membership in the US in 2021 was about $30, or $360 per year. So, for about the price of a gym membership, you can invest in a versatile piece of strength equipment that will provide a total body workout for beginners and smaller lifters that provides 5 to 10 years + of use, according to user reviews.
Even if you only get two years out of them as guaranteed by the warranty, the dumbbells are a better financial investment. Let's take a look at the numbers.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells 5 to 10-year investment price: $429 (and you can often catch it on sale)
Traditional gym membership 2-year investment price: $720
Traditional gym membership 10-year investment price: $3,600
With a rate of return like that, it's easy to see why the home fitness equipment industry is booming. But we'd be remiss not to drill down into the details of the many differences between a single pair of adjustable dumbbells and a gym membership, as it isn't an apples-to-apples comparison.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Best for Home Gym Versatility
Bowflex is another giant in the home exercise equipment market, and the SelectTech 552 dumbbells are extremely popular for a reason. Designed with user-friendly features and adjustable weight increments, this model is perfect for those starting their fitness journey.
Weight Range: 5 to 52.5 lb
Replaces 15 sets of weights
Weight selection dial
JRNY app with Motion Tracking
Equipment Variety
The most obvious difference between a single set of adjustable dumbbells for home use and a commercial gym membership is the wide variety of exercise equipment a gym gives you.
If you're training for a sport like powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting, you cannot substitute dumbbell work for barbell work. In addition, if you like trying different machines and new exercises that will be hard to replicate at home.
Frequency of Use
An important thing you need to consider before making any investment is to ask yourself honestly: How much will I actually use this thing?
An important caveat with exercise is that you must exercise regularly to be healthy (just like you must brush your teeth if you want to keep them). But if you're not exercising at all, which option is the most likely to get you moving?
Even if the dumbbell option may be cheaper, if you hate working out at home and are much more likely to stick with an exercise routine at the gym (or vice versa), invest in the option that will set you up for success.
Sneaky Additional Fees
As a personal trainer who has been working in gyms for the past 12 years, I can tell you that gyms are not the best regarding finances and customer service. I have worked in half a dozen gyms and have lifted in at least twice as many in that time, and without fail, I've noticed that many commercial gyms employ sleazy sales tactics.
It's very common for gyms to put massive pressure on their sales team to rope people into contracts in any way they can. They often offer great deals upfront and fail to mention the boatload of hidden fees that will hit you after your promotional period ends.
Yearly, renewal, and cancellation fees are the most common and are costly, sometimes hundreds of dollars that they may conveniently forget to mention. What's worse is that canceling a gym membership can be harder than getting into Harvard.
If you plan on signing up for a gym membership, take the time to read all the fine print to understand your obligations and fees throughout the life of your membership and not just during the introductory period. And make sure you know what is required if you want to cancel your membership too.
Personally, I love lifting at the gym, and I will always have a gym membership. Still, I've learned the hard way the importance of understanding the fine print before signing the contract. On the other hand, with a dumbbell purchase, what you see at checkout is what you pay.
Amenities
A significant benefit of a gym membership is the amenities. Some commercial gyms offer luxurious options like saunas, pools, tanning, childcare, massage, spas, and more. Of course, these types of memberships are often much more expensive. Still, if you enjoy the finer things in life and want to get the very most from your membership, it's a distinct advantage over working out at home.
Social Component
The social component of going to the gym has both positive and negative aspects. On the one hand, if you're a social butterfly like me, it can be fun and motivating to hit the gym floor and chat it up with others. If you have social anxiety, on the other hand, this can be a detractor.
Whether you love socializing or not, no one likes hitting the gym at peak hours when the gym floor is swamped and you can't find a set of dumbbells to save your life. Working out at home will always have the advantage there.
Personal Training and Group Classes
The last consideration you need to think about when comparing adjustable dumbbells for home versus a gym membership are additional resources that gyms offer like personal training and group fitness classes.
Ten years ago, I would have recommended most new exercises–especially those without a strong strength training foundation–work with a personal trainer to learn proper exercise technique and form.
While I still recommend working with a great certified trainer if you can, there are so many apps available today, such as Future, Centr, and Caliber, that offer high-quality video tutorials and personalized coaching. Thanks to these training advancements, you can absolutely work out safely and effectively at home.
Bottom Line
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are a space-saving and affordable way to replace 15 dumbbells that are best for beginners. They feature a super easy-to-use twist adjustment for weight changes in the handle and go up to 52.5 lbs. They also include a cradle for easy storage.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell FAQs
What weight range can I adjust the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells to?
The Bowflex SelectTech 552s have the smallest weight increment changes in the industry–just 2.5 lb and range from 5 to 52.5 lbs in each dumbbell.
How do I adjust the weight settings on the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells?
The Bowflex SelecTech 552 adjustable dumbbells feature an easy twist dial system in the handle, so changing weights couldn't be easier.
What is the difference between the Bowflex SelectTech 552 and 1090 models?
The main difference between these two dumbbell variations is the 1090s go up to 90 lb each compared to the 52.5 lb max weight on the 552s.
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