This Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells review covers everything you need to know about the set before purchasing.
If you’re serious about getting into shape, there’s nothing better than having your own home gym. One downside of this can be finding room for it. This will not be an issue with the Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells 552 set.
The set comprising two dumbbells measuring 15 3/4″ x 8″ x 9″ fully loaded. So even if you don’t have a lot of spare space, finding a spot to accommodate them should not be a problem.
The weight range adjusts from 2 lbs to 52 1/2 lbs. This caters to a broad spectrum of people, providing varied workouts and fitness and muscle growth potential.
Changing the weight is a quick, safe, and simple process, making for comfortable and convenient workouts.
With reviews from over 16,500 purchasers published on Amazon alone – one being mine – this durable, top-quality dumbbell set has close to a perfect 5-star rating.
* Some purchasers submitted negative comments regarding the system’s plastic pins having snapped. This feedback is old. The dumbbells were upgraded several years ago, with magnetic pins replacing the plastic ones.
These pins used now are durable and resilient, and they provide exceptionally safe workouts. Subsequent reviews reflect user satisfaction with the upgraded and far superior Bowflex 552.
I’ve used the dumbbells regularly for several years now and haven’t had any problems.
Table of Contents
Whom will the Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells 552 Set suit?
With a minimum of 33 different exercises, over 80 variations of these, and 15 
different weight settings to choose from, Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells are suitable for everyone from new to intermediate to more advanced level male or female weightlifters.
The set’s versatility and ease of use make it very convenient to own. It will allow you to progress to heavier weights as you become stronger and desire a more challenging workout.
The system will save you a massive amount of space, and not having to buy 15 different pairs of weights amounts to significant money-saving.
Perfect for home fitness programs requiring weights, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Set is ideal to use with the P90X DVD Workout and similar fitness programs.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Pair Overview
Manufactured by Bowflex, a company renowned for quality fitness equipment, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Set could arguably be the best Bowflex offering of all. It is undoubtedly one of the most versatile.
With just one pair of these adjustable dumbbells, the weight of which can instantly be changed by turning a dial, you will have at your disposal a pair of weights that can be as light as 2 lbs or as heavy as 52 1/2 lbs, with many options in between.
From 2 pounds to 25 pounds, the weight adjusts in 2 1/2lb increments. From 25 to 52 1/2 pounds, it adjusts in 5 lb increments.
The set comes with a 2-year limited Bowflex warranty on the parts and weight plates and a 1-year warranty on labor
Coming in a cradle that neatly stores all of the dumbbells when they’re not in use, just spin the dial to select the desired weight. Lift the dumbbells from the cradle, and any extra weight you’ve added will be in place and ready to use. This is a very smooth, quiet, and easy process.
An audible click will let you know that the dumbbell you’ve added is in position and safe to lift and use. If you don’t hear the click, the weight is not correctly attached, and you won’t be able to remove it from the cradle.
The system is virtually foolproof, though, so your desired weight will usually lift the first and every time. After lifting your chosen dumbbells from the cradle, the others will remain stored in their designated spot until you want to incorporate them into your workout.
Inclusions
Included with the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells set is an owner manual and the Bowflex® SelectTech® workout DVD, which is entitled “Secrets of the 4 Step Rep”. Showing all of the exercises listed above, plus variations of these, the DVD will help you to achieve the best result from your workouts.
If you want to start exercising right away and don’t have time to watch the DVD, check out this laminated exercise wall poster available on Amazon.
You will also receive a free 1-Year subscription to JRNY. Ios and android compatible, the app will give you access to on-demand training and JRNY radio, which offers a broad range of music styles so you can listen to your favorite beats as you work out.
NB: When your annual subscription to JRNY expires, you will need to renew it to continue access.
Video review of the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells Pair
Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbell Stand
When not in use, your Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells can either be left on the floor or stored elevated on a stand, allowing easier access.
While by no means a necessity, the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbell Stand eliminates the need for you to bend to pick up the weights. With its sleek, super-cool design and handy towel rail, it is convenient, and it looks great.
Strong and secure but quite compact, the stand comes with a good warranty. Its overall dimensions are 22.8″ by x 19.9″ by x 26.2″.
Some assembly is required. The instructions for this are clear, and it’s a very straightforward process.
There’s also the option of buying a Teflon grip stand featuring a large media rack suitable for holding a tablet or similar device.
Weighing 30 lbs, it is compact and easy to assemble. Wheels in its base enable easy relocation.
The stand comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame and a 1-year warranty on the media rack.
To check out the stand on Amazon, click this link
NB: If you decide not to buy a stand, to avoid straining your back, be sure to bend your knees when accessing the weights rather than bend forward from the waist.
What Muscles can I target with the Bowflex SelectTech 552?
Unlike some exercise equipment, Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells can provide you with a total body workout.
Below are some exercises that you can do with the weights and the primary muscles targeted.
*Please note that many of the exercises will target a broader range of muscles than those listed. For example, arm exercises that focus on the biceps will work a variety of upper body and forearm muscles, and each exercise will work the muscles differently.
Leg Exercises:
- Wide Squats – quads and adductors (inner thighs)
- Stationary Lunges – glutes, hamstrings, and quads
- Reverse Lunges – glutes and hamstrings
- Side Lunges – glutes, quads, and adductors
- Stiff-Leg Dead Lifts – hamstrings and glutes
- Calf Raises – entire back of the calf
Arm Exercises:
- Overhead Triceps Extension – triceps
- Triceps Kickback – triceps
- Lying Triceps Extension – triceps
- Standing Curls – biceps
- Concentration Curls – biceps
- Incline Bench Curls – biceps
- Scott Curls – biceps
- Hammer Curls – biceps
Abdominal Exercises:
- Ab Crunch – abs (lower abdomen) and obliques (sides of abs and waist)
- Reverse Crunch – abs and obliques
- Twisting Side Crunch – obliques
- Lying Trunk Rotation – abs and obliques
- Lying Leg Raise – core and hips
Back Exercises:
- Alternating Rows – middle back
- Wide Rows – lats (upper back)
- Dead Lifts – lower back
Shoulder Exercises:
- Standing Shoulder Press – anterior deltoids (fronts of shoulders)
- Lateral Raises – lateral deltoids (sides of shoulders)
- Seated Overhead Press – anterior and medial deltoids (outside of shoulders)
- Front Raise – anterior deltoid
- Rear Delt Row – posterior deltoid (rear of the shoulder)
- Shrugs – trapezius (the area between the neck and shoulders)
Chest Exercises:
- Flat Chest Press – pectorals (the front of the chest wall in men/the under breast area in women)
- Incline Chest Press – upper pectorals
- Incline Flyes – upper pectorals
- Flat Flyes – pectorals
- Decline Chest Press – pectorals
What I like most about the set
The thing I like most about Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells is that they enable 
me to exercise my chest, shoulders, arms, back, legs, and abs efficiently and optimally.
With the variety of weights at hand, I can step up my workouts at any time without the hassle of repeatedly going to a sports store to buy a heavier pair of weights. Nor do I have to order them online and then wait for them to arrive before I can use them.
Having the required weights on hand means I don’t have an excuse to skip a workout.
I like how compact the set is and how the dumbbells’ easy-turn dial enables me to select the weight I want to use effortlessly.
I can add or subtract weight mid-workout simply by placing the dumbbells I’m using onto the cradle and turning the weight dial to select the dumbbells I want to use next. With some parts of the body responding better to light weights and others heavy, this feature is a real time-saver.
I also appreciate that there is very little noise when adding or subtracting weights, as it means I can train without disturbing my housemates.
Final Thoughts on the Bowflex 552
I love this dumbbell set, and I highly recommend it if you want to get toned or buff, improve your strength and stamina, and drop some pounds.
My workout area is small, and there’s no way I’d have been able to accommodate 15 individual pairs of dumbbells, let alone been able to afford them.
The set is very easy to use, and it looks as good today as the day I bought it, and it’s had a lot of use.
If you’re in the market for a set of weights, it would be hard to find better than Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells.
You may also like this PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbell Set which comes in pairs weighing 24 lb and 48 lb.
