A Trainer Says These Adjustable Dumbbells Are Your “Best Investment”
Updated: Jul. 06, 2022
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are a solid add to your home gym arsenal, says this trainer, nutritionist, and athlete. Find out how these adjustable dumbbells can help save space while maximizing your home workouts.
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If you’re like me, finding a good spot around the house to store your workout gear feels like its own renovation project. As a trainer, nutritionist, and athlete, I believe a home gym can be one of the best ways to stay in shape. However, stocking a home gym that makes you want to get moving each day shouldn’t require you to clutter corners or sacrifice valuable space in your home.
Dumbbell racks are great, but some really good sets can cost you more than a thousand dollars while taking up an entire section of your home. And while small dumbbells are certainly better than nothing, it’s possible you’re craving a little more challenge from your workout. One of my all-time favorite solutions to these dilemmas is adjustable dumbbells.
Adjustable dumbbells are ultra-convenient because they allow you to exercise from the comfort of your home without adding clutter or making your weights a permanent fixture in your decor. Although some first-time users find the concept a little intimidating, adjustable dumbbells are very user-friendly, regardless of your fitness level or experience. “Adjustable dumbbells have become much more user friendly and easy to find in the past few years,” says Antoine Hamelin, kinesiologist, trainer of professional sports teams, and CEO of First Step Fitness. This fitness pro adds: “If you’re building a home gym with limited space, adjustable dumbbells are definitely a good option. They’re space-efficient and provide ample resistance for a vast array of exercises.”
Also check out The 4 Best Exercises to Strengthen Bones in Your Upper Body, From an Exercise Physiologist.
What are the best adjustable dumbbells?
Strength training in general is beneficial for your health. Whether it’s dumbbells, resistance bands, machines, or bodyweight exercises, strength training can help prevent age-related muscle loss. This is critical for vitality, as it helps to avoid aches and pains and promotes wellness and mobility as we age.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) says there are many benefits of dumbbell training. To name just a couple, dumbbells can help to build and strengthen muscle and increase coordination between your muscles themselves (which requires your brain to do some good work, too).
There’s a wide variety of exercises that call for adjustable dumbbells exclusively. But what should you look for in adjustable dumbbells? Personal trainer and health coach Jennifer Fidder tells The Healthy why the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells pack a lot of features most shoppers need. “I recommend Bowflex adjustable dumbbells to my clients. I’m not affiliated with Bowflex, but my own set is 11 years old and still going strong.” Fidder adds that although these dumbbells can be a bit pricey, “they’re the best investment you’ll ever make in your health and fitness.” They’re also extremely versatile, as they go up to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell.
In my own fitness journey, I’ve definitely come to agree. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells (available on Amazon) are must-have exercise equipment for getting the most out of my at-home workouts. They offer a wide weight range, allowing you to perform heavier exercises like bench press and squats, or lighter ones, such as bicep curls and lateral raises.
How do the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells work?
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells stand apart from your average dumbbells. You can adjust them to 15 different weights, ranging from five to 52.5 pounds. They’re also super simple to adjust, using a dial system for quick maneuvering between weights and exercises, or if you need to drop weight between sets. The dial system ensures just about anyone, from beginners to experienced weightlifters, can use them by simply adjusting to the weight of their preference.
Additionally, these adjustable dumbbells come with a base rack and are compatible with the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbell Stand with Media Rack.
What makes Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells the best?
When you’re shopping for home workout equipment, you may want to consider the following: Your fitness goals, price points, and product quality. Although this product is on the higher end price-wise (currently available for $399 on Amazon), you definitely get what you pay for—a high-quality piece of fitness equipment that will last for years. Whether you’re looking to bulk up, lean out, or maintain strength, these dumbbells are likely to deliver.
Besides saving space and reducing clutter, Bowflex’s adjustable dumbbells have a durable rubber molding around the metal plates to allow for a smoother lift-off from the stands. This works to minimize noise and protect your floors. Also, if aesthetics are a priority, you can’t go wrong with these dumbbells. Their stylish design will help keep you motivated, especially if they’re visible in your home.
As one verified Amazon purchaser, Olivia, said: “I got these after spending 3 years out of the gym. From the first workout I couldn’t believe how happy I was with this product. It has made lifting more enjoyable and easier as there is no ride to the gym or planning.” This reviewer also recommended the Bowflex bench and kettlebell as great investments for a home gym setup.
Looking for daily inspiration to keep healthy and active? Sign up for The Healthy‘s daily newsletter. Also, keep reading:
- Jennifer Fidder, CPT: Personal Trainer and Owner of Jennifer Alice Training & Coaching LLC.
- Antoine Hamelin, CPT: Certified Personal Trainer, CEO and founder of First Step Fitness.
- Ace Fitness: "Strength Training: 5 Benefits of Dumbbell Training"
Originally Published: February 23, 2022
