In a previous life, if I ever went missing, you could reliably find me at the gym. But since getting these Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells that replaced 15 pairs of weights during the pandemic, I haven’t felt the need to leave my at-home setup.
When I earned my personal training certification in 2021, I was on a quest for a compact set of weights that would fit into my modest space, feel intuitive to use for beginner clients and still challenge veteran fitness buffs. These bells punch well above their weight in helpful specs, offering a solid range of five to 52.5lb in just one package. And as a ubiquitous pair of bells that boast a devoted following, I was surprised to find this generous Prime Day deal for up to 18% off.
Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells
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Why do I love these so much?
As a certified personal trainer with a specialization in orthopedic exercise and senior fitness, I could talk about the benefits of strength training forever. Injury reduction, disease prevention, a boost in bone density and a better shot at longevity are just some of the ways weight training can drastically improve your quality of life.
What we don’t talk about nearly enough are the numerous barriers to entry associated with strength training, many of which the Bowflex SelectTechs lift: they are a relatively affordable one-time expense when you consider the price of a gym membership (a recent study clocked $65 per month as the norm, but I used to pay nearly double that). Their compact 17in x 8in footprint replaces an entire bulky weight rack. Switching between weight levels is easy, thanks to straightforward adjustment dials that allow me to more effectively achieve my hypertrophy goals without losing momentum or de-load as I approach muscular failure or as my form starts to slip to avoid injury. And unlike other bells I’ve owned, the included grooved storage trays help protect my floors and toes, a perk I appreciate given the number of times a rolling weight against my bare foot has unleashed a stream of expletives.
The dozens of other free weights in my home gym have rounded discs that won’t support me in plank-forward movements like renegade rows or weighted push-ups. The Bowflex set does, thanks to the discs’ stabilizing hexagonal shape. I’ve wrapped my sweaty palms around hundreds of barbells over the years, and can confidently say these feel most natural against my grip. Neither too traction-heavy (which causes callouses) and neither too forgiving (which can promote slipping), these weights allow me to see an entire movement through, contributing to proper form and a fair shot at endurance.
When shopping for your pair of Bowflex SelectTech bells, I implore you to buy new. Like I called out in my guide to the best at-home gym equipment, older models have been recalled due to weight plates unexpectedly dislodging from the handle. Mine have so far shirked a misfortune of this nature in their half a decade of use, but I anticipate their demise is coming soon enough.
The good news is that you’ll be in much better shape with the latest edition of these dumbbells, as they now have a new safety mechanism that positions the metal locking disc directly onto the handle to better reinforce each weight. I’ve thus never felt more confident recommending this new model both as a longtime shopping writer and fitness professional, and at this new low price, they are going in my cart too.
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Other pieces you might enjoy from the Filter, the Guardian’s guide to buying fewer, better things:
How to start strength training in midlife, according to female trainers 40 and over
‘As good as a candy bar’: the best (and worst) protein bars in the US
