How are the Bowflex adjustable dumbells for training purposes? Well, that is the whole point of this review. After using them personally, I wanted to provide my own feedback for volleyball players that are looking for some weight training equipment.
Bowflex SelectTech Dumbells
Bowflex revolutionized how dumbells can be used for working out. One of the problems with free weights in the past is that you had to have so many different dumbells around to get the proper weight that it cost a fortune to buy them all, and it required a large space to store them. With the Bowflex Select Tech dumbells, those problems are no more.
The Bowflex adjustable dumbells allow you to select only the weight that is desired and lift those from the base. There is an innovative dial at the end of the dumbell where you select the desired weight.
I love this aspect of using the dumbells as I like to do interval training (going immediately from one exercise to another) as it helps build my stamina and endurance. With a couple of clicks, I have the correct amount of weight for my needs while still maintaining my heart rate. It only takes a couple of seconds and I am able to move on to the next exercise.
The base model of the adjustable dumbells adjust from 5 to 52.5 pounds per dumbell and then there is a larger version that goes up to 90 pounds. I have the lower level version because I do not do free weight exercises that require more than 50 pounds. After all, I am not trying to become a body builder. I want to be powerful and explosive.
These free weights also allow me to do a range of motion for shoulder exercises. Shoulder injuries (especially the rotator cuff) are very common injuries for volleyball players. I have found that the free weight exercises reduce the chance of injury by strengthening the shoulder muscles.
I love these dumbells because I only have to have two dumbells to get any weight that I desire and they take up very little space in my home.
The only negative thing I have found about them is that sometimes they may seem a little more bulky than a traditional dumbell. This is mostly due to the size of dumbell. There are very few exercises where the size the of weight seems a little awkward, but it is worth mentioning.
I have loved using my Bowflex adjustable dumbells at home while training. They have been a good part of my workout routine and I highly recommend them.
You can pick up a pair of them here from Amazon.com: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)
I also recommend getting the weight rack that is specifically designed for them (as seen in the picture above) too: Bowflex SelectTech 552 / 1090 Dumbbell Stand
