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When it comes to embarking on a fitness journey, one of the first decisions you’ll face is selecting the right equipment. For those diving into the P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program, choosing the ideal set of weights is crucial. After careful consideration, I opted for the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells to complement my P90X experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the construction, design, price, and performance of these adjustable dumbbells, along with their compatibility with the P90X program.

Construction and Design: The Evolution of Bowflex SelectTech 552

As of my last update in February 2010, the model being offered on Amazon was the 2009 version, which had hit the market in September 2008. It’s essential to note that there was no 2010 model, despite claims made by some third-party sellers. I even confirmed this with Nautilus, the parent company of Bowflex. The 2009 model boasted several improvements over its 2008 predecessor, most notably the use of metal tabs on the weight plates to secure them in place. This design enhancement significantly increased their durability and minimized the risk of breakage.

While these Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are robust, it’s important to exercise caution when using them. Unlike traditional dumbbells, they aren’t meant to be dropped from significant heights. They are relatively sturdy, but dropping them from heights exceeding approximately 5 inches is not advisable. The dumbbell’s handle is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand, providing a natural grip during lifting. Additionally, the handle is thicker than standard dumbbell handles, a feature preferred by many users.

The defining feature of these dumbbells is the dial on each end, which allows you to select your desired weight. This dial mechanism locks in the two weight plates to create the chosen weight, while the remaining plates remain in the base plate. This design works seamlessly, with only occasional “catching” if the weight plates shift slightly. This minor inconvenience occurs rarely, about 1 out of every 100 uses. Simply giving the weights a slight jiggle resolves the issue. A unique advantage of this design is the ability to have different weights on each end of the dumbbell, allowing for more exercise variation.

When using these Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells, you’ll notice that the weights feel stable and secure. The plates firmly lock onto the handle, preventing any wobbling or plate movement. In fact, the experience closely mimics that of traditional dumbbells.

Price Consideration: A Cost-Efficient Alternative

While the suggested retail price may initially raise eyebrows, it’s crucial to note that these dumbbells are rarely sold at or near that price point. When comparing the cost of purchasing a variety of individual dumbbells, typically priced at around $1 per pound, the SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells offer a cost-effective solution. Investing in just two 35lb dumbbells, for instance, would set you back at least $50 (closer to $70 if bought new).

Use with P90X: Enhancing Your P90X Experience

Before acquiring the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells, I had been using traditional dumbbells for my P90X workouts. However, the P90X program requires a broad range of weights, and keeping multiple dumbbells lying around was becoming inconvenient. These adjustable dumbbells proved to be a game-changer.

The main advantages these dumbbells offer when used with P90X are the ability to select smaller weight increments and the ease of changing weights quickly. P90X involves rapid transitions between exercises, and having the ability to adjust weights swiftly is a significant advantage. With traditional dumbbells, you’d need to switch between different sets, which can be time-consuming and disrupt your workout flow.

The SelectTech 552 Dumbbells allowed me to make smaller weight increments, enhancing my workout experience. For example, going from 10lbs to 12.5lbs for tricep exercises instead of jumping straight to 15lbs made a noticeable difference. These dumbbells offer versatility and adaptability, making them an excellent fit for P90X enthusiasts.

Cons and Limitations: Addressing the Drawbacks

One drawback to keep in mind is the length of these dumbbells, which measure 16 inches. While the width is manageable, the length can pose challenges for certain P90X exercises. Approximately 7-8 exercises in the program may feel slightly awkward due to the dumbbells’ length. For instance, exercises like Congdon Curls and Flip Grip Twist Kickback (a tricep exercise) can be a bit challenging. However, with some adjustments, these exercises can still be performed with these dumbbells. Overall, this limitation is not significant enough to deter me from recommending them.

Comparison with Bowflex SelectTech 1090: A Wise Choice for Most P90X Users

During my decision-making process, I contemplated whether to opt for the Bowflex SelectTech 552 or the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Single Dumbbell. The latter offers a higher maximum weight capacity, going up to 90 lbs. However, I ultimately chose the SelectTech 552 for its more manageable size. The larger size of the SelectTech 1090 could make it unwieldy for many P90X exercises. While there are a few exercises in the program where you might eventually need more than 52.5 lbs, you can compensate by increasing the number of repetitions, as Tony Horton suggests.

Additional Accessories: Complementary Accessories and Updates

The SelectTech 552 Dumbbells come with a short DVD that provides workout guidance specifically tailored to these dumbbells. This resource can be beneficial, especially if you’re new to weightlifting. Additionally, you have the option to purchase the Bowflex SelectTech 552/1090 Dumbbell Stand for a polished storage solution. However, I found that the box the SelectTechs are shipped in serves as a sturdy stand if aesthetics aren’t your primary concern.

Long-Term Durability: A Testament to Durability

I’ve put my SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells through extensive use since acquiring them in June 2012. They’ve endured over 200 hours of heavy lifting and are still in pristine condition. There have been no signs of wear or functionality issues. These dumbbells have proven to be a long-lasting investment.

Summary:

As of my last update in November 2016, I’m still using my SelectTech 552 Dumbbells, albeit less frequently due to changes in my fitness regimen. They’ve undergone nearly 1000 hours of use and remain in excellent condition. These adjustable dumbbells have stood the test of time, offering both durability and convenience.

In conclusion, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are an excellent choice for individuals pursuing the P90X program or seeking a versatile and space-saving alternative to traditional dumbbells. While