How Adjustable Weights Support Strength Building

Posted On Jun 9, 2022 By BowFlex Insider Team

Doing a dumbbell strength workout in a living room

Whether you're getting back into the groove of a consistent workout routine, or you focus on strength training often, you'll notice that over time you will build strength and muscle mass. However, there comes a point where you may be outgrowing your current weights. If you opt to stick to a workout routine using the same weights, you'll eventually hit a workout plateau and no longer gain muscle–just maintain it. The key to building strength and gaining muscle is consistently upleveling your strength workouts with heavier weights.

Purchasing an entire weight rack is not feasible for most as it is expensive and takes up a decent amount of space in your home. If you are looking to build out your home gym, you are likely considering the functionality and versatility that comes with a variety of different weight options–while also not breaking the bank. Over time, upping your strength-training weight means you'll have to continue purchasing heavier weights leaving you with smaller weights that may take up space and eventually become useless in your fitness routines.

Woman following a JRNY dumbbell workout routine in the corner of a room

While adjustable weights have a higher price up front, in the long run, they are ideal for any home gym that is short on space—especially if your home gym doubles as an office, garage, or bedroom. Products that offer the option to increase weight gradually and have a space-saving design include the BowFlex SelectTech adjustable dumbbells (552s & 1090s), BowFlex SelectTech 840 kettlebell and the BowFlex SelectTech 2080 barbell with curl bar. Given each product's ability to adapt to your needs, you'll gain consistent strength and muscle mass along your fitness journey. Additionally, the current free membership offer for the JRNY app features various strength workouts specifically for BowFlex SelectTech products, in addition to Pilates, yoga and bodyweight workouts.

As you continue your fitness journey to build strength and gain muscle, consider the following options:

BowFlex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells

Standard dumbbells are a fundamental piece of gym equipment–vital for strength training and up-leveling HIIT workouts. Dumbbells can also be incorporated into exercise to improve flexibility, muscle and bone density. Specifically, adjustable dumbbells are great for arm workouts because they provide a variety of workout options. For example, you can use a lower weight to perform bicep curls and then a higher weight when doing overhead presses.

BowFlex SelectTech dumbbells are designed to progress with you as you increase your strength–in one, compact design. The BowFlex SelectTech 552 dumbbells are 15 sets of weights in one–ranging from five to 52.5 pounds each (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 52.5 lbs.). They have easy-to-use selection dials so you can increase the weight by 2.5 pounds at a time and progress with precision and at a slower rate. This helps prevent injury and muscle plateau. These dumbbells are designed to support full-body strength workouts for your legs, arms, back, chest, abs, and shoulders by quickly and easily adjusting to the next weight desired.

Similar to the 552 dumbbells, BowFlex also offers a weight upgrade set, the BowFlex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells–these dumbbells replace 17 sets of weights in one space-saving design by offering 10 to 90 pounds (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90 lbs.).

Man performing alternating dumbbell curl exercise

Both the BowFlex SelectTech 552 dumbbells and BowFlex 1090 dumbbells can be paired with on-demand trainer-led videos available on the JRNY App and that can be watched on any mobile device and used anytime, anywhere. Additionally, if you're looking for workout inspiration the BowFlex YouTube channel offers a variety of dumbbell workouts.

If space efficiency is top-of-mind, then it is worth considering the SelectTech dumbbell stand with a built-in media rack as it provides a convenient place for weights and your phone/device when utilizing on-demand classes. Additionally, the 5.1S stowable bench is engineered to be stored vertically, reducing its footprint by more than 50% when not in use. The bench helps add even more variety to your workout routine by offering six different adjustment angles (30°, 45°, 60° 90°, flat and -20° decline) and a 600-pound load capacity.

BowFlex SelectTech 840 kettlebell

Strength training with a kettlebell helps build a stronger grip and improves forearm strength, which is instrumental to your overall strength. The BowFlex SelectTech 840 kettlebell is superior to other kettlebells on the market as it offers six weights in one compact system–making it both cost and space-efficient. With the turn of a dial, you can easily adjust from 8, 12, 20, 25, 35 and 40 lbs. When using the SelectTech 840 kettlebell, you can switch from one workout to the next by increasing/decreasing weight–ultimately providing the maximum functionality in the smallest size.

Kettlebell swing exercise

Common whole-body exercises such as the bent-over row or the sumo deadlift can both be used with SelectTech 840 kettlebell. If you need guidance for general kettlebell workouts, be sure to check out the BowFlex YouTube kettlebell workout playlist.

BowFlex SelectTech 2080 barbell with curl bar

The BowFlex SelectTech 2080 barbell with curl bar is a full-body strength solution built into one piece of equipment–adjusting from 20 to 80 pounds and replacing 7 barbells and 7 curl bars. By offering 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 lbs. in one compact piece of fitness equipment, you have the option to perform various workouts with different weights. Whether your home gym is large or small, the SelectTech barbell with curl bar offers a sleek, compact design. For those who are looking for extra weight, there is a 40 lb. add-on weight available so that your strength journey doesn't have to end at 80 pounds. Additionally, a BowFlex barbell stand with a media rack is available to help keep your weights off the floor.

Man following a JRNY barbell workout

Common leg exercises such as the alternating side lunge or the classic back squat can be up-leveled and challenged with the BowFlex SelectTech 2080 barbell. The curl bar can be used in arm workouts such as a bicep curl or deadlift. Whether the goal is to work out a single muscle group or sweat through a whole-body workout, the SelectTech 2080 barbell will challenge you and take your fitness and strength to the next level.

Overall, the SelectTech product line offers functionality, versatility, and compact design with a variety of different weight options that can be easily adjusted. Each product is ideal for any home gym that is short on space, especially one that doubles as an office, garage, or bedroom. Investing in adjustable strength solutions guarantees that your workouts won’t plateau, and you’ll continue to grow muscle and build strength.

Man doing a lunge with 2080 Barbell

SelectTech Adjustable Weights

Our compact, adjustable dumbbells and weight systems fit neatly in the corner of any room. Easily transition from one exercise to the next and dial up the weight as you continually get stronger. Plus, you can explore a wide variety of trainer-led SelectTech® workouts on the JRNY® app.

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