15 dumbbells in one. Tiny footprint. Your garage gym just got a lot tidier.
The problem it solves
Let's be honest: if you lined up 15 individual dumbbells in your spare room or garage, you'd have approximately zero floor space left and your other half would have questions. The Bowflex SelectTech 552i solves this by cramming 15 weight settings into one dumbbell that takes up about the same space as a shoebox.
We're talking 43cm x 21cm of footprint. That's it. You could lose more space to a forgotten Amazon delivery.
How it works
This is the bit I genuinely love: you just dial the weight you want and lift.
No faffing with pins, no hunting for the right plate, no tripping over a 10kg disc you left on the floor three weeks ago. Turn the dial, pick it up, and you're holding exactly 2.3kg to 23.8kg — whatever you selected.
It's satisfyingly simple. Even at 6am when your brain hasn't loaded yet.
The weight range
You get 15 increments:
2.3, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23, and 24kg.
That's enough range for everything from shoulder raises (hello, 4kg humility check) to heavier rows and goblet squats. If you're chasing serious powerlifting numbers you'll outgrow them eventually, but for home gym conditioning, hypertrophy, and general "I'd like to stay strong without filling the garage" training — they're spot on.
The app situation
Bowflex offers a JRNY training app with a 2-month free trial for new members. It syncs with your workouts, remembers what you lifted, and offers exercise suggestions and trainers to keep you moving.
Will it change your life? Probably not. But if you like app-based tracking and guided workouts, it's a nice bonus rather than a gimmick.
The price (let's talk about it)
Here's where I raise an eyebrow: £219 for a single dumbbell, reduced from £270.
That's not cheap. And unless you're planning some very one-sided workouts, you'll probably want a pair — so double it.
Is it worth it? If you value floor space, hate clutter, and want something that genuinely works well, yes. You're paying for convenience, build quality, and not having a full dumbbell rack taking over your life. If budget is tight, a basic adjustable set will do the job — but it won't feel as slick.
What's in the box
- The dumbbell (obviously)
- Storage tray included
- Stand with media rack available separately (if you want to get fancy)
Pros
✅ Genuinely tiny footprint — 43cm x 21cm
✅ 15 weights in one unit
✅ Dial system is dead easy
✅ Solid build quality
✅ App integration if you're into that
✅ Looks good sat in the corner judging you
Cons
❌ Price — £219 per dumbbell is a significant investment
❌ You'll probably want two
❌ Max weight of 23.8kg won't suit everyone long-term
❌ Feels a bit chunky compared to a traditional dumbbell
The bottom line
The Bowflex SelectTech 552i is ideal for home gym users who are short on space but don't want to compromise on a proper weight range. The dial system is genuinely brilliant, the footprint is tiny, and it looks a lot better than a pile of mismatched dumbbells slowly rusting in the corner.
Yes, the price stings. But if you're building a compact, functional home setup and you value simplicity, it's one of the better investments you can make.
Rating: 4 out of 5 slightly sore shoulders 🏋️