One of the most used training equipment in exercises is the dumbbell. You have probably seen those single hand exercise equipments that are fitted with two weights at both ends. Those are the dumbbells. If you are looking to build and tone your muscles, then you should consider incorporating adjustable dumbbells into your workout routine. There are different types of heavy adjustable dumbbells that you can use, but today we shall focus on and compare two of them: Bowflex vs Powerblock dumbbells. We shall look at the Bowflex 1090 vs Powerblock and the Powerblock Elite vs Bowflex Selecttech.
Which adjustable dumbbells is best?
If you aren’t sure what to pick between Bowflex dumbbells vs Powerblock, here are three kinds of adjustable dumbbells you can use to work out:
Adjustable dumbbells
These dumbbells are made of metal and they have rough patterned handles to give firm grips to the trainers using them. You can easily slide weight discs on the handles and secure the discs with collars at the edges so that they do not fall off and cause injury. The dumbbells are adjustable because you can add or remove the weight discs as you please.
Fixed-weight adjustable dumbbells
They are called fixed-weight because they come with weight discs that are permanent and cannot be removed. The adjustable dumbbells may consist of plastic shells that are filled will cement or cast iron.
Selectorized dumbbells
These ones have adjustable weights that trainers can easily change depending on their weight preference during exercise. You can adjust the weights by turning a dial or shifting selector pins.
Where to buy adjustable dumbbells
There are many places where to buy cheap adjustable dumbbells for exercising. You can check them out at Amazon, Apple Store, Best Buy, Overstock, or Target. Besides the above, many other stores also stock adjustable dumbbells. The great thing about these stores is that they also have online options from where you can select and buy the adjustable dumbbells you want without visiting the store physically. Most online stores like Amazon also offer shipment and delivery services that guarantee you that your equipment will get to you no matter where you are.
How do adjustable weight dumbbells work
In the past, adjustable dumbbells were used to train only the arms. As technology progresses, however, so have the work out equipments. Nowadays, dumbbells are used to train every other part of the human body. So, how do adjustable dumbbells work? Well, you will need the checklist below:
Select the dumbbells with the appropriate weight
If you are new to the entire weight-training regime, you may want to go for adjustable dumbbells that have a variety of weights. Start with the lightweights and as you build and tone your muscles, you can use the heavy weight adjustable dumbbells that will suit your muscular needs.
If your goal is to build endurance rather than build muscles, go for weights that will give you freedom to do around 20 repetitions of an exercise without feeling too tired.
Building of muscle mass and strength training the muscles will require weights that allow you to use them about 8 times in an exercise before wearing down.
Once you are used to the set of weights and feel that they no longer challenge your muscles, go for heavier weights.
Exercises you can use dumbbells
Common dumbbell exercises include calf raises (single leg and seated), half squats, shrugs, (shoulder, single leg calf, incline, flat chest, and French), upright rows, lunges, raises (lateral and flat), flies (flat, reverse, and incline chest), curls (hammer, preacher, and seated bicep decline) and triceps kickbacks and extensions.
Are adjustable dumbbells good?
If you are wondering, ‘ should I get adjustable dumbbells? ‘, you should. Adjustable dumbbells are good for you because they will help to build up your muscle, and you can use them anywhere. If you prefer to work out from the comfort of your home, then adjustable dumbbells should be among the training equipments you get for your home. The est part, you don’t even have to worry too much about adjustable dumbbells Powerblock vs Bowflex because they both deliver the intended results.
Are adjustable dumbbells worth it
Before spending money on any work out equipment, it is imperative that you first assess whether it is worth its price tag. So, are the bowflex dumbbells worth it?
Here is why you might need to switch to adjustable dumbbells:
- Activation of muscles and improved stability
- Eliminates any imbalances in strength
- They are safer to use. This makes them the best dumbbells for home because they will not overwhelm you even if you are training alone .
- Dumbbells provide you with a variety of options to work out and improve your overall muscular mass.
- An increase in the range of motion
Are adjustable dumbbells safe?
When proper exercise rules are followed, accidents involving adjustable dumbbells will be avoided and you will yield better results in your work out. The dumbbells are as safe as you allow them to be.
Always remember to warm up each time you are about to start working out. Warming up helps to prepare your muscles to handle the weights that you are about to lift. Do not go for heavy weight adjustable dumbbells right away since it may cause too much strain on your muscles. In case you feel pain in your muscles during the work out, ensure you either reduce the number of repetitions you are doing or switch to lighter weight disks. Take caution not to push yourself too far. When you realize that the pain still persists, take a break and let your body have some rest. If you are starting a new exercise routine, always remember to start with lighter weights even if you have been using the adjustable dumbbells.
What size dumbbells should I buy?
Knowing the right size of dumbbells to buy can be very helpful because you will not end up with a set of heavy adjustable dumbbells that are too strenuous to your muscles. We have carried out reviews and divided the sizes of adjustable dumbbells according to gender at different levels. They include:
Beginner stage
Men
Men who plan to use adjustable dumbbells for the first time can go for a set that ranges between 5lbs to 50 lbs.
Women
A woman who wants to try out weight lifting for the first time should consider going for a set of between 3lbs to 12 lbs.
Intermediary to advance stage
Men
If you are accustomed to dumbbells and would like to increase the size of their weights, you should go for ones that weigh between 10lbs to 100lbs depending on the tolerance of your muscles.
Women
In case you are a woman and you use adjustable dumbbells for your work out sessions, you can get yourself a pair of dumbbells ranging from 30 lbs to 50lbs, for use in big lifts like squats and dead lifts. If you are a pro body builder, you can go for heavier dumbbells of up to 100lbs.
What is the best adjustable dumbbell set?
So, what are the best adjustable dumbbells for your training routine? We are going to carry out an extensive review of Powerblock vs Bowflex adjustable dumbbells to help you determine which one works best for you.
Having a healthy diet is important but it will not give you the muscle growth and tone that you desire, and this is where Powerblock and Bowflex come in. The two dumbbells will enrich your exercising sessions with versatility and help you build up on all areas of your body.
In this Bowflex vs Powerblock dumbbells comparison reviews, we are going to assess their specs, benefits, and cons, then compare both of them.
How Powerblock differs from Bowflex adjustable dumbbells
- Powerblock has dumbbells that are extendable and ones that users cannot extend while the dumbbells offered by the Bowflex brand are all expendable. Bowflex does not have any unexpendable dumbbells.
- Powerblock dumbbells must have the same size of weight disks on both sides when you are using them while the Bowflex dumbbells allow you to have different weight on both ends at the same time during your training session for staggered resistance.
- Powerblock dumbbells do not allow you to connect with an app for working out. This is unlike the dumbbells from the Bowflex brand that will allow you to use an app because they come with a free app.
- The manufacturers of the Powerblock dumbbells offer a 5 year warranty and the location of purchase does not matter whereas the manufacturers of Bowflex dumbbells offer warranties whose periods vary depending on the location and country of purchase.
- Dumbbells from the Powerblock brand do not have customized workouts built in them while some Bowflex dumbbells may come with the customized built in workouts.
- The dumbbells come with different ranges of weight while those of Bowflex all come with the same range of weight.
Features of Bowflex and Powerblock dumbbells
The two bodybuilding dumbbells have both been designed to occupy less space wherever they are used. This makes them the best dumbbells for home or gym use. Either way, you get to save a lot of space and money that you would have used to stock up numerous kettle bells.
From our Powerblock and Bowflex adjustable dumbbells review, you can rely on the adjustable dumbbells whether working out at home or in the gym. The design of the dumbbells is in such a way that your hands remain tightly gripped to the body building dumbbells throughout the session.
For most people, comparing Powerblock vs Bowflex adjustable dumbbells isn’t easy because both brands offer high quality work out equipment.
Models
Both Powerblock and Bowflex brands have different models that have slightly distinct features. The main Powerblock bodybuilding dumbbells are:
- Pro series
- Sports series
- Elite series
All the above series of Powerblock dumbbells can be expendable or non-expendable depending on your preference.
If you prefer to use non-expendable Powerblock bodybuilding dumbbells you can choose those whose weight ranges between 22 lbs and 50 lbs.
Bowflex also has various models such as:
- Bowflex SelectTech 552I
- And Bowflex SelectTech 560
- Bowflex SelectTech 1090I
The Bowflex dumbbells give you the liberty to change the weights during your training sessions depending on the desired intensity. The range of weight of the adjustable dumbbells differs depending on the model you select for your everyday use.
The features of the various Bowflex models are not similar and you therefore need to check carefully at the specifications of each to model to ensure that you select the one with the features you want, instead of only focusing on how expensive or affordable the model is.
The Design of adjustable dumbbells
The design of the Bowflex and Powerblock dumbbells offers you maximum comfort during workout and you can work out while standing or sitting on a bench. The stylish design of the equipment of both brands allows you to maintain an allure of class even when you train at the gym or at the comfort of your own home. You just have to decide whether to go for the expensive or affordable option. Some of the Powerblock dumbbells may not feel comfortable to people who have large hands, which means Bowflex dumbbells would be the best option for such people.
Bowflex dumbbells have handles made from plastic meaning that if you accidentally dropped the dumbbells during a bench workout, then the plastic handle would break off. The rest of the body of the Bowflex dumbbells consist of metal and will resist any damage during a fall. Powerblock dumbbells, on the other hand, are made of steel. This makes them strong, durable, and resistant to damage in case of an accident.
The dimensions of the different models of the two brands Bowflex and Powerblock are not exactly similar. However, the sizes of the models are not so different, and they all measure between 10 and 12 inches in length.
Powerblock dumbbells have side rail features that show the weight of the equipment. Some models of the Powerblock brand are fancy and stylish because they have color features on the handles and rails to display the weight size you select in a workout session during your everyday use.
If you have taste for classic items, then the Bowflex dumbbells will suit you best. If you prefer equipments that have an unconventional look, however, then the Powerblock dumbbells will match your taste depending on how expensive or affordable they are.
Weight
The Bowflex dumbbells have a dial feature that allows you to increase the weight between a range of 2.5 lbs to 25 lbs. You can also extend the weight to 5 pounds.
The dumbbells of Bowflex offer staggered resistance because you can set different weights on both ends of the dumbbells using the dial. If you feel that your right arm can take more weight than the left arm can, then you can set a higher weight size on the right hand of the equipment. Staggered resistance can be extremely helpful when doing the overhead extension of triceps.
Powerblock dumbbells do not allow for staggered resistance because the adjustment system of the weight is based on selector pins made from magnetic polypropylene. The pins are inserted into the slots on the dumbbells so as to select a specific desired weight. If you are a pro weightlifter, then Powerblock dumbbells are best for you because the selector pins can set upto 500 lbs.
Unlike with Bowflex power blocks where increasing the weight gradually by 2.5 lbs is an easy process, the Powerblock dumbbells are more complicated and adjusting the weight is no easy procedure. You, therefore, should consider a Bowflex dumbbell if your training will need you to change the weights gradually as you progress.
What’s the Max Weight
The maximum amount of weight that either Powerblock or Bowflex adjustable dumbbells can have is 90 lbs. For instance, the 552 cannot exceed 52.5 lbs with a minimum of 5 lbs. The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 has a maximum of 90 lbs weight capacity and a minimum of 10 lbs.
The Powerblock adjustable dumbbells models: Elite, Pro, and Sport, have three weight options of 50 lbs, 70 lbs, and 90 lbs. The different options of weight enable you to select the one that will fit your muscular needs during training. So, which dumbbell is best? Well, it all depends on a couple of things. If you are a beginner that only needs to activate and tone your muscles, for instance, then there is no need to select the 90 lbs option because it will strain and even damage your muscle tissues.
The dumbbells from each three series of the Powerblock brand each have different weight options as compared to the Bowflex dumbbells. The Powerblock brand, therefore, provides more versatility to you depending on your level of training: beginner, intermediate, or advanced.
Technology
Some dumbbells from the Bowflex brand have a Bluetooth feature that enables you to connect them with your computer or smartphone device. The dumbbells may also come with a free SelectTech app that is friendly to all iOS and Android devices. The SelectTech app has a library feature that contains over 70 different exercises that the app will use to guide you as your personal trainer. You can also track your repetitions and progress using the SelectTech app.
On the other hand, Powerblock dumbbells do not give you the luxury of pairing with apps that act as a personal trainer to you. Before you dismiss the Powerblock dumbbells, however, know that they make up for it by allowing you to extend the maximum weight of the dumbbell, thereby giving you long-term service without you having to change the dumbbells as your muscle mass increases.
From our reviews, the Bowflex dumbbells definitely have more to offer you because of the free app that allows you to collect your workout data and act as your own free personal trainer. However, if you are enthusiastic about fitness, you like feeling the burn in your muscles as you work out, or you like to push yourself beyond the limits, then the Powerblock dumbbells will probably give you more fulfillment in your training sessions.
How do you benefit by using the Bowflex and Powerblock dumbbells?
Models from both the Powerblock and Bowflex brand allow you to carry out over 30 full body exercises. You not only get to build your arm muscles but also you get to work on your full body form. Models from the Powerblock brand will allow you to add more weight to the dumbbells for the training of the lower body.
There are some particular exercises you can carry out using any dumbbell models from Bowflex or Powerblock. They include dead lifts, chest presses, curls, abs crunch, squats, and extension of triceps. It is clear that full body workout is possible with any model from Bowflex or Powerblock. Choose one that is affordable for you depending on your budget and needs.
Pros and cons of the dumbbells
Powerblock Dumbbells
Pros
- Powerblock dumbbells not only have extendable versions as well as non-extendable versions available for you to choose.
- The weight range of the dumbbells is really wide and is suitable for enthusiastic body builders.
- Powerblock body building dumbbells are small and will only occupy a minimum amount of space. This makes them the best for everyday use.
- The manufacturers of the Powerblock dumbbells offer a five-year warranty in any location.
- The Powerblock dumbbells are made of steel, which makes them strong and durable.
- All the models of the Powerblock dumbbells offer three different weight options, providing you with a wide variety to choose from depending on your training level.
Cons
- Powerblock dumbbells do not offer any app features or connectivity to help you track your training sessions.
- Although the dumbbells’ design is such that you can vary the weights, the procedure can be time consuming and tiresome, especially if you were already working out.
- The Powerblock dumbbells have poor distribution of weight.
Bowflex Dumbbells
Pros
- Bowflex dumbbells have an exceptionally simple system of adjusting the weights on both sides.
- Some Bowflex brand models have Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to connect the dumbbells with your computer or smart phone device.
- Some Bowflex models come with the SelectTech app that allows you to track your progress. The app also acts as your personal trainer and is mobile friendly.
- The Bowflex dumbbells allow staggered resistance thanks to their ability to let you put different weights on both ends.
- The dumbbells from Bowflex brand are loved for their stylish and unique design that will give you an allure of taste and class at the gym.
Cons
- The models of the Bowflex dumbbells have a warranty period of only 2 years.
- The dumbbells have a fixed weight limit. If you need more weight, you will likely have to purchase another model.
- The handles of the dumbbells are made of plastic, which makes them fragile and vulnerable. This means that they wont survive in case you drop them.
From the above information, we can conclude with the following:
The Bowflex 1090 vs Powerblock models
The comparison of Bowflex 1090 vs Powerblock shows that the Bowflex brand comes with superior technological features because of its ability to connect to any smartphone or computer, thus allowing you to track your progress.
The Bowflex Selecttech 1090 vs Powerblock
The dumbbells from Bowflex also prove to be better as compared to the ones from Powerblock because of the SelectTech app that allows you to keep track of your training progress and act as a personal trainer guide.
The Powerblock Elite vs Bowflex Selecttech
Some Powerblock dumbbell models, such as the Elite series, are more favorable to professional body builders as compared to Bowflex because Powerblock has a high weight limit.
