Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

You should always workout with free weights, as they allow you to use the natural free-range of motion, stabilizer muscles, and proper posture.

There is absolutely no reason you should work out on machines unless you are a complete beginner or injured. Machines are great for safety, but not much else.

If you are going to invest in a dumbbell set, get the ones that go to 50 pounds at the minimum. Everything else is just a waste. You will outgrow your old weights as you constantly and consistently work out.

If dumbbell sets are too expensive for you, then consider joining a gym for $20 a month or getting 3 dumbbell weights (10 pounds, 25 pounds, and 50 pounds).

There is no need to even invest in a dumbbell set until your bodyweight exercises and stability exercises become too easy (over 100 push-ups, 20 pull-ups, and 6 minute miles). Until then, use your body weight! It's cheaper, faster, and easier.

If you don't feel the burn after 10 repetitions, you are doing the exercise wrong. In all exercises, it is the eccentric portion of the exercise that builds muscle. Do the exercise in a smooth, controlled fashion with a 3 concentric and 6 eccentric count. Squeeze at the peak of the motion to get that extra pump.

As in all exercises, make sure to keep your wrists straight and check your posture with these seven vital points: feet hips-width apart and pointed straight ahead; knees slightly bent; pelvis at perfect middle, as if you are sitting at a bar stool; stomach tight, but not flexed; chest straight and aligned on top of ribs; shoulders parallel to ribs; and neck straight on top of body

These weights are ideal for my wife and me. The range of weights work great for both of us. They are heavy enough for me, yet light enough for her. An unexpected bonus with this purchase was the "lifting guide" that detailed different lifts to exercise different muscles. Although it is a bit pricy, it is worth the extra money to have a great piece of equipment that takes up very little space and has the Bowflex name on it to back it up.

I think that if you can swing a heavier set you should. I mean 52 lbs is not that much for things like kick backs or squats. Why not pay a 50 - 100 spot now verse when you get serious

jimmy sprinkles

Purchased these for my girfriend, but ended up using them more than her!
Handles are real comfortable to grip. The weight is plenty enough for someone wanting to get into, or stay in shape.

These are simply dumbbells. The design works and looks exactly as advertised for what they are. No problems at all if you use common sense when using.

I like these dumbbells and got a great deal. I would have been equally happy with another, quality built brand. After all we are talking dumbbells here and I have used them all.