We did the heavy lifting of hunting down excellent affordable alternatives to Bowflex weights. These great sets won't break the bank. (Photo: Amazon)
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When it comes to fitness equipment, certain brands dominate, and Bowflex is right up there; you've seen the name in gyms and studios. One specific home-workout item Bowflex is famous for is its adjustable dumbbells. For some, $400 can be pretty steep.
Turns out, you don't have to. We went hunting for alternatives and found three great options Amazon shoppers rave about. All three have similar functionality to the Bowflex models; you turn a dial to set the dumbbells at the desired weight, then lift and you're good to go.
Below are our top picks — all less than half the cost of Bowflex. Weight ranges vary, so there's a perfect set for everyone here (our heaviest pick goes to 55 pounds, and our lightest tops off at 15).
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This single dumbbell (the others in this list are sold as pairs) has a locked-down construction to ensure the weight can only adjust while the item is sitting in its tray. Click the on-page coupon to get this dumbbell for $100, or a pair for $200.
"They are easy to change, with each turn giving you a nice satisfying ratchet/clicking sound," a shopper writes. "These aren’t bulky like the Bowflex dumbbells, with a notch that makes them super easy to rack on your shoulders. The notch also helps stabilize them for push-ups."
Another says: "We have been building our 'garage gym' and wanted to have a variety of dumbbells but didn’t want additional space dedicated to weights. These are perfect! Easily adjustable and a small footprint. We highly recommend them and have suggested to several friends."
With wooden anti-slip handles for a good grip, these smaller Lifepro weights feel secure in the hand. If you're looking to build muscle but don't need anything too heavy, this is an ideal choice.
"These are by far the coolest, easiest to use and [easiest to] store dumbbell set we have ever run across," a happy customer reports. "Our old set took up so much room, [with] each weight amount on different bars. This is not only a space-saver but [makes it] easy to adjust between weights. The lever is easy to move and snaps right into place. The base holds whatever isn't in use with individual slots so they don't fall over. Very nice for at home use and storage."
With a max weight of 22-pounds apiece, these dumbbells mean business. Like other sets here, they convert to barbell mode, with the addition of a connection rod. Thanks to spin locks and screw caps, you don't have to worry about the weight loosening.
A satisfied customer reports: "I absolutely recommend this set. It is super easy to assemble, I was able to put it together in less than 5 minutes. The weights are pretty heavy and durable. I love that you can easily switch from dumbbells to barbell. This is great to have for a home gym setup."
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