( 30 reviews )
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Posted: Jul 28 2009
We purchased the Bowflex 552 dumbbells and knew that a bench would be a great purchase as well. So glad we got it! Some other reviews mentioned that the gap between the seat and the back is big, which it is. But that makes it possible to get to the 90 degree position. Without the gap, it would be a struggle to get it to 90. The gap itself doesn't bother me but when I feel it, I just reposition myself. I am 4'11 so the bench in the flat position is a little long for me but it's a great length for my husband. We use it when we strength/weight train and it really is a great tool and really needed if you want to incorporate more positions in your workouts. More positions/variations leads to better results and I am really pleased with my purchases. One complaint though, I thought it would fold up and be easy to store away, but that's not the case. The wheels make it easy to get it to where you want it but it isn't made to hide under your bed or anything like that. It's pretty much, what you see is what you get. So if you don't mind it sticking out versus being inconspicuous, then this is the bench for you. Living in a condo, we don't have much space, so I was really bummed when I couldn't fold it up and "hide" it. But nonetheless, I'm still happy with it and wouldn't trade it for another.
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Posted: May 19 2009
This bench is a nice solid bench, but... 1) The plastic covers on the bottom end of the adjustment bar don't stay on. One of mine fell off after a couple days, only then to be eaten by the dog. No big deal, I took the other one off and it works fine, but a rubber end or glue would have fixed that problem. 2) The bigger issue for me is the front feet (the bar that stablizes the front of the bench). Maybe it's my personal preference, but that bar sits right where my natural "drop the dumbells" motion ends. It's just a personal preference of mine, after being used to gym benches without the front wide foot. 3) The bench is easily adjustable, but the one decline setting is not really much of a decline. 4) The gap between the back and butt pads seems a bit excessive. If you keep the foot bar on, your backside inconveniently sits right in the pad gap, not exactly comfortable. 5) I will add a positive, the head cushion is separate from the back cushion, so when the time comes where the cushions start cracking (usually the head starts first), it looks like all you would have to do is replace the head cushion. Again, these are just my personal thoughts on the bench as a long time gym member, and my first go-round with setting up my home gym. Next time around I'll pay closer attention to these things.
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Posted: Apr 24 2009
This bench is great- very sturdy, does what its supposed to. Doesnt feel flimsy in anyway. One piece of advice, when you assemble, the fron two bolts that connect the front of the stand (they are the 3 inch bolts, the longest ones their are only two), once you put them through and screw on the nut, you cant tighten it any further- i thought there was something wrong with it or i needed a ratchet or a different wrench, but that is the way it is supposed to be- it seems loose, but it doesnt matter as long as the bolt is in there (i verified this with bowflex cust service, who was awesome btw.... Very pleased....thanks!
