Bowflex, one of the sought-after brands in the bodybuilding and fitness industry, is known for its high-quality fitness equipment and exercise machines such as dumbbell sets, benches, and stands. One piece of exercise equipment that you’re probably not familiar with is their Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series. The Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 3.1 is for lighter use, specifically made for home gyms.
Bowflex has another bench series up its sleeve and has introduced the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 5.1 for any weight lifting enthusiast looking for additional support. As with most Bowflex fitness products, this bench has a fine aesthetic that appeals to today’s modern market. The 5.1 bench series is reasonably priced, durable, and convenient with an excellent warranty. Let us take a further look at what makes this Bowflex bench series one of its kind.
Features and Specifications
The Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 5.1 will make any space an instant fitness center where you’ll have access to an exercise program that’s as good as you’ll obtain in any gym. The bench works great if you’re looking for stable positioning support and versatility whenever you’re working out. The bench is adjustable in multiple positions where you can add several different exercises to your bodybuilding program.
Features
- Adjustable in six unique positions: 17° decline with raised seat, flat, incline (30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°)
- Made with heavy-duty quality steel
- Two-piece top
- Workout variety – you can do over 30 exercises
- Rounded seat for legs
- Removable leg hold-down brace (for extra decline positioning support)
- Six-week money back guarantee
- Frame: 30-Year warranty; Upholstery: one-year warranty
Specifications
- Storage wheels
- 56L x 26W x 20H (dimensions)
- Maximum weight: 300 lbs.
- Assembly weight: 61.7 lbs.
Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 5.1 Review
The Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series is a distinctive piece of equipment that didn’t scrimp on useful features. Guaranteeing years of usage, Bowflex usually places this warranty on most of their products so you’ll get the full benefit from your weight lifting program.
The Series 5.1 bench can be angled in six positions (one decline position, flat, four incline positions) compared to the Series 3.1 (which is only adjustable to four positions). The positions allow you to maximize your exercise routines targeting all muscle groups. Switching to other positions takes only a few seconds so your workouts will be finished in no time. The Series 5.1 costs more than the 3.1, but the extra positions are worth the extra buck.
The Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 5.1 also features a removable leg brace that delivers added balance and support whenever you’re working out in a decline position. However, it won’t be in your way if not needed since it can easily be removed. The extra leg attachment helps fitness enthusiasts who wish to do more cardio exercises for their resistance training. It’s a nice bonus feature, but some users think it might get in the way of standard press exercises.
As for its design, it’s ergonomically engineered to fit every build. The bench looks beautiful and when seated on, feels comfortable. The vibrant red padding in the upper area is attention-grabbing, and the rest of the padding is coated with a black color that looks sleek and is eye-pleasing.
Indeed, the bench works great for tall people. It provides plenty of space that makes it easy to fit your body on the bench during your workouts especially if you have a larger build.
The bench is also hailed as a “space-saving machine”, which is engineered to incorporate all the fitness equipment found in your nearest gym. It combines a patented technology that delivers a polished and consistent resistance through a wide variety of exercises geared at lean and muscle development. Assembly may take a half hour to 45 minutes; you can use the instruction manual for directions.
Some users, however, gripe that the Series 5.1 doesn’t hold its aesthetic design for long. With frequent usage, the seat is vulnerable to rips, tears and creases just after a few exercises. According to users, the padding may cause ripples after just a few uses although ripping padding hasn’t been reported. But the great thing is that Bowflex provides a one-year warranty on the upholstery and a full refund if you have been using the bench for six weeks and still not completely satisfied with it. You can also purchase replacement foam pads if you need to which are available under the “replacement parts” section on Bowflex’s website.
Other customers on Amazon note the bench’s quality construction as sturdy and wobble-free. The adjustable positioning feature has been extensively approved, especially when it comes to the ease of use with the adjustments. Users of this bench also commented that changing positions is quick, easy and hassle-free. Each position locks in securely and safely into place to prevent possible accidents.
Other reviewers fussed about easy storage, but unfortunately, the bench doesn’t flatten out or is adjustable to a size that can be kept under the bed or some similarly contracted storage area.
Pros and Cons
After sifting through the many user reviews about the Bench 5.1, we list down some pros and cons to help you decide if this equipment is right for you.
PROS:
- Quick and easy assembly
- Robust construction that allows for equipment durability
- Adjustable in multiple positions
- Incredible amount of workout options for your muscle building needs (more than 30)
- Ensures posture and stabilizes positioning for a safer workout
- Transport wheels for easy stowing and relocation of equipment
- Comfortable to sit on
- Detachable leg brace that provides added support and stability
- Comes with clear instructions
- Refundable for six weeks of use
- Excellent 30-year warranty
CONS:
- Slightly bulkier compared to other utility benches for home use
- Some users fuss about the gap between the upper and lower cushions every time the bench is laid flat
- Prone to misalignment
- Longer assembly time (more than 45 minutes to assemble to an hour)
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 5.1 makes one functional exercise bench that adds versatility in your workouts. This adjustable bench lets you safely, conveniently, and comfortably perform multiple cardio exercises and presses that you might have overlooked for that crucial muscle development. Not only does the Series 5.1 has a solid, well-built construction and long warranty, but it also helps ensure that you’re executing your weight exercises properly to get the full workout benefit. This bench is also designed to reduce possible dangers and injuries. Furthermore, if you have already bought other Bowflex equipment such as their adjustable dumbbells and weights, this bench will make an accompanying device to your workout space.
