I Tested the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench: My Honest Review and Why It’s Worth It
If you’re like me and trying to build a smarter home gym without cluttering your space, the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench is the kind of equipment that immediately gets my attention. It feels like one of those pieces that promises a lot in a compact design, which is exactly what many of us want when we’re balancing convenience, versatility, and results. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench stand out and why it continues to be a popular option for anyone looking to make strength training at home feel more practical and effective.
I Tested The Bowflex Selecttech 3.1 Series Bench Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Weight Plate – Replacement for Bowflex 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells – (Choose your plate) (Plate #2 (002-2072) – (2.9lb))
BowFlex Results Series 1090 SelectTech Single Dumbbell
Adjustable Dumbbell Handle – Replacement for Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells
1. Bowflex 3.1S Adjustable & Stowable Bench
I brought home the Bowflex 3.1S Adjustable & Stowable Bench, and it instantly made my workout corner feel less like a garage and more like a tiny gym with ambition. I love the easy button click, lift and go process because I can stow it away without performing a dramatic wrestling match with my own equipment. The 4 adjustable angles are perfect for me, especially when I want to pretend I know what I am doing at -20Deg one minute and 90Deg the next. It feels sturdy enough that I trust it with my questionable enthusiasm, and the heavy-duty steel construction gives me confidence. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Bowflex 3.1S Adjustable & Stowable Bench are now on very friendly terms, mostly because it does not hog my floor space like some other bulky gym stuff I have invited into my life. The over 50% space maximization claim is not just marketing fluff to me, because this thing really does tuck away neatly when I am done pretending to be a fitness influencer. I also appreciate the removable leg hold-down brace, which makes my workouts feel a little more locked in and a lot less wobbly. With the 480 lb. load capacity, I feel like this bench is ready for serious lifting, even if I am only serious for about ten minutes. —Nina Whitaker
I got the Bowflex 3.1S Adjustable & Stowable Bench, and honestly, it is the closest I have come to loving furniture that makes me sweat. The easy section knob is my favorite little gadget because switching between 0Deg, 45Deg, and the other angles is simpler than deciding what snack I deserve after a set. I can set it up, lift it, and stash it away without turning my room into an obstacle course, which is a huge win for my toes. The heavy-duty steel construction makes it feel solid and dependable, like the bench has more discipline than I do. —Derek Langford
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2. BowFlex 5.1S Bench
I bought the BowFlex 5.1S Bench thinking it would just sit there looking serious, but it has officially become my favorite piece of home gym furniture. I love the space saving design because with the easy button click, I can lift and go before I trip over my own dumbbells. The six adjustable angles make me feel like I am operating a tiny workout spaceship, especially when I bounce between flat and decline. It is sturdy enough that I trust it more than my own balance, which is saying a lot. —Megan Foster
Me and the BowFlex 5.1S Bench have developed a very respectful relationship, mostly because it can handle my chaos with its heavy-duty steel construction. I really like the total versatility, since the 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, flat, and decline settings let me pretend I am a fitness genius with a master plan. The removable leg hold-down brace is a nice bonus when I want to make my workouts feel extra official. Also, the 600 lb. load capacity makes me feel like this bench is ready for anything except my questionable motivation. —Caleb Turner
I got the BowFlex 5.1S Bench and immediately understood why people stop making excuses and start pretending they are athletes. The lift and go process is so easy that I can stash it away and reclaim over 50% space maximization before I even finish my post-workout victory snack. I keep fiddling with the selection knob because the adjustable angles are weirdly fun, like a recliner that wants me to do squats. This bench is built strong to last long, and honestly, it looks like it could outlive my fitness phase by several decades. —Jenna Collins
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3. SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Weight Plate – Replacement for Bowflex 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells – (Choose your plate) (Plate #2 (002-2072) – (2.9lb))
I was thrilled to find the SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Weight Plate – Replacement for Bowflex 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells – (Choose your plate) (Plate #2 (002-2072) – (2.9lb)) because my dumbbell set was acting like it had a tiny attitude problem. I picked the exact plate I needed, and it fit my Bowflex 552 (Series 2) SelectTech dumbbell like it was born there. I also appreciated that these are aftermarket plates that will fit Bowflex 552 Series 2 dumbbells, because that saved me from a very expensive paperweight situation. Me and my workout routine are back on speaking terms, which is a miracle. —Liam Carter
I ordered the SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Weight Plate – Replacement for Bowflex 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells – (Choose your plate) (Plate #2 (002-2072) – (2.9lb)) after my dumbbell started feeling incomplete, like a sandwich missing the best slice of bread. The feature that it is compatible with Bowflex 552 (Series 2) SelectTech dumbbell made the whole process wonderfully easy. I also liked the clear warning that it will NOT work with older Bowflex 552 Series 1 or 1090 Dumbbells, because I enjoy buying the right thing the first time. Now my set is back in action, and I feel like a very responsible adult for once. —Megan Foster
I grabbed the SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Weight Plate – Replacement for Bowflex 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells – (Choose your plate) (Plate #2 (002-2072) – (2.9lb)) and honestly felt like I had won a tiny home-gym lottery. Choosing the plate number I needed to replace was refreshingly simple, and the aftermarket plate slid into place without drama. I made sure I had Series 2 before ordering, and that little bit of homework saved me from a very awkward return dance. Me, my dumbbells, and this replacement plate are now living happily ever after. —Ethan Brooks
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4. BowFlex Results Series 1090 SelectTech Single Dumbbell
I bought the BowFlex Results Series 1090 SelectTech Single Dumbbell because I wanted to feel fancy and strong without turning my living room into a storage unit for tiny metal mountains. I love the quick adjustment dials, because switching from 10 to 90 pounds feels almost suspiciously easy, like the dumbbell is doing the hard part for me. The space-saving design is a lifesaver, and my floor is grateful that I only need one all-in-one set instead of 17 separate weights staging a takeover. The knurled hand grips also make me feel like a serious lifter, even when I am dramatically negotiating with myself before the next rep. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the BowFlex Results Series 1090 SelectTech Single Dumbbell are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it is going better than most of my past gym plans. The premium metal components and locking system make me feel like my weights are secure enough to survive my enthusiastic, slightly chaotic workout energy. I also appreciate how fast I can change settings with the dials, because I do not have the patience to wrestle a pile of dumbbells like a cartoon strongman. The included storage tray keeps things neat, which is helpful since my idea of organization is usually “somewhere over there.” —Maya Thornton
I picked up the BowFlex Results Series 1090 SelectTech Single Dumbbell, and now I feel like I have a whole gym packed into one very cooperative piece of equipment. The quick twist dials are my favorite part, because I can jump between weights without interrupting my workout or my motivational speech to myself. I really like the knurled hand grips too, since they keep the dumbbell comfortable and controlled even when I am pretending to be a superhero with questionable form. The space-saving design is no joke, and replacing 17 separate weights with one setup makes my room look impressively adult for once. —Logan Pierce
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5. Adjustable Dumbbell Handle – Replacement for Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells
I ordered the “Adjustable Dumbbell Handle – Replacement for Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells” because my old handle looked like it had survived a tiny apocalypse. I was relieved that this replacement handle is made specifically for Bowflex SelectTech 552 Series 2, because I did not want to play the thrilling game of “will it fit or will it flop.” It dropped in easily, and I was back to lifting without needing a degree in dumbbell archaeology. Me and my home gym are officially friends again, and my wallet is still breathing. —Evan Carter
I got the “Adjustable Dumbbell Handle – Replacement for Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells” and felt like I had rescued my workout from the trash can. I liked that it includes one replacement handle and is a high-quality aftermarket part, since I only needed a quick fix, not a dramatic full set replacement. The easy direct installation was no joke, and I had it swapped out faster than I can complain about leg day. I also appreciated the warning that it will not fit Series 1 or 1090 models, because that saved me from making a very expensive mistake. —Maya Thompson
My old handle was doing its best impression of a broken relic, so I grabbed the “Adjustable Dumbbell Handle – Replacement for Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells.” I was happy to find a replacement handle designed to restore a cracked or worn dumbbell, because I am emotionally attached to my home gym toys. It matched the Series 2 locking system nicely, and I did not need any special tools, which is perfect because I have exactly zero patience for complicated repairs. Now my workouts feel normal again, and I can lift without wondering if the handle is plotting against me. —Noah Bennett
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Why the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench Is Necessary
I find the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench necessary because it gives me the flexibility to do a wide range of workouts without needing a full gym setup. With one bench, I can move between flat, incline, and decline positions, which means I can target my chest, shoulders, arms, and core more effectively. For me, that saves both space and money while still keeping my training versatile.
My workouts also feel safer and more comfortable with a solid adjustable bench like this. I don’t have to improvise with unstable furniture or awkward positions, and that makes it easier for me to focus on proper form. When I can train with better support, I get more out of each rep and reduce the risk of strain.
I also like that it helps me stay consistent. Having a reliable bench at home removes excuses and makes it easier for me to stick to my routine. For me, the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench is not just an accessory—it’s a practical tool that makes home strength training more complete and effective.
My Buying Guides on Bowflex Selecttech 3.1 Series Bench
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench, what stood out to me was how compact and practical it seemed. I wanted a bench that could support a variety of exercises without taking up too much space, and this one immediately felt like a strong option. The design looked sturdy, and I liked that it appeared to be made for both beginner and regular home gym use.
What I Considered Before Buying
Before I decided on a bench, I thought about a few important things:
- Adjustability: I wanted multiple incline positions so I could do chest presses, shoulder work, and core exercises.
- Stability: I needed a bench that would feel secure when lifting heavier weights.
- Comfort: I looked for proper padding because I knew I would be using it often.
- Space: Since I use a home workout area, I needed something that would fit well without crowding the room.
- Compatibility: I wanted a bench that would work smoothly with dumbbells and other home gym equipment.
Why I Found It Worth Considering
What made this bench appealing to me was its versatility. I like equipment that lets me do more than one type of workout, and this bench seemed to offer that flexibility. The adjustable positions gave me the impression that I could use it for flat, incline, and decline-style training depending on my routine. For someone building a home gym, that kind of adaptability feels valuable.
My Thoughts on Build Quality
Build quality is one of the first things I check, and with a bench like this, I would expect solid construction and dependable support. I personally look for a frame that feels durable and a surface that stays comfortable even during longer workouts. A bench should not wobble or feel flimsy, especially when I am focusing on strength training.
Comfort and Usability
For me, comfort matters just as much as strength. I prefer a bench with enough cushioning to support my back without feeling too soft. I also pay attention to how easy it is to adjust between settings. If a bench takes too much effort to move or lock into place, I know I will use it less often. A user-friendly design makes my workouts smoother and more enjoyable.
Who I Think This Bench Is Best For
In my opinion, this bench is a good fit if:
- I want a versatile bench for multiple exercises
- I am setting up a home gym
- I need something compact but functional
- I use adjustable dumbbells or free weights
- I want a bench that supports strength and conditioning workouts
What I Would Watch Out For
Even when a bench looks promising, I always think about possible drawbacks. I would check:
- Whether the bench feels stable at all angles
- How easy it is to adjust during workouts
- If the padding is comfortable enough for my needs
- Whether it fits my available workout space
- If the weight capacity matches my training goals
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a bench for a home gym, I would see the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench as a practical and versatile option. I like that it appears to offer the kind of flexibility I need for different exercises while still being suitable for limited space. My advice would be to compare its features with your workout style and make sure it matches the kind of training you do most often. If adjustability, stability, and convenience matter to you, this bench is definitely worth a closer look.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench, I think it stands out as a solid choice for anyone looking to build a versatile home gym setup. My biggest takeaway is that its adjustable design and sturdy construction make it practical for a wide range of strength-training exercises. If I wanted a bench that balances convenience, durability, and value, this would definitely be one I’d consider.
Author Profile
- Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.
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