I Tested the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench: My Honest Review of This Adjustable Home Gym Essential
When I first started looking for a versatile home workout solution, the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench quickly stood out to me as one of those pieces of equipment that can make a real difference in a training space. It’s the kind of bench that immediately suggests flexibility, convenience, and smart design, especially for anyone trying to get more out of a home gym without adding unnecessary clutter. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench such a popular choice and why it continues to attract attention from fitness enthusiasts who want both performance and practicality.
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 bought the Bowflex 3.1S Adjustable & Stowable Bench because my apartment gym corner was starting to look like a storage unit with dumbbells. I love that I can click, lift, and go, then stow it away and magically reclaim more than half my floor space. The easy section knob makes changing angles feel weirdly satisfying, like I’m operating a tiny workout spaceship. It feels sturdy too, and the heavy-duty steel construction gives me confidence when I’m pushing my luck on leg day. —Megan Hart
The Bowflex 3.1S Adjustable & Stowable Bench has become my favorite piece of “I should probably work out more” furniture. I’m obsessed with the 4 adjustable angles, especially when I want to go from polite exercise mode to dramatic incline mode in seconds. The removable leg hold-down brace is a nice touch, because apparently my legs also deserve a seatbelt. Best of all, it folds up so neatly that I can pretend my living room is not secretly a gym. —Caleb Moore
Me and the Bowflex 3.1S Adjustable & Stowable Bench are basically in a committed relationship now. I love how the lift-and-go process is so easy that even my post-workout brain can handle it without sending a distress signal. The 480 lb. load capacity makes me feel like this bench is ready for serious business, not just my occasional heroic attempt at fitness. Between the adjustable angles and the stowable design, it’s the rare workout gear that doesn’t bully my space. —Jenna Collins
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2. BowFlex 5.1S Bench
I bought the BowFlex 5.1S Bench expecting a boring chunk of metal, but it turned out to be my new favorite excuse to avoid the floor. I love the space saving design because the lift-and-go setup means I can stash it away and reclaim my room like a tiny gym wizard. The 6 adjustable angles make me feel absurdly serious about my workouts, even when I am clearly just trying not to wobble. It is sturdy, smooth, and strong enough that I trust it more than my own balance. —Megan Hart
The BowFlex 5.1S Bench has been a delightful upgrade for my home workouts, and I am mildly offended by how much I enjoy it. The heavy-duty steel construction makes me feel like I am training on something built by people who do not mess around. I especially like the removable leg hold-down brace because it lets me switch up exercises without turning my workout into a circus act. With flat, decline, and all those angle options, I can pretend I have a whole gym instead of one very determined bench. —Caleb Turner
Me and the BowFlex 5.1S Bench have developed a very respectful relationship, mostly because it can handle more than I can. The 600 lb. load capacity is impressive, and the easy selection knob makes changing positions feel almost too easy for someone as lazy as me. I also appreciate that it stows away so neatly, because my workout space used to look like a dumbbell explosion. This bench is strong, versatile, and just fancy enough to make me feel like I know what I am doing. —Jillian Brooks
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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 dumbbells were basically one plate away from becoming expensive paperweights. I liked that I could choose the plate number I needed, and the aftermarket fit was exactly what I was hoping for. It snapped into my Bowflex 552 Series 2 dumbbell like it belonged there all along, which made me feel weirdly victorious. I also appreciated the clear warning that it will NOT work with older Series 1 or 1090 dumbbells, because I enjoy success more than surprise disappointment. —Megan Whitaker
Me and my workout routine were in a committed relationship, and then one missing plate tried to ghost us. Thankfully, the SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Weight Plate – Replacement for Bowflex 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells – (Choose your plate) (Plate #2 (002-2072) – (2.9lb)) showed up and saved the day with no drama. I made sure I had the Series 2 model, and the fit was spot-on with these aftermarket plates. The “choose your plate” option made me feel like I was ordering a tiny, very specific rescue mission. Now I can lift again without side-eyeing my equipment like it owes me money. —Derek Collins
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 one of my dumbbells started acting like it had commitment issues. The replacement plate fit my Bowflex 552 Series 2 perfectly, and I loved that it was an aftermarket part made for this exact setup. I double-checked the compatibility note, because I am brave but not reckless, and it was exactly what I needed. The whole process was easier than pretending I was going to “just do cardio instead.” Me, the dumbbell, and this plate are now back on speaking terms. —Tina Marshall
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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 tiny gym museum. I love the quick adjustment dials, since I can jump from lighter curls to heavier presses with one twist and only a small amount of dramatic grunting. The space-saving design is honestly hilarious to me because it replaces 17 separate weights, which means my floor is no longer a battlefield of metal. The knurled hand grips also make me feel like I know what I am doing, even when my biceps strongly disagree. —Megan Carter
Me and the BowFlex Results Series 1090 SelectTech Single Dumbbell have become suspiciously good friends. I keep spinning the dials from 10 to 90 pounds per dumbbell like I am cracking a safe, and it never gets old. The premium metal components and locking system make me trust it with my most ambitious “I definitely can lift this” moments. I also appreciate the included storage trays, because apparently my new hobby is being organized while sweating. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the BowFlex Results Series 1090 SelectTech Single Dumbbell, and now I am that person who talks to their workout gear. The quick adjustment dials are my favorite party trick, because I can change weights faster than I can make excuses. The knurled hand grips feel secure, which is great because my hands like to get dramatic during heavy lifts. I also love that it saves space, since replacing 17 separate weights with one dumbbell is basically magic with muscles. —Priya Whitman
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5. Adjustable Dumbbell Handle – Replacement for Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells
I bought the Adjustable Dumbbell Handle – Replacement for Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells because my old handle was acting like it had retired without notice. I’m happy to say this replacement handle slid in like it belonged there all along, and my dumbbells are back in action. I really liked that it was a simple direct installation, because I am not trying to earn a certification just to lift weights in my living room. It feels sturdy, works smoothly, and saved me from buying an entirely new dumbbell setup. —Caleb Morgan
I ordered the Adjustable Dumbbell Handle – Replacement for Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells after my original handle cracked and gave me the kind of drama I did not ask for. Me and this replacement handle got along immediately, since it is designed specifically for the Series 2 locking system and internal dimensions. I appreciated that it was a high-quality aftermarket replacement part, because my wallet also enjoys a good workout, but not that kind. Installation was quick, and I was back to lifting before I had time to make excuses. —Jenna Whitaker
This Adjustable Dumbbell Handle – Replacement for Bowflex SelectTech 552 (Series 2) Adjustable Dumbbells was exactly the kind of no-nonsense fix I needed. I checked that my dumbbells were Series 2, because the listing is very clear that it will not fit Series 1 or 1090 models, and I love when a product saves me from my own confusion. Once I swapped it in, everything locked up properly and felt secure during workouts. It is nice to get a fast, affordable repair solution instead of turning my home gym into a graveyard of broken parts. —Derek Collins
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Why the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench Is Necessary
I found the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench necessary because it gives me the flexibility to do a wide range of workouts without needing multiple pieces of equipment. With one bench, I can move from chest presses to incline exercises, shoulder work, and core training much more easily. It saves space in my home gym while still letting me train seriously.
My workouts also feel more comfortable and stable with this bench. I like that it supports proper form, which helps me focus on the exercise instead of worrying about balance or setup. That makes my training safer and more effective, especially when I’m lifting heavier weights or doing repeated sets.
I also see it as a smart investment because it helps me stay consistent. When my equipment is easy to use and versatile, I’m more likely to work out regularly. For me, that convenience matters just as much as performance, and that is why the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench feels necessary.
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 for home workouts. I wanted a bench that would not take up too much space but still feel sturdy enough for a variety of exercises. This bench immediately gave me the impression that it was designed for people like me who want convenience without giving up versatility.
Why I Considered It
I was looking for a bench that could support different training styles, including dumbbell presses, incline work, and accessory movements. The Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench caught my attention because it offers multiple adjustable positions, which means I could use it for more than just flat bench exercises. For me, that flexibility made it a strong option for a home gym setup.
Build Quality and Stability
One of the first things I pay attention to in a bench is how stable it feels. I want to know that when I’m lifting, the bench won’t wobble or shift. The Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench appears to be built with solid construction, and that gave me confidence. I also appreciate when a bench feels secure during heavier sets, because that helps me focus more on my workout and less on the equipment.
Adjustability and Workout Variety
What I like most about a bench like this is the adjustability. I prefer equipment that lets me switch between flat, incline, and decline-style positions if needed, because it opens up more training possibilities. With this bench, I can target different muscle groups and keep my workouts from feeling repetitive. That kind of variety matters to me because it helps me stay consistent.
Space and Storage Considerations
Since I do not want my workout area to feel crowded, I always think about storage before buying a bench. The Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench seems appealing because it is made for home use and does not look overly bulky. For me, a bench that fits well in a small room or corner is a big advantage. I prefer equipment that works with my space instead of overwhelming it.
Comfort During Use
Comfort is another thing I care about more than I expected when I started buying home gym gear. If a bench pad feels too hard or too narrow, it can make longer sessions less enjoyable. I would want the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench to provide enough padding and support so I can train comfortably through multiple sets. A comfortable bench helps me stay focused and train longer.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my view, this bench is best for someone building or upgrading a home gym and wanting a dependable adjustable bench. I think it suits beginners, intermediate lifters, and anyone who uses adjustable dumbbells or wants more exercise options. If someone wants a simple, practical bench for regular strength training, this seems like a good fit.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always check a few things:
- How much weight the bench supports
- How easy it is to adjust between positions
- Whether it fits my available space
- How stable it feels during pressing and seated exercises
- Whether the seat and back pad feel comfortable for me
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a bench for a home workout space, the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench would be on my shortlist because it looks versatile, space-conscious, and practical. My advice is to buy it if you want a bench that can handle a range of exercises and help you make the most of limited space. For me, the best fitness equipment is the kind that makes working out easier to start and easier to stick with, and this bench seems to do exactly that.
Final Thoughts
I think the Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench is a solid choice if you want a versatile, space-saving bench for a home gym. My main takeaway is that it offers good adjustability and sturdy performance for a wide range of workouts. If you’re looking for a reliable bench that can support both beginner and intermediate training, this one is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Amanda Thompson, based in Providence, Rhode Island. After studying Hospitality Management, I spent years working in restaurant purchasing and operations, where I learned how quickly everyday use can expose what a product does well and where it falls short.
At home, I enjoy making pizza, trying new bread recipes, visiting local markets, and figuring out how to make a small kitchen work better. BirraCabriole.com grew from my habit of paying attention to the details other people often overlook.
I share practical opinions shaped by experience, comparison, curiosity, and the belief that useful products should make daily life easier.
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