For the past several years Bowflex has produced some of the leading adjustable weight benches on the market. But with their last model, the 3.1, lifters had some complaints regarding adjustability. Fortunately, Bowflex listened and made some major design changes that make this model one of the most versatile adjustable benches on the market.
The Bowflex SelectTech 5.1 adjustable weight bench is a sturdy, reliable weight bench that won’t move or slide during a heavy lifting session. This is the perfect bench for serious workouts, or if you’re in need of a tough bench you can slide right under a smith machine. It can also support a wide range of exercises, so you can enjoy a more versatile workout.
Overview and Features
The bench is made out of solid steel with a raised base support that will ensure the bench won’t rock or wobble when you’re in the middle of a tough set. The backrest and seat are heavily padded for a more comfortable workout. The newly designed seat provides improved leg support, compared to last year’s Bowflex Selectech bench. A lifter can easily adjust the seat and lock it into the desired position, quickly, with the use of a locking pin.
The longer bench design makes this model perfect for taller lifters. The separate back and head support are what add much-needed inches to this model’s design. This separation also provides more shoulder space, which will come in handy when you need to do certain exercises such as dumbbell flyes.
The bench itself features transport wheels that will allow you to move the bench from room to room or store it when not in use. There’s also a large curved handle that makes lifting and pulling the bench much easier.
Compared to the Bowflex 3.1 adjustable bench, the 5.1 offers more back and seat positions. While the 3.1 only offers flat, decline, and incline positions, in addition to those positions, this new model also allows you to adjust the angle of the seat. Seat adjustability is important if you want to use the bench for decline positions.
The ability to increase the angle of the seat can also help to reduce back pain.
If you don’t plan on any decline work, then you can remove the leg support attachment. The leg roller is designed to improve stability when you’re in the decline position.
Angle Options
This bench offers six position options. The bench can be adjusted to ninety degrees, sixty degrees, forty-five degrees, thirty degrees, and seventeen degrees. These positions allow the lifter to perform dozens of exercises easily, with a full range of motion.
When the bench is placed at an incline, you can choose from two different positions, for a more efficient, effective workout. One of the biggest complaints about the 3.1 version was the inability to adjust the seat, so this is a huge design improvement.
This model offers a weight capacity of four hundred pounds, which makes it a poor choice for powerlifters.
Assembly
On average, assembly time can take around an hour. Fortunately, the manufacturer has included detailed instructions that will walk you through each step of the process.
Warranty
Bowflex offers a thirty-year warranty on the frame and a one-year warranty on the upholstery. The upholstery is both sweat and tear resistant.
Summing It Up
Overall, this bench is a good choice for lighter workouts. If you’re looking for the perfect bench that can help you tone up or get that cut physique you’ve always wanted, then your search stops here.
Pros
- The bench encourages proper form during a workout.
- The leg hold down bar is easy to remove and attach and also provides more versatility to your workouts.
- You can choose from six different positions beginning at seventeen degrees up to ninety degrees.
- Features a great space saving design that makes it perfect for apartment dwellers or homeowners who are tight on space.
- The assembly process is simple.
- The thirty-year warranty on the frame gives consumers more confidence in this important purchase.
- The backrest and seat upholstery is sweat and tear resistant.
- Perfect for decline workouts.
- The thick padding provides just the right amount of support.
- Switching bench positions is fast and easy.
- The backrest is very supportive.
- The length of the bench makes it a great choice for taller lifters.
Cons
- You’ll notice a large gap between the backrest and seat when the bench is placed in the flat position.
- When the wheels lock up it can be challenging to move the bench. Before you start moving it, make sure you lift the bench up higher in order to ensure it rests properly on its wheels.
- If you lift several times a week, you’ll notice that the padding starts to flatten out after about six months of use.
- The bench only offers a four-hundred-pound weight capacity which can be very limiting. Weight capacity includes both the user’s weight and the amount of weight they lift.
- While the frame is covered by a lengthy warranty, we were disappointed that the upholstery is only covered for one year.
- Weighing almost seventy pounds, this bench can be difficult for some users to move.
- If you’re looking for the best weight bench that offers a higher max weight capacity, check out the Marcy Olympic Weight Bench for Full-Body Workout MD-857.
Home Workout Habit.com Product Rating:
While this bench can’t quite compete with an Olympic weight bench, it surpasses many other models in this price range, thanks to the number of positions and angles it offers.
The 5.1 is a great new addition to the Bowflex weight bench lineup. Versatile, easy to use and highly adjustable, this top of the line weight bench will be the perfect fit for your home gym. The lower weight capacity is the one major drawback. If you have serious lifting goals, then you may end up quickly outgrowing this bench. But for those lifters who enjoy intense toning and core workouts, this bench is a great buy. We gave this model a rating of four out of five stars.
