If you own any BowFlex adjustable dumbbells that you’ve purchased in the last 20 years, you’ll want to stop using them immediately.
More than 3.8 million BowFlex SelectTech adjustable dumbbell units have been recalled, according to a June 5 notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This applies to the weight plates from the BowFlex SelectTech 552 and SelectTech 1090 models, sold as far back as 2004.
Manufacturers and sellers of the dumbbells received 349 reports from customers who reported that the weight plates could dislodge during use. Of those reports, 111 led to injuries, including concussions, abrasions, broken toes, or contusions.
The dumbbells were sold at a variety of retailers, including Johnson Fitness & Wellness, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and Best Buy. Many other units were sold online at BowFlex.com and Amazon.com as early as 2004 and as late as April 2024. The fitness gear was typically priced between $200 and $800.
It’s an unfortunate outcome for a dumbbell that received a positive GearJunkie review just a few months ago. In January, GJ Editor Rachelle Schrute wrote that “the BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells do pretty much everything I need them to in a sleek, compact package.”
BowFlex Bankruptcy, Next Steps for Recall
BowFlex, a 4-decade-old company based in Vancouver, Wash., declared bankruptcy in March. Once widely known for commercials that were a staple of late-night ’90s television, the company has now filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Johnson Health Tech, a Taiwan-based company, agreed to “acquire substantially all of the assets” for $37.5 million in cash, CNN reported.
BowFlex blamed its bankruptcy on the “post-pandemic environment and persistent macroeconomic headwinds” and said it received interest from “multiple” companies. It eventually chose Johnson Health Tech because it will “maximize value for our stakeholders through this process,” according to CNN.
For customers who bought the dumbbells from Johnson Health Tech Trading, the brand will offer a refund in the form of a voucher, or a replacement.
For units sold by BowFlex Inc. (formerly Nautilus Inc.), consumers can request a refund in the form of a prorated voucher and a 1-year JRNY digital fitness membership, according to the notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Consumers will be sent a prepaid shipping label to return the handle and base for each returned dumbbell.
Customers can also file for a refund or replacement options on the BowFlex website, by email at [email protected], or by calling 800-209-3539. You can determine if your model has been recalled by looking for the serial number and checking the CPSC release.
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