Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Review

Justin Mastine-Frost | Sep 15 2021 - 7:20 pm

Quick Take

A good kettlebell goes a long ways in refining your at-home workout capabilities, but not everyone has the space to leave a full rack of them kicking around their home workout space. Enter the adjustable kettlebell—a resilient and reliable way of keeping multiple kettlebell weights in the house in a compact form. We’ve covered adjustable kettlebells before, but when we saw Bowflex bringing their SelectTech technology into the adjustable kettlebell space we knew we needed to take a closer look.

Features

As we just noted, it’s really Bowflex’s SelectTech quick change mechanism that’s the star of the show in this 840 adjustable kettlebell review. While other adjustable kettlebells take their own levels of fussing in order to swap weights, this configuration is a simple ‘dial and go’. On the top of the kettlebell beneath its handle, you can rotate the dial to the setting of your preference—anywhere between 8 and 40 pounds—then just pick up the kettlebell and begin working out. Additional and unneeded weight plates are left on the ground, and at the next change simply set the kettlebell down over the previously removed plates.

One of the bigger concerns with adjustable kettlebells can be the shape of their bell and the fact that many have exposed weight plates. Both of these factors can impact your overall comfort when working out, and we’re happy to report that neither are an issue when looking at the Bowflex SelectTech 840 adjustable kettlebell. Its weight plates are hidden within its smooth and rigid plastic housing, which has been designed with smooth edges at its key contact points. If anything it’s a touch wider and more cylindrical than a conventional kettlebell.

As we’ve previously noted, this SelectTech 840 adjustable kettlebell can be set for between 8 and 40 pounds, and in doing so it covers a total of 6 different weight settings—8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 pounds. For the average person, this is a solid weight range to be working with, given that different exercises will require different weights (much like conventional weightlifting). The SelectTech 840 adjustable kettlebell is a relatively new addition to their product line, so there’s a chance we’ll see a heavier version in the future. Meanwhile, Bowflex adjustable dumbbells have great variety, with the SelectTech 1090 replacing 17 different dumbbells with weights from 10 to 90 pounds in 5-pound increments. The SelectTech 560 replaces 16 dumbbells with weights from 5 to to 60 pounds, and the SelectTech 552 replaces 15 dumbbells with weights of 5 to 52.5 pounds.

In skimming the Bowflex website we spotted another interesting perk for users (and not just Bowflex SelectTech owners). It seems Bowflex has created a healthy series of 24 kettlebell workout videos to help users add a bit of diversity to their routines. Now, these aren’t complete workouts or coaching sessions like you’ll see on other paid subscription programs like iFit and others, but rather quick videos showcasing an assortment of individual kettlebell lifts. From these exercises it becomes much easier to build out an entire kettlebell workout routine. One downside we’d note is that purchase of the SelectTech 840 does not come with a stand. The good news is Bowflex does offer free shipping as a bonus.

Pros

Easy to use

Practical weight range

6 weight settings in one kettlebells

Bowflex offers a bench-and-Select 840 combo for only $498

Cons

Expensive vs. other adjustable kettlebells

Occasional noise from metal shifting (normal for category)

Select 1090 offers 17, the 560 offers 16, the 552 offers 15

No ready-made stand

Working Out With The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell

Kettlebells, adjustable or otherwise, will never replace an entire set of fitness equipment found in a gym, but you’d be surprised by how many muscle groups you can target when pushing through a single workout. Starting with the fundamentals, even a standard kettlebell swing or reset swing will be working your hips, glutes, hamstrings, lats, abs, shoulders, and pecs. If you’re looking to stick leg-focused, several variations of squats, deadlifts, and lunges will help get the job done too.

If the upper body is a priority, there’s still plenty of diversity to be found. Simple moves like an overhead press or bent-over row basically mimic the movements you’d typically be using with dumbbells. Alternatively, things like halos or windmills (watch them via Bowflex here) are much more kettlebell specific, making use of more of your range of motion than your typical dumbbell lifts. At a bare minimum, working out with the Bowflex SelectTech 840 is a good substitute for those days where you just can’t get the motivation together for a full workout at the gym. Depending on your goals and fitness level, it’s easy enough to get started with a 20-30 minute kettlebell circuit, working through a series of 4 or 5 different lifts. As you build endurance you’ll be able to incorporate additional motions to your routine or add additional sets the way you would with other gym equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Bowflex SelectTech 840 sold individually?

A: Yes, the product can be bought individually.

Q: Can I swing the Bowflex SelectTech 840 like normal kettlebells?

A: Absolutely.

Conclusion

As more of us move to at-home workout routines it’s easy to see the value in the Bowflex SelectTech 840 adjustable kettlebell. It’s a bit pricey up front, but between its build quality, range of weight, and 2-year manufacturer warranty, it’s easy justify the buy regardless of whether you’re starting a new workout plan, or a seasoned fitness enthusiast.