Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells Recalled After 100+ Injuries

This isn’t the first time BowFlex adjustable dumbbells have been recalled. In 2012, Nautilus issued a recall for its 1090 model of adjustable dumbbells because the weight selector dial could fail, causing the weight plates to fall when the dumbbells were lifted from their cradles. That recall occurred after 16 reports of problems that resulted in three injuries.

CR asked Johnson Health Tech Trading about this earlier recall, and what changed with the 1090 product that allowed it to remain on the market after the 2012 recall. It told us that at the time, a repair kit, approved by the CPSC, was made available to users to fix the problem with their product.

Still, since then, BowFlex adjustable dumbbells have racked up a number of safety complaints in the CPSC’s SaferProducts.gov database. For example, in 2023, a user who owned the 1090 model reported that a dumbbell fell off its handle, landing on his foot and causing bleeding and severe swelling. In 2021, a user of the 552 model reported that one of the dumbbell plates had fallen on his eye, causing bruising and pain.

We also asked the company why it took so long to issue this recall, given the number and severity of the injuries reported.

“Following our acquisition of certain BowFlex assets from Nautilus, Inc., about a year ago, we became aware of incident reports involving these dumbbells,” Johnson Heath Tech Trading told CR. A spokesperson said that the recall process is not an overnight decision, and that after learning of the reported safety incidents, it began conversations with the CPSC and conducting research and testing to determine the appropriate steps to take. “We have jointly issued this voluntary recall in cooperation with the CPSC,” the company said.