Johnson Health Tech Trading Recalls BowFlex Adjustable Dumbbells Due to Impact Hazard, Including 3.7 Million Sold by Nautilus Inc.

What was recalled

In a significant safety update issued on June 5, 2025, Johnson Health Tech Trading announced the recall of millions of BowFlex adjustable dumbbells. This action addresses a widespread issue affecting two specific product lines: the BowFlex Model 552 and the BowFlex Model 1090. To put the scale of this recall into perspective, the announcement notes that approximately 3.7 million units were sold by Nautilus Inc., the former parent company associated with the brand, highlighting just how common these pieces of home gym equipment have become in households across the United States.

The affected products are designed to offer versatility in a compact form factor. The Model 552 adjustable dumbbells allow users to change weight settings anywhere from 5 pounds up to 52.5 pounds. These units feature manual adjustment knobs that users turn while the weights remain nested inside their base, allowing for quick changes during a workout routine. The heavier-duty Model 1090 offers a similar design but adjusts from 10 pounds to 90 pounds, catering to users who need more substantial resistance for strength training. Both models were sold individually or in pairs and are characterized by their black finish, which includes the handles, the stack of weight plates, and a molded plastic tray that serves as the base.

If you own these items, identifying whether your dumbbells are part of this recall requires checking a specific location. The model number and serial number are printed on a sticker located on the bottom of the molded plastic tray. Johnson Health Tech Trading has provided detailed ranges for both model numbers and serial numbers that are included in this recall. For the Model 552, affected serial numbers include ranges such as 00182M243902233 through 00182M243902592, as well as numerous other prefixes starting with 100182 or 100748. For the Model 1090, affected serial numbers generally fall within ranges like 4551MAG21452813 to 4551MAG23350381. Because there are so many variations, it is crucial to physically locate that sticker on the bottom of your unit and compare the numbers exactly against the official recall list.

The complexity of this recall is partly due to the corporate history behind these products. BowFlex Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2024. However, Johnson Health Tech Trading has stepped in to cover the remedy for units sold by BowFlex Inc. (formerly Nautilus Inc.) prior to May 2024. This means that regardless of whether you purchased your dumbbells from a major retailer, an outlet store, or online directly from the brand before that bankruptcy filing, you are covered under this specific recall notice. If you bought your equipment after May 2024, the situation may differ, but for the vast majority of existing users, this recall applies to their gear.

The hazard, explained

To understand why this recall is so serious, it helps to look at exactly how these adjustable dumbbells are supposed to work and where that mechanism can fail. The BowFlex 552 and 1090 models are designed with a clever system: individual weight plates nest inside a molded plastic base, held in place by a handle with manual adjustment knobs. You select your desired weight by turning the knob, which shifts the plates so only the chosen amount remains attached to the handle. In theory, this keeps dumbbells compact and versatile. However, the core safety issue lies in the connection between those nested plates and the handle during active use.

The specific physical failure described in the recall is that the weight plates can dislodge from the handle while you are lifting them. This is not just a minor inconvenience; it turns a controlled exercise tool into an uncontrolled projectile. When you are performing exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, or chest flys, you rely on the dumbbell staying firmly in your grip. If the plates detach mid-repetition, the entire weight of the detached components falls instantly under gravity. Because these are heavy objects—ranging from 52.5 pounds up to 90 pounds per dumbbell—the impact force is significant.

This type of impact hazard is particularly dangerous because it often occurs unexpectedly during dynamic movements. When a plate slips free, it can strike your feet, shins, or toes, which are positioned directly beneath the weight stack in many common exercises. The injury reports confirm this pattern: among the 337 incidents reported to Nautilus (the former owner of BowFlex), injuries included broken toes, abrasions, contusions, and even concussions. A concussion might seem surprising from a dumbbell, but it likely results from the user instinctively jerking their head back or dropping the weight in surprise, causing them to lose balance or strike their head against nearby surfaces.

While Johnson Health Tech Trading has not reported any injuries for units they directly sold, the sheer volume of incidents associated with the design highlights a systemic risk. The mechanism that allows you to change weights quickly is the same feature that introduces a point of failure. When the locking mechanism does not engage fully or slips under the stress of rapid movement, the plates are no longer secured. They become loose masses that can fall onto sensitive areas of your body with little to no warning, causing pain and potentially serious trauma. This is why stopping use immediately is critical; the risk is not theoretical, but documented in hundreds of real-world cases.

Who is most at risk

The Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are designed for home gyms, meaning the primary group at risk includes individuals who use them for strength training, rehabilitation, or general fitness maintenance. These devices allow users to quickly change resistance levels without swapping out multiple heavy iron plates, making them popular among people with limited space. However, the specific hazard—that weight plates can dislodge from the handle during use—creates a dynamic danger zone around the user. When a plate detaches, it does not simply fall straight down; it can swing, bounce, or slide unpredictably due to the momentum of the exercise. This transforms a static piece of equipment into an uncontrolled projectile, putting anyone in the immediate vicinity of the workout area at risk.

While any user is vulnerable during active lifting, children and pets are particularly at risk because they may wander into the home gym space while an adult is exercising. The recall data underscores this vulnerability: Johnson Health Tech Trading reported 12 incidents with no injuries for units it sold directly, but Nautilus Inc. (now Bowflex) recorded 337 reports of plates dislodging for units it sold prior to May 2024, with 111 resulting in injuries. These injuries ranged from concussions and contusions to broken toes and abrasions. A falling dumbbell plate, which can weigh up to 90 pounds depending on the model, carries significant kinetic energy. For a child or a pet, even a minor impact from a heavy metal plate can cause serious harm, as they are smaller, less able to brace themselves against sudden impacts, and often unaware of the danger until it is too late.

Elderly users or those with balance issues also face heightened risks. The nature of adjustable dumbbells requires manual manipulation of knobs while holding heavy weights. If a plate dislodges during this adjustment phase, the user may instinctively lunge or step back to avoid being hit, potentially leading to falls. Furthermore, individuals recovering from injuries might be using these dumbbells for physical therapy under less controlled conditions than professional gym settings. The unpredictability of a dislodging plate means that even a slight error in grip or balance could result in the equipment striking the user themselves, particularly the legs, feet, or lower body, where the broken toes and abrasions noted in the incident reports suggest impacts often occur.

Ultimately, the risk is not limited to the person holding the dumbbell. Anyone sharing the household with a Bowflex 552 or 1090 model should be aware that the equipment itself becomes unstable during use. The hazard persists until the product is addressed through the recall remedy. Because the plates are nested in a base, they rely on precise alignment and friction to stay secure. Over time, wear and tear, or even slight manufacturing variances, can compromise this stability. Therefore, the entire household should treat these dumbbells as potentially hazardous until they are returned for a refund or replacement voucher. Keeping the workout area clear of bystanders is a temporary measure, but removing the defective product from the home is the only way to eliminate the risk entirely.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action, the most critical step is confirming whether your specific pair of BowFlex adjustable dumbbells falls within this recall. Because the scope of this recall covers approximately 3.7 million units sold by both Johnson Health Tech Trading and Nautilus Inc., it is easy to assume all BowFlex dumbbells are affected. However, this recall targets two specific models: the Model 552 (52.5 LB Adjustable Dumbbells) and the Model 1090 (90 LB Adjustable Dumbbells). If your equipment does not match one of these exact model numbers, it is likely not part of this specific safety notice, though you should always verify with the manufacturer if you are unsure.

To identify your unit, you need to look for a sticker located on the bottom of the molded plastic tray that serves as the base for the dumbbells. This sticker contains both the model number and the serial number range. The recalled items were sold in pairs or as single units and are typically black in color, featuring handles, weight plates, and the aforementioned tray. It is important to note that while many BowFlex products look similar, only those with the specific serial number ranges listed below are included in this recall.

If you have a Model 552 Adjustable Dumbbell, check if your serial number falls within any of these ranges:

• 00182M243902233 - 00182M243902592
• 00182MAG220200463C - 00182MAG221204535C
• 00182SFE213414844C - 00182SFE234002231C
• 100182M242800001 - 100182M250201440
• 100182MAG20431227C - 100182MAG233500372
• 100182P244100067 - 100182P244602976
• 100182SFE213709609 - 100182SFE235206276
• 100748M243200001 - 100748M244300252
• 100748MAG222400734 - 100748MAG23500660
• 100748P242900001 - 100748P245205632
• 100748SFE220908785 - 100748SFE233513811
• X00748MAG233003670 - X00748MAG233003672
• X00748SFE233202493 - X00748SFE233203161
• Z00748MAG233003670

If you have a Model 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell, check if your serial number falls within these ranges:

• 4551MAG21452813 - 4551MAG23350381
• 4551SFE23320001 - 4551SFE23501949

It is also worth noting that BowFlex Inc. (formerly Nautilus Inc.) filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2024. Johnson Health Tech Trading has agreed to provide remedies for the 552 and 1090 adjustable dumbbells sold by BowFlex Inc. prior to May 2024 as part of this recall. If you purchased your units from a retailer during that time frame, ensure you check the serial number on the bottom sticker to confirm eligibility.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have identified that your Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are part of this recall, the first and most critical step is to stop using them immediately. The good news is that Johnson Health Tech Trading has stepped in to provide a clear, no-cost remedy for every affected unit, regardless of where you originally purchased it. However, the specific type of compensation you receive depends entirely on whether the dumbbells were sold directly by Johnson Health Tech Trading or by Bowflex Inc. (formerly Nautilus Inc.) prior to May 2024. Understanding this distinction is key to knowing what to expect during the resolution process.

For units originally sold by Johnson Health Tech Trading, the remedy is straightforward and generous. You are entitled to a full refund of your purchase price, issued in the form of a voucher. This means you will not be out of pocket for the defect; the company covers the entire cost to make things right. If you prefer to keep using Bowflex equipment rather than receiving cash value, Johnson Health Tech Trading also offers a replacement unit as an alternative option.

If your dumbbells were purchased from Bowflex Inc. or Nautilus Inc. before May 2024, the remedy is slightly different but still comprehensive. In this case, you will receive two components: a prorated voucher based on the purchase price and a one-year JRNY digital fitness membership. The "prorated" nature of the voucher accounts for the time Bowflex Inc. was in bankruptcy proceedings, but Johnson Health Tech Trading has agreed to honor these sales as part of this recall effort. This ensures that customers who bought from the former owner are not left without recourse simply because of corporate restructuring.

To initiate either of these remedies, you will need to return your equipment. Johnson Health Tech Trading is handling the logistics to make this as easy as possible. They will send you a pre-paid shipping label for each dumbbell you return. This means you do not have to pay for postage or find a carrier yourself; the cost of returning the hazardous handle and base is covered by the company. You will need to pack and ship both the handle and the base for every recalled unit.

You can initiate this process in several ways. Johnson Health Tech Trading is actively contacting all known purchasers directly, so keep an eye on your mail or email. If you haven’t heard from them, you can reach out yourself by calling their toll-free number at 800-209-3539 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. You may also email recall@bowflex.com or visit www.bowflex.com/recalls for online assistance. Clicking "Recalls" at the bottom of the main Bowflex website will also direct you to the necessary forms and information. Do not attempt to repair the weight plates yourself; the defect involves them dislodging during use, which is a structural safety issue that cannot be fixed by the consumer.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to rationalize putting off a product recall, especially when the item in question is a significant investment and still functions for basic workouts. You might think, "I’ll just be careful," or "I haven’t had an issue yet." However, ignoring this recall carries serious physical risks that go far beyond a mere inconvenience. The core problem with the recalled BowFlex adjustable dumbbells is mechanical failure during active use. When you are in the middle of a set—whether you are pressing, curling, or swinging—the weight plates can suddenly dislodge from the handle. This is not a minor glitch; it is a catastrophic release of heavy, dense metal components while they are suspended in the air.

The consequences of this failure are immediate and potentially severe. Because the dumbbells are designed to hold significant mass (up to 52.5 pounds for the Model 552 and up to 90 pounds for the Model 1090), a dislodged plate becomes a heavy projectile. If it falls, it can crush your toes, feet, or shins against the floor. The data from Nautilus Inc. highlights this reality: among the 337 reports of plates dislodging from units they sold, 111 resulted in actual injuries. These were not minor scrapes; they included concussions, broken toes, abrasions, and contusions. A concussion suggests that the falling weight may have struck the user’s head or caused them to fall backward in surprise, while broken toes indicate direct impact with the foot. For Johnson Health Tech Trading, which sold its own units, there were 12 reports of dislodging plates. While no injuries were reported in those specific instances, the potential for harm remains identical because the mechanical flaw is the same.

Beyond the immediate physical trauma, continuing to use these dumbbells creates an unpredictable environment in your home gym. The hazard is not limited to the weight itself; it includes the molded plastic tray and handle components that may fail under stress. If a plate flies off during a dynamic movement, it can damage flooring, knock over nearby equipment, or injure bystanders in the room. You are essentially gambling with your safety every time you pick up the handles. The recall exists because the manufacturer has determined that the adjustment mechanism is no longer safe for reliable use. By ignoring the notice, you are choosing to bypass a verified safety barrier. The remedy offered—whether a full voucher, a prorated refund, or a replacement—is designed to remove this hazard entirely. Staying with the recalled unit means accepting a known risk of injury that has already caused hundreds of documented cases of harm.

Staying safe: broader tips

When you invest in home gym equipment like adjustable dumbbells, you are bringing heavy, dynamic machinery into your living space. While manufacturers strive for rigorous safety standards, the reality of daily use involves wear and tear that no warranty can fully anticipate. Staying safe extends far beyond checking a single recall notice; it requires a proactive mindset toward how you store, inspect, and maintain your fitness gear. By adopting a few simple habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your workout routine remains both effective and secure.

First, always prioritize proper storage when the equipment is not in active use. Adjustable dumbbells are designed to be compact, but they remain top-heavy and unstable if left on their sides or on uneven surfaces. Always return them to their dedicated molded trays or stands immediately after a set. This prevents accidental tipping, which can cause weights to dislodge or damage the internal mechanisms that hold the plates in place. A clutter-free workout area is also essential; ensure there is ample clearance around your lifting space to prevent tripping over cables, mats, or other objects, especially when handling heavy loads.

Regular inspection is another critical layer of defense. Before each use, take ten seconds to visually check the adjustment knobs, levers, and locking mechanisms for signs of wear, cracks, or debris. Over time, sweat, dust, and dirt can accumulate in the crevices of these mechanical parts, potentially interfering with their ability to lock securely. Clean your equipment periodically with a mild disinfectant and a soft cloth, but avoid harsh chemicals that might degrade plastics or corrode metal components. If you notice any resistance when turning the knobs or hear clicking sounds that indicate loose plates, stop using the unit immediately.

Finally, stay informed about product safety beyond just the current moment. Sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and major retailers to receive immediate notifications about new recalls. Many hazards develop after a product has been on the market for some time, so periodic checks are wise even if your item was purchased years ago. Additionally, read user manuals carefully and adhere strictly to weight limits and usage guidelines. When in doubt about the integrity of any component, contact the manufacturer or a certified technician rather than attempting DIY repairs that could compromise safety.

By treating your home gym with the same respect you would a commercial facility, you protect not only yourself but also those around you. Safety is a continuous practice, built on small, consistent actions that prevent accidents before they happen.