Whether you are an exercise-novice with no experience of working out, or you’re an elite athlete looking to build your home gym; when it comes to choosing dumbbells, the array of designs and materials on offer can make purchasing the right set confusing.
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Offering a huge amount of variety and flexibility in terms of exercise and workout options, dumbbells are simple yet highly effective pieces of gym equipment. A key component and investment in your initial or ongoing journey into strength and fitness, choosing the right type and weight of dumbbell can make all the difference in terms of your adherence to an exercise routine.
In this guide we’ll break down everything you need to know about dumbbells, so you can be sure that you will make an informed buying-decision and a wise investment.
Great for beginners, adjustable dumbbells are a great option for those with limited space and/or budget for home gym equipment. You can add a range of weight, usually up to approximately 10kg per dumbbell.
Offering the ultimate level of variety and flexibility in terms of the number of exercise routines you can complete with them; adjustable dumbbells can be used to perform a wide variety of lower, upper, core and whole body exercises.
It’s very unlikely that you will need to use the same weight, for every exercise that you do in a workout. For example, if you are doing dumbbell deadlifts, you will probably want to use a heavier weight than when you are doing tricep kickbacks. Adjustable dumbbells, as the name suggests, allow you to change the weight you are using so it can be adjusted per exercise. For example, if you need 10kg for bench dumbbell press, and 5kg for bicep curls, you can achieve this with the same pair of adjustable dumbbells - rather than having to use 2 different pairs of fixed weight dumbbells.
“Progressive overload” - incrementally increasing the weight for a given exercise over time, is a key principle when it comes to building strength and muscle mass. Adjustable dumbbells allow you to achieve this with a single pair of dumbbells. For example, if you start off the year with a personal best of 10 repetitions using 10kg dumbbells for single arm bicep curls, when you can do 12 repetitions with perfect form, you can increase the weight to 12.5kg. This progressive increase in weight is fundamental when it comes to increasing your strength. Also gain supervision and professional advice before lifting a heavier weight.
The fact that a single pair of adjustable dumbbells are so versatile, means that they are highly-cost effective, and can save a lot of space. If for example, your home gym is also your bedroom and you need exercise equipment that you can put away in a cupboard or under the bed, then adjustable dumbbells will be a more practical option than a set of fixed dumbbells.
The advantage of using fixed weight dumbbells, as opposed to adjustable dumbbells, is that they make it quicker and easier to access a multiple range of weights.
If for example, you want to do a superset going back and forth between 30kg dumbbell bench press and 15kg bicep curls, you don’t have to take the weight plates off and adjust the weight on the dumbbell bar between each exercise.
In addition, when you get to heavier weights - 25kg or more, it becomes impractical to use normal weight plates on a dumbbell bar. The plates become too big and get in the way - blocking full range of movement on most exercises.
The superior durability and the ‘feeling’ of fixed dumbbells versus adjustable dumbbells has to be experienced, to be fully understood. Fixed dumbbells feel more secure and robust than adjustable dumbbells that can sometimes feel like they wobble and ‘clink’.
If you use an A-frame style dumbbell tree or rack, 5 or 6 pairs of dumbbells shouldn’t take up too much room. If you have a garage or an entire room of the house to dedicate to a gym, then space shouldn’t be too much of an issue even with a full rack of dumbbells.
Fixed dumbbells with a rubber or urethane covering, are also often used for Olympic style lifts such as snatches, hang cleans and upright rows. From bodybuilding, to developing explosive hips and glutes for sprinting and sports like handball - dumbbells can help you to achieve a wide array of fitness and performance goals
Hex dumbbells are a popular choice for home gyms. They feel more comfortable to handle in many ways, as the weight is covered in rubber, making them warmer and softer than other designs - for example cast iron dumbbells. The ‘feel’ and comfort of a dumbbell might not seem like a big deal, but if you’ve ever dropped a heavy dumbbell on your feet or fingers, especially during a cold winter's day workout; you’ll appreciate the difference a soft exterior can make.
Rubber Hex dumbbells, like most dumbbells, are pretty durable. Whilst they can get the odd scuff or mark on them if they’re dropped onto a hard floor; they very rarely break or chip.
Hex dumbbells usually come with a contoured, mildly knurled handle. This means the dumbbells tend to have a textured pattern that helps to improve grip.
You can get solid metal hex dumbbells, although these have become less popular in recent years; with rubber dumbbells more popular because of the reduced noise when dropped/or placed down on the floor or rack, and they are more resistant to damage - especially from rust.
For those looking for professional quality dumbbells, then fixed urethane dumbbells are the choice of commercial gyms and elite fitness centres.
Similar to the rubber hex dumbbells, as these are fixed weight dumbbells, you can do drop-sets, super-sets, and multiple people can train at the same time.
With a sleek and compact design, the relatively soft exterior makes these dumbbells the most comfortable to use for a wide range of exercises, including exercises that are designed to develop speed, power and vertical jump height.
More resistant and durable than rubber or iron, they can endure frequent use; making them ideal for commercial gyms and sports fitness centres. Able to withstand heavy drops better than rubber, they are ideal for exercises that might involve dropping the weights; and the smaller size makes them easier to store.
Urethane is also resistant to UV light and chemicals, meaning that even with frequent light exposure and cleaning, the exterior surface of the weights won't degrade; making them a great long term investment. Urethane dumbbells, due to the shape and density of the materials used, tend to be a lot smaller than hex dumbbells, as well as adjustable dumbbells of the same weight.
This means that even with 50kg dumbbells, the dumbbells can be used to perform all exercises through a full range of motion. The FORZA urethane dumbbells feature handles with 1.2mm (0.05in) Knurling, which is ideal for both grip and comfort.
Popular with beginners, neoprene dumbbells are cost-effective and a great option for anyone looking to use relative light weights, up to 15kg.
The neoprene provides a relatively soft and comfortable grip that is easy to hold. This type of dumbbell is also relatively strong and sturdy and won’t make any loud noises when dropped. Available in a range of colours, neoprene dumbbells are usually colour coded so it is easy to identify and pick out the weights that you want.
The main downside with neoprene fixed dumbbells, is that they get relatively bulky when the weight is greater than 8kg, and if you are thinking of using heavier weights, certainly 20kg or above, the vast majority of manufacturers only make metal-core dumbbells in this weight range.
Reps stands for “repetitions”. The number of repetitions/reps that you do with a dumbbell exercise, relates to the number of times you perform the exercise. For example completing 6 reps of dumbbell squats, would consist of squatting down, and then back up to the starting point, 6 times.
Sets are groups of reps. For example, if you were to complete 3 sets of 6 reps. You would perform the given exercise 6 times, then rest for 30 seconds - to 2 minutes, then complete another 6 reps, rest again, and then perform the third and final set of 6 reps.
In workout programmes, 3 sets of 6 reps will often be represented in a type of shorthand as “6 x 3”.
The weight of dumbbells that you need will depend on your fitness goals, your age, experience with lifting weights and the muscle groups that you intend on targeting.
If you are a 40 year old woman looking to build your general fitness levels, whilst maintaining total muscle mass, you might want to consider purchasing a pair of adjustable dumbbells, or a set of 2kg, 6kg and 8kg dumbbells.
These weights should be heavy enough to stimulate a small amount of muscle growth - to help the muscles look more toned and shaped.
If you are looking to build significant amounts of muscle, you will need heavier dumbbells, especially if you are looking to build your lower body strength and muscle mass.
For example, if you are a 25 year old man, of heavy build, but no weight lifting experience, looking to build total muscle mass, you may want to use/consider buying a pair of 10kg, 15kg, 20kg and 25kg dumbbells. The heavier dumbbells can be used with “compound exercises” (exercises that use a large amount of muscle mass) such as one arm rows and bench press, whilst the lighter weights can be used with “isolation exercises” (exercises that use a relatively small amount of muscle mass) such as bicep curls and lateral raises.
You can combine dumbbells with a thin resistance band to provide additional resistance if you have a limited number of dumbbell weights. If for example, you have a pair of 6kg and 10kg dumbbells, and can bicep curl 6kg dumbbells easily, but struggle with 10kg, by looping the band around the dumbbell handles and standing on the other end of the band, you can add additional resistance. Please seek professional supervision when combining any free weights with resistance bands.
Always extra take care when combining dumbbells with resistance bands, especially for the first few times. The combination can however be extremely effective. Using a band will increase Time Under Tension (TUT) which can lead to greater strength and muscle mass gains. Resistance bands can also reduce joint stress and enhance explosive power. Please see our resistance band guide for more information.
Whether or not you can build muscle with 5kg, 10kg or 15kg dumbbells depends on your baseline/starting level of muscle and what muscle groups you will be working. If you are a 25 year old muscular rugby player for example, it will be difficult to build pectoral/chest muscles using just 5kg dumbbells. However, if you are a complete newbie to strength training, 5kg’s might be heavy enough to stimulate muscle growth in your arms using bicep curls and tricep extensions.
Whilst there is some evidence suggesting that higher rep ranges with lighter weights can produce significant muscle growth, the current consensus still remains that using relatively heavy weights and focusing on ‘big compound’ exercises such as bench/chest presses, one arm rows and squats, is the best and most effective way to build muscle.
With this in mind, a typical 25 year old man, with no prior weightlifting experience, may want to consider investing in a 8kg, 12kg and 20kg dumbbells. Remember to gain professional advice and supervision when starting a new exercise routine.
For comparison, a 40 year old woman of average build looking to ‘shape’ and ‘tone’ her muscles, may want to purchase 4kg, 8kg and 15kg dumbbells. In addition, a thin, looped resistance band that can be used in conjunction with the dumbbells can provide additional resistance if and when required.
Dumbbells are a great addition to any home gym. In fact, a home gym can be equipped with dumbbells alone, and still provide a virtually endless range of exercises and workout routines to help you reach your fitness and/or strength goals.
If you are looking to build strength and muscle mass, then you will generally need to lift relatively heavy dumbbells (15kg+); and a fixed neoprene or hex rubber set of dumbbells is arguably the best choice.
For those looking to maintain muscle mass, or tone arms and legs whilst losing body fat, lighter weights (4-15kg) will be effective; and spin lock adjustable dumbbells are a good choice for those with limited space.
Whatever your training goals, and whichever dumbbells you choose, be sure to seek advice from a health and exercise professional before you begin a new exercise regime.
Versatile, portable, and minimal- adjustable dumbbells are a dream fit for a home gym. They let you adjust the weight as needed, as they come with changeable sets of weights. One set of adjustable dumbbells saves you from using ten sets of fixed dumbbells.
And so, they are conveniently portable. Saving space and time, they add more momentum to your workout sessions. However, as convenient as they can be, buying a good adjustable dumbbell requires you to have some prior knowledge about them.
Let us deep dive into this adjustable dumbbell buying guide and venture through the indispensable features you need to check to buy the best adjustable dumbbells.
No gym setup is complete without dumbbells. Be it weight training or strength training, dumbbells are vital for core exercises. But Is it worth getting adjustable dumbbells? Should you buy adjustable dumbbells instead of a traditional dumbbell? The answer is yes. Here are the reasons why:
One key concern when building a home gym is the required space. Not everyone can afford to manage a vast space- especially if they are students or sharing tenants. So, buying bulky instruments becomes an obsoletes decision for them.
In such cases, adjustable dumbbells come to the rescue. Their space efficiency makes them the perfect choice for home gyms with limited space. You don’t need to make room or buy a rack to keep a dozen dumbbells. With adjustable dumbbells, you can fit them under a bed or table or push them in a corner with utter negligence. None gets hurt.
If you buy adjustable dumbbells for one reason, it should be their versatility. You can move them anywhere and engage with a wide weight range of workouts. It will be like moving with a whole rack of fixed dumbbells. But with much more comfort.
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All the adjustable dumbbells allow you to engage in a variety of exercises and shift between them without effort. Press the pin, adjust the dial, get your desired dumbbell weights, and continue your workout session. Such simple steps can bring tremendous change to your workout routine.
The feature adjustable dumbbells are named after is their adjustability. Adjustable dumbbells let you switch among a vast range of exercises without swapping between dumbbells. Adding or losing more weight becomes a matter of seconds. So, your flow of excercise remains almost intact throughout the entire workout session.
Another key advantage of adjustable dumbbells is their ability to save time. While using them, you don’t need to break your flow by switching out weight plates or switching between different dumbbells.
A simple push on a pin and a spin on a dial will effortlessly adjust the weights. Thus, you can have a relentless workout session, bicep curls, cardio workouts, goblet squats, and so on without wasting a single minute.
When comparing adjustable dumbbell sets to traditional dumbbells, a comfortable grip is a key consideration. While traditional dumbbells may offer a fixed grip, adjustable dumbbells allow you to customize your grip for maximum comfort. Additionally, adjustable dumbbells provide flexibility in selecting your desired weight and adjustment increments, accommodating both lighter and heavier weights as needed.
Knowing only the nitty-gritty parts of adjustable dumbbells won’t help you find the perfect one. You must know which questions to ask and which route to take to find it. Let's learn how to choose adjustable dumbbells and what to look for when buying dumbbells:
Dumbbells are basically weightlifting instruments. When buying, you must check their actual weight. You should also consider your fitness level and goals to find a suitable set of adjustable dumbbells.
You will find dumbbells ranging from light to heavy. Light sets range from 2 to 11 pounds. On the other hand, heavy sets range between 11 and 70 pounds. Another type is the wide weight range, which offers 4 to 100 pounds per dumbbell
Pick a set that allows room for growth. The maximum weight range should be higher than your current lifting ability. Consulting a certified personal trainer before shopping will help you make the right pick..
Adjustable dumbbells work differently from model to model in terms of adjustability. When buying, check the adjustment mechanism for adjusting weights. In most models, there will be a pin, plate, and a dial. There will also be options for making manual or digital adjustments.
Value an instrument's ease of use. Be sure that you can adjust the weight with ease and speed. Also, remember to check safety features like secure locking. To be sure, adjust the weights by yourself and shake the dumbbells. If the weight doesn’t move or shift, it proves its firmness and safety..
Material is a crucial factor to check while buying an instrument for a home gym. Most adjustable dumbbells regularly use two types of materials - rubber and urethane.
Rubbers provide flexibility and power. They make the most versatile designs possible. They also come in different colors and weights. However, they tend to leave marks on the walls and floor of a gym.
Urethane is odorless and a more durable materials than rubber. They don’t leave marks anywhere and are more scratch-resistant.
Choosing the right material will depend on your budget range. Rubbers cut lower prices than urethane. However, urethane makes the most durable adjustable dumbbells.
Handles that get slippery when you sweat can be frustrating and project a level of danger. Make sure you can grip the handles comfortably. An ergonomic and slip-resistant handle with padding will be the best choice.
Always choose standard dumbbells made of durable, sturdy, and sustainable materials. Frail dumbbells can break in the middle of a workout session. Read user reviews and talk with existing users to recognize the signs of suitable materials.
Buying from a reliable and established brand will provide a few advantages. Reliable brands use quality materials and promise durability. In such a case, make sure the dumbbells come with an acceptable warranty.
Considering your current skill level and needs is the first step to choosing the right set of adjustable dumbbells. The factors to consider will vary depending on the user type.
Beginners usually don’t need to engage with complicated adjustment mechanisms. As they start out, they will need easier adjustment mechanisms and lighter weights options. A core home fitness adjustable dumbbell set will be just right. Standard dumbbells with quick adjustment dials or pin systems will suit them best. Beginners should also consider comfortable grips.
Intermediate lifters need more challenge in their workout sessions than beginners. If you fall into this category, you will need a single dumbbell with a wider weight range and secure locking mechanisms.
You will also need to challenge your current strength ability consistently. Your sessions will be more vigorous to test your stamina. So, the durability of the instrument is a major consideration for this stage.
Advanced lifters need to lift heavy weights. Their training routines are complex and require rapid weight changes. If you are an advanced lifter, go for dumbbells with heavy-weight capacities and are made of premium materials. Also, make sure the instrument supports quick weight changes.
Wight Per Dumbbell: 11 to 66 lbs | Maximum Weight: 132 pounds | Replaces: 12 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair
Ativafit 66 Lbs Adjustable Weight Dumbbell Set will be best suited for intermediate to advanced lifters.
Ativafit 66 lbs adjustable weight dumbbells come with a sleek design. Easy and quick to adjust, these dumbbells are a perfect replacement for 12 sets of weights. Adjustable from 11 to 66 lbs with 10 lbs weight increments. Such a wide weight range of adjustable weights makes these dumbbells versatile.
You can perform a wide array of exercises with them. The handle has a rubber grip that works well to prevent slips and discomfort. The overall adjustability mechanism is super fast and easy. The dumbbells use a simple pin and dial system for adjusting the weights.
Wight Per Dumbbell: 5.5-55 lbs | Maximum Weight: 110 pounds | Sold As: Pair
Ativafit 55 Lbs Adjustable Weight Dumbbell Set will be best suited for intermediate lifters.
Ativafit 55 lbs adjustable weight dumbbells focus more on safety. The whole metal body is covered with hard plastic, and the octagonal adjustable weights provide safety against sudden wiggle. Both features add to the safety level of this model.
The maximum weight limit of 110 pounds is more likely for intermediate lifters. The weight limit is not too low to fit for beginners or too heavy to engage a heavy lifter. The adjustment mechanism is fast and lets users be in the flow while changing between exercises.
Wight Per Dumbbell: 5.5 - 27.5 lbs | Maximum Weight: 55 pounds | Sold As: Pair
Ativafit 27.5 Lbs Adjustable Weight Dumbbell Set will be best suited for beginner lifters.
Ativafit 27.5 lbs adjustable weight dumbbells have a compact and easy-to-use design. This model uses a liver to adjust the weights, which is easier and faster. As the range of weights is not so vast, lifters can do basic exercises.
Ativafit has used hard plastic for the main body, so it is not as sturdy as a metal frame. However, the quality of the plastic is premium, and it provides lightweight and easy maneuverability.
Wight Per Dumbbell: 11 to 88 lbs | Maximum Weight: 176 pounds | Replaces: 12 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair
Ativafit 88 Lbs Adjustable Weight Dumbbell Set will be best suited for heavy lifters.
Ativafit 88 lbs adjustable weight dumbbells contain the whole body within the size of a shoe box. Yet, they provide a wide range of weight options with 7 weight increments, making them more suited to heavy lifters.
A wide range of exercises is possible, and shifting between these exercises takes no time. The quick adjustability and compact size of these actual dumbbells make a training session more effective.
5.
Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells offer a comprehensive solution for home workouts, catering to users of all fitness levels. With a wide weight range and easy weight selection mechanism, these dumbbells provide versatility and convenience. The compact design saves space in your home gym while offering a significant spread of weight options
Ideal for individuals seeking a space-efficient and versatile dumbbell set for total body strength training at home.
NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbell offers versatility and space efficiency for home strength training. With a wide weight range and small increments, it replaces multiple individual dumbbells, making it ideal for compact gym spaces.
Ideal for individuals seeking versatile and space-efficient strength training equipment for home gyms.
Buying the best product is all about making the right choice. You have to be aware of your goals and evaluate an instrument's core purpose. When these two get aligned, you find the right product.
Before making a decision, you need to be thorough and check different key features. Especially weight range, adjustment mechanism, type of material, brand, and warranty of different adjustable dumbbells.
Make sure the weight range of a set of dumbbells suits your lifting weights capacity and goals. Always go for quick adjustability. For material, if you are short in budget, go for a rubber-made instrument. But if you prefer longevity, urethane will be more suited.
If you are still wondering, “How do I choose the right dumbbell?” simply pick an adjustable dumbbell from a reliable brand. Brands promise to meet a certain level of quality, which is why they are safe weight options. However, don’t forget to check the warranty.
Finding one product among all the big names and viable options can be a messy job. A more generalized option that suits the majority of user types will be a safe play. If you, too, want to play safe, you can go for the Ativafit 88 lbs adjustable weight dumbbell set.
Featuring a compact design, this standard dumbbell set offers an extended range of weight options from 11 to 88 lbs, covering all user types' capacities. The only drawback is its pricing, which can put a tad extra pressure on a beginner.
If you are a beginner, a basic low-range Ativafit 27.5 lbs adjustable weight dumbbell GT528 will be your most viable choice. They provide a sufficient weight range for a starter while demanding a little money. They are also the best budget adjustable dumbbells. You can choose one from Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, or Nüobell adjustable dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are becoming more popular among home gym owners than traditional dumbbells. Each year, more variations with unique features are released. But to pick the right one, you have to be knowledgeable and strategic.
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