When we talk about "dumbbells" people usually think of them as equipment to build muscles. However, there are other benefits that we can get from dumbbell exercises such as increasing metabolism, boosting energy levels, reducing stress, minimizing the risk of heart disease, improving core strength, and increasing stability.
People with busy lifestyles tend to workout at home, and dumbbells seem to be the cheapest and easiest equipment to buy. Dumbbells are varied in terms of size, material, and mechanisms, so there's a style of dumbbells to suit any workout.
If you're new to this, you probably have no idea where to start! Don't worry; we have researched all of the things you need to know as well as any considerations to help you make a decision.
There are two main types of dumbbells: adjustable dumbbells and fixed-weight dumbbells. Both have advantages and disadvantages; however, your decision should be based on your exercise habits as well as other criteria like home space, budget, etc.
These are a single pair of dumbbells, but they can be adjusted to a variety of weights. In general, the weight ranges from 5 to 50 pounds, but some are available up to 100lbs.
Adjustable dumbbells suit people who want to work on different muscle groups, which is helpful for strength training. Moreover, they suit people who have limited space since they take up very little room!
However, there are a few concerns. First, they are usually sold in a pair, so they may cost more than fixed-weight dumbbells. Second, if one dumbbell becomes broken, it might be difficult to replace. You might end up buying a new set of dumbbells!
These are the most common type of dumbbells used for fitness. The weight usually ranges from one to fifty pounds, but some are available up to 200 pounds!
Fixed-weight dumbbells suit different types of exercise such as aerobic exercises, balance exercises, flexibility exercises, and strength training. They may be sold individually, so it's good for people who have a limited budget.
The drawback of this type of dumbbells is that they tend to take up more space. If you are a heavy lifter, you may need a variety of weights. This means you might end up with quite the collection of dumbells and may need to buy a storage rack!
We've done our research and checked reviews to find the best dumbbells for home workouts. Each product suits different types of exercises and offer different benefits. Check out our top ten to find your perfect dumbells!
$329.00
Origin | USA |
---|---|
Dumbbell type | Adjustable dumbbell pair |
Available weights | 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs |
Dimensions | 15.7 x 7.9 x 9 inches |
Outstanding points | A wide weight range/15 sets of weight/premium grip/durable molding/dial mechanism/free workout app |
Best for | Strength exercise, limited home space |
12lbs, single
$26.97
Origin | USA |
---|---|
Dumbbell type | Fixed-weight dumbbell |
Available weights | 12 lbs |
Dimensions | 10.9 x 3.4 x 3.9 inches |
Outstanding points | Individual or pair, hexagonal shaped head, contoured chrome handle, anti-slip grip |
Best for | All types of exercise |
70-Pounds, Pair
$428.00
Origin | USA |
---|---|
Dumbbell type | Adjustable dumbbell pair |
Available weights | 5 lbs to 70 lbs |
Dimensions | 14 x 6.25 x 6 inches |
Outstanding points | 22 weight settings, dial mechanism, cylindrical grip, welded steel/powder coated paint/expandable weight set |
Best for | Strength exercises, limited home space, intermediate to advance weightlifters |
2-Pounds, Pair
$14.28
Origin | USA |
---|---|
Dumbbell type | Fixed-weight dumbbell pair |
Available weights | 2 lbs |
Dimensions | 6 x 4 x 3 inches |
Outstanding points | Vinyl coating, non-slip grip, durable design |
Best for | Aerobic exercise, balancing, flexibility exercise |
150-Pounds, Set
$199.99
Origin | USA |
---|---|
Dumbbell type | Fixed-weight dumbbell set |
Available weights | 5 lbs to 25 lbs |
Dimensions | Not available |
Outstanding points | 5 pairs, hexagonal shaped head, solid steel and contoured chrome handle, anti-slip grip |
Best for | Strength exercise, beginner to moderate weightlifters |
40-Pounds, Pair
$52.69
Origin | USA |
---|---|
Dumbbell type | Adjustable dumbbell set |
Available weights | 40 lbs (200 lbs available) |
Dimensions | 20 x 9 x 8 inches |
Outstanding points | Cast iron plate, manual weight adjustment/storage case |
Best for | Strength exercise, beginner to heavy weightlifters |
32-Pounds, Set
$42.00
Origin | USA |
---|---|
Dumbbell type | Fixed-weight dumbbell sey |
Available weights | 3 lbs to 8 lbs |
Dimensions | 5 x 14.8 x 12.3 inches |
Outstanding points | A set of 3 pairs, double dipped neoprene coated, ergonomic handle, hex shaped head |
Best for | Aerobic exercise, flexibility and balancing exercise, toning exercise |
120-Pounds, Single
$137.77
Origin | USA |
---|---|
Dumbbell type | Fixed-weight dumbbell |
Available weights | 95 lbs |
DImensions | 16 x 8 x 7 inches |
Outstanding points | Solid cast iron, anti-slip grip, hex shaped head, semi-gloss finish |
Best for | Heavy weightlifters |
3-Pounds, Pair
$12.00
Origin | USA |
---|---|
Dumbbell type | Fixed-weight dumbbell pair |
Available weights | 3 lbs |
Dimensions | 7 x 3.2 x 2.9 inches |
Outstanding points | Color coded neoprene, easy-grip, hexagonal shape |
Best for | Aerobic exercise, balancing and flexibility exercise, toning exercise |
0.66-Pounds, Pair
$12.59
Origin | USA |
---|---|
Dumbbell type | Fixed-weight dumbbell pair |
Available weights | 0.66 lbs |
Dimensions | 5.75 x 10.50 x 11.75 inches |
Outstanding points | EVA foam, prevents rust |
Best for | Water aerobics |
Image | 1 ![]() Bowflex | 2 ![]() CAP Barbell | 3 ![]() PowerBlock | 4 ![]() SPRI | 5 ![]() CAP Barbell | 6 ![]() CAP Barbell | 7 ![]() j/fit | 8 ![]() CAP Barbell | 9 ![]() AmazonBasics | 10 ![]() Trademark Innovations |
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Name | SelectTech 552 Dumbbells, Pair | Coated Hex Dumbbell Weights | Elite Dumbbells | Deluxe Vinyl Coated Hand Weights | 150-Pound Dumbbell Set with Rack | Adjustable Dumbbell Set | Double Neoprene Coated Workout Weights | Solid Hex Dumbbell | Neoprene Dumbbell Weight Pair | Aquatic Exercise Dumbells |
Features | Adjustable Weights for the Strength Training | A Basic Hex Dumbbell with Contoured Chrome Handle | Versatile Dumbbells with the Option to Expand | Vinyl-Coated Dumbbells for Light Exercise | A Great Value Set of Fixed-Weight Dumbbells | Manual Adjustable Dumbbells Up to 200 Pounds | A Set of Neoprene Dumbbells with a Useful Rack | A Solid Cast Iron Made for Expert Weightlifters | Color Coded Neoprene at an Affordable Price | EVA Foam Dumbbells for Water Aerobic Exercise |
Price | $329.00 | $26.97 | $428.00 | $14.28 | $199.99 | $52.69 | $42.00 | $137.77 | $12.00 | $12.59 |
Origin | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA |
Dumbbell type | Adjustable dumbbell pair | Fixed-weight dumbbell | Adjustable dumbbell pair | Fixed-weight dumbbell pair | Fixed-weight dumbbell set | Adjustable dumbbell set | Fixed-weight dumbbell sey | Fixed-weight dumbbell | Fixed-weight dumbbell pair | Fixed-weight dumbbell pair |
Available weights | 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs | 12 lbs | 5 lbs to 70 lbs | 2 lbs | 5 lbs to 25 lbs | 40 lbs (200 lbs available) | 3 lbs to 8 lbs | 95 lbs | 3 lbs | 0.66 lbs |
Dimensions | 15.7 x 7.9 x 9 inches | 10.9 x 3.4 x 3.9 inches | 14 x 6.25 x 6 inches | 6 x 4 x 3 inches | Not available | 20 x 9 x 8 inches | 5 x 14.8 x 12.3 inches | 16 x 8 x 7 inches | 7 x 3.2 x 2.9 inches | 5.75 x 10.50 x 11.75 inches |
Outstanding points | A wide weight range/15 sets of weight/premium grip/durable molding/dial mechanism/free workout app | Individual or pair, hexagonal shaped head, contoured chrome handle, anti-slip grip | 22 weight settings, dial mechanism, cylindrical grip, welded steel/powder coated paint/expandable weight set | Vinyl coating, non-slip grip, durable design | 5 pairs, hexagonal shaped head, solid steel and contoured chrome handle, anti-slip grip | Cast iron plate, manual weight adjustment/storage case | A set of 3 pairs, double dipped neoprene coated, ergonomic handle, hex shaped head | Solid cast iron, anti-slip grip, hex shaped head, semi-gloss finish | Color coded neoprene, easy-grip, hexagonal shape | EVA foam, prevents rust |
Best for | Strength exercise, limited home space | All types of exercise | Strength exercises, limited home space, intermediate to advance weightlifters | Aerobic exercise, balancing, flexibility exercise | Strength exercise, beginner to moderate weightlifters | Strength exercise, beginner to heavy weightlifters | Aerobic exercise, flexibility and balancing exercise, toning exercise | Heavy weightlifters | Aerobic exercise, balancing and flexibility exercise, toning exercise | Water aerobics |
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There're many things to consider when it comes to picking the best dumbells for your workouts! We've gathered helpful information and questions to think about to help you decide.
Each type of exercise provides different health benefits and variations depending on skill level. The first things to consider are your exercise goals. This will help you select the right type of exercise and equipment!
Aerobic exercise often focuses on increasing your heart rate. In general, it takes about a half to one hour per workout. Fixed-weight dumbbells are best suited for this type of exercise since you generally don't need a variety of weights.
Since it requires a lot of movement and goes at a faster pace, you need only one pair of lightweight dumbbells. The suggested weight is around 1 to 7 pounds. Heavier dumbells may be too difficult to hold, especially with how much you move around!
Pilates and yoga are examples of this type of exercise. In general, they use only your own body weight and don't require dumbbells. However, sometimes a single pair of lightweight dumbbells can be added to create extra stability and help you to achieve a higher level of physical benefits and conditioning.
These types of exercises are best with fixed-weight dumbbells since you don't need a variety of weights. However, some people might need more than just one pair depending on the types of exercises you enjoy.
For example, you might want to use heavier dumbbells for single leg deadlift and lighter dumbbells dumbbells for plank rows. In this case, a small set of dumbbells may be the best choice.
Toning exercises shape and strengthen your muscles, but they don't aim to add bulk or build big muscles. The focus is on creating firm, well-defined muscles! Toning is another type of exercise that is best with fixed-weight dumbbells.
You only need a pair of lightweight dumbbells suited to your skill level. In order to get toned, it's recommended to do at least a couple sets per workout!
Unlike other types of exercise, the main purpose of strength exercises is to build muscles. You'll need a variety of weights to work on different muscle groups. For example, you usually can’t use the same weight to work on arms and legs.
The other benefits of strength exercises are to improve posture, increase metabolism, and gain bone density. Strength exercise suits both adjustable dumbbells and fixed-weight dumbbells.
Adjustable dumbbells suit with moderate weightlifting and for people who have limited space. However, the limited weight of adjustable dumbbells might not suit powerlifters. On the other hand, fixed-weight dumbbells are best for all levels of weightlifting.
Plastic dumbbells are mostly used in fitness, especially in exercise classes. They’re cheap, can be washed, and never get rusty. However, the weight is usually only available up to 10 pounds, so they usually aren't used for weight training purposes.
Neoprene dumbbells are made with synthetic rubber. It never slips out of your hands, even when your hands are wet or sweaty. It also protects your hands from calluses, so gloves aren’t necessary.
If it takes too long or is too complicated to adjust the weight, you may not use adjustable weights often. It's a good idea to pick a product that can switch from one set of weights to another smoothly and quickly.
There are many mechanisms for setting loads on this type of dumbbell. The dial mechanism seems to be the most popular type for home exercise, as it's the easiest and fastest to adjust. All you need to do is just turn the dial to the weight you want and pull it off the dumbbell block.
There are two important aspects to consider when it comes to grips: knurling and ergonomics.
Knurling is a pattern of lines, often crisscrossed, on the surface of metal to add traction. A good quality knurling can help you to reduce the risk of injury from the dumbbells slipping out of your hands. It can also help you to improve your performance! If you feel comfortable and confident while holding your weights, you can focus on your exercise without worry.
Check the ergonimics of your dumbells too. Look for tapered handles that allow all your fingers to wrap around it evenly. Non-tapered handles can put pressure on your middle two fingers, which can cause fatigue and injury.
There are a ton of other ways to improve your home workouts. Dumbbells are a great start, and adding other types of equipment can help keep your workouts feeling fresh!
There are many benefits of adding dumbbells to your home workouts! They can help strengthen muscles and adjust the intensity of your workouts. Once you know what type of exercise you want to do, choosing the best one for you will be a breeze.
Consider the material, convenience, and grip handle of your dumbbells. You want to choose weights that are safe to use too! If you keep these points in mind, you'll definitely find the one that suits your workouts. You'll be pumping iron in no time with one of our top ten dumbbells!
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