Top 10 Best Dumbbells in 2021 (Personal Trainer-Reviewed)

Esther Leonardo is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Director of Aquatics. She has worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor since 2009, and in personal and group fitness training since 2012.

Over the years, she has taught and worked in a variety of formats on both land and water. She believes that knowledge in fitness is key to growing stronger, working toward your goals, and preventing injury along the way.

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 and budget.

These are a single pair of dumbbells, but they can be adjusted to a variety of weights. In general, the weight ranges from five to 50 pounds, but some are available up to 100 pounds.

Adjustable dumbbells usually cost more than fixed-weight dumbbells, though. Second, if one dumbbell becomes broken, it might be difficult to replace. You might end up buying a new set of dumbbells.

On the other hand, adjustable dumbbells suit people who want to work on different muscle groups, which is helpful for strength training. They suit people who have limited space since they take up very little room!

These are the most common type of dumbbells used for fitness. The weight usually ranges from one to 50 pounds, but some are available up to 200 pounds.

The drawback of fixed-weight 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.

However, fixed-weight dumbbells suit different types of exercise such as aerobic exercises, balance exercises, flexibility exercises, and strength training. You can buy them in sets or individually, so there's more opportunity to decide what specific weights you want in your arsenal.

We've done our research and checked reviews to find the best dumbbells for home workouts. Each product suits different types of exercises and offers different benefits. Check out our top ten to find your perfect dumbells! 

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Esther Leonardo.

There are 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 focuses on increasing your heart rate. It's also known as cardio, and includes exercises such as running, swimming, and cycling. 

The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise for adults. Since aerobic exercise requires a lot of movement and goes at a faster pace, you only really need one pair of fixed-weight dumbbells. 

Choose a light weight that you can move around easily; between one and three pounds is enough for most people. Heavier dumbells may be difficult to hold and can increase your risk of injury.

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, some people like to add lightweight dumbbells to create extra stability and achieve a higher level of physical benefits and conditioning. 

These types of exercises are best with fixed-weight dumbbells. Because you'll be using a light amount of weight, you probably won't need to switch weights very often, if at all. And if you do need to switch, it's much easier to grab a second pair of dumbbells than to stop in the middle of your flow to make adjustments.

Unlike other types of exercise, the main purpose of strength training is to build stronger muscles. In addition to this, it has a myriad of other health benefits, including improving posture, boosting metabolism, increasing bone density, and improving brain health.

In order to build lean muscle, you need to increase the weight, frequency, or number of repetitions in your workout routine over time, a principle called progressive overload. In addition, different muscle groups will probably require different weights depending on your strength. 

Adjustable dumbbells are well-suited to moderate weightlifting, as well as people who have limited space. However, the limited weight of adjustable dumbbells might not suit powerlifters. For people who lift heavy or have plenty of space, having a range of fixed-weight dumbbells can work just as well!

While dumbbells are generally all made from metal, some are coated in other materials to improve grip and comfort. Some materials are better suited to light weights while others work well for heavy lifters.

You can also find iron dumbbells with rubber-coated ends. These are essentially the same as cast iron dumbbells, but with a little extra cushioning for when you set them down. The downside of these is that rubber sometimes has an unpleasant scent.

Neoprene and vinyl dumbbells are made from a cast iron core with a colorful coating. They generally weigh between one and 15 pounds. The coating muffles noise and improves comfort, making these a good choice for cardio and longer workouts. 

However, coated dumbbells aren't as durable as metal dumbbells, since the coating can tear or discolor. And while neoprene has a textured surface that improves grip, vinyl tends to get slippery in sweaty hands.

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. 

The older style of adjustable weights requires you to secure plates of various weights at the ends of the dumbbell with a screw. While it can take time to adjust these, some people prefer them for their more classic dumbbell feel.

On the other hand, more modern adjustable dumbells use a pin, dial, or lever to switch between different weight increments. These are typically easy and quick to adjust; all you need to do is select 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 the metal to add traction. 

A good quality knurling can reduce the risk of injury from the dumbbells slipping out of your hands. It can also help 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 dumbbells too. Look for tapered handles that allow all your fingers to wrap around the. evenly. Non-tapered handles can put pressure on your middle two fingers, which can cause fatigue and injury. 

Depending on your workout style and the type of dumbbells you choose, you may need a lot of space or just a small corner to store your dumbbells. Adjustable dumbbells take up less space than fixed dumbbells. Usually, the dumbbells and weight plates all fit together on a compact base.

Fixed weights can be more difficult to store. As they increase in weight, they also increase in size, so if you're buying multiple pairs you should consider where you'll keep them. Some fixed weight sets come with a storage rack but you can also purchase racks separately. 

Alternately, if you plan to keep them on the floor, make sure they have hexagonal or square ends so they don't roll around!

When thinking of dumbbells, we most often think of the ones we use in the weight room. But in the event that you are searching for ones to use in water, remember that resistance works opposite what it does on land. 

You will constantly resist the buoyancy of your dumbbells. To care for these, be sure to rinse with potable water after use since the chlorinated water breaks down and dries out the dumbbells over time.

If you're new to working out with dumbbells, try following a workout video to get familiar with common exercises and proper form. This beginner-friendly workout from Self is led by certified trainer Jason Pak and takes only 15 minutes!

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 10 dumbbells!

Author: Apinya Masuda

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Dumbbells are an excellent choice for beginners, but some people prefer the flexibility of a kettlebell. Kettlebells can be held easily in one or two hands and can be used for a wider variety of exercises. This one comes recommended by online fitness instructor Natalie Mitchell!