Dumbbells have been known since ancient times. In Ancient Greece they were called halteres. Athletes used them to perform many exercises - lifting weights, long jumps, running. The modern form of dumbbells originated in England, under the Tudors. Then they were used to train bell ringers. In today's sports, there is a wide variety of sports dumbbells. By performing sets of exercises, you can work out any muscle group using this sports equipment. Benefits of dumbbells: mobility, versatility, coordination and balance, wide range of motion, safety. As a result, dumbbells are an excellent sports equipment for strength training. They are also convenient because they are suitable for home and hall. Therefore, we have selected the ten best dumbbells in 2022 on the sporting goods market. In addition, we will give useful conclusions on the selection of this equipment from a specialist.
Design, materials for manufacturing dumbbells
Two existing types of dumbbells are used equally successfully: solid and collapsible. Classic cast projectiles are usually configured as two balls connected by a straight (rarely curved) handle for gripping. There are also models in which a handle connects hexagonal prisms. This configuration allows you to place the dumbbell on your thigh, which is impossible with a classically shaped apparatus when moving to heavy weights. Cast dumbbells are convenient for exercise, but as the load increases, they have to be replaced entirely.
Collapsible dumbbells are a bar with replaceable discs hung on both sides, secured with a lock. This is the most inexpensive option, since you can buy just a couple of shells and weigh them down with additionally purchased pancakes. The disadvantage is that different exercises require the use of different loads - the number of disks will have to be periodically adjusted, reducing the intensity of the workout. All kinds of materials are used to make dumbbells: cast iron, vinyl, chrome steel, brushed iron, and others.
Shoulders
In most deltoid exercises, you hold the dumbbells farther away from your body, so they feel heavier than the barbell. Therefore, in order to properly work out the muscles, start training with not very heavy dumbbells. The exercises below will improve your shoulder shape by developing and strengthening your deltoid muscles.
Dumbbell Overhead Press
This exercise strengthens the middle and anterior deltoid muscles. To perform this, set the back of the bench at a right angle. Take dumbbells and sit down. Knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Bend your arms at a 90-degree angle and spread them to the sides so that your shoulders are parallel to the floor. Palms face forward. Tighten your abs. The back is straight, the lower back is pressed tightly against the back of the bench. Maintaining your torso position, raise your arms with the dumbbells above your head. Slowly return to the starting position.
More information…
Arnold press
The Arnold press is a basic exercise for developing the deltoid muscles. This exercise uses all three bundles, but the main emphasis is on the middle and anterior bundle. Due to the rotation of the arms, the rotator cuff muscles are also included in the work: coracobrachialis, supraspinatus and infraspinatus. The technique for performing this exercise is as follows: stand up straight or sit on a bench. Take dumbbells in both hands and fix them at neck level, with your palms facing you. Inhale and, holding your breath, press the dumbbells upward while rotating your arms at the wrists. At the end of the movement, exhale. Inhale and lower the dumbbells along the same path.
More information…
Bent-over dumbbell raises
Bent-over dumbbell flyes are the most effective exercise for the posterior deltoid muscle. This exercise is the only one that allows you to qualitatively work out the rear head of the delta. To perform it, take dumbbells and lean forward, bending your knees slightly. Hands with dumbbells are lowered down. As you exhale, simultaneously spread your arms to the sides. As you inhale, lower your arms to the starting position.
More information…
Dumbbell lateral raises
This is an isolation exercise for working the middle fascicles of the deltoid muscles. You can do it standing or sitting on a bench. To do this, hold the dumbbells with a neutral grip, palms facing each other. Stand up straight or sit on a bench. The arms are slightly bent at the elbows. As you exhale, spread the dumbbells to the sides without changing the angle of your elbows. As you inhale, lower your arms to the starting position.
More information…
Nuances of choice and design features
When choosing, you should take into account the following nuances:
- The bars for dumbbells should not be too short, otherwise in the future it will be impossible to use plates in sufficient quantities and place a lot of weight. Bars that are too long can interfere with training - this should also be taken into account.
- A good option for practicing in apartments would be rubberized products that will not scratch the floor, furniture, or make noise when assembled.
- Locks for collapsible modifications come with threads, spring rings, and Olympic locks with a screw clamp. The threaded clamp is considered the most reliable, especially for large scales, while the spring clamp allows you to quickly change elements.
- When choosing a bar, you need to remember that in the future you will have to buy additional discs. It is worth choosing a product with standard sizes suitable for most pancakes.
Pancake set
Discs weighing 0.5-1.0 kg should not be neglected. Their presence in the home kit will allow you to select the desired mass, changing it smoothly. 5.10 kg discs are good for gaining heavy weight. For training, at first you will need at least two pancakes per apparatus, in the future their number will increase.
SRAVNI contains products from many stores in Kazakhstan, so the range is constantly expanding. You can buy sports equipment by viewing the characteristics, studying the prices and making a profitable choice.
The best dumbbells for working out at home
Free weight dumbbells are the perfect addition to your home gym equipment. We have conducted training with a variety of kits widely available in the market. In this article we will tell you about the best.
Many people dream of having a well-equipped home gym, with several types of cardio equipment, to conduct classes on a treadmill and train with a variety of equipment, do exercises with a barbell, do exercises with one or two kettlebells, and do workouts with dumbbells. But for most, this dream remains unfulfilled due to lack of free space. So you have to come to terms with reality and make do with only the bare necessities. One of the most important and necessary items for working out at home are dumbbells. They are relatively inexpensive, don't require much space, and it is also possible to purchase prefabricated dumbbells and use different weights for different exercises. It is also possible to purchase a set with fixed scales for greater convenience.
Sounds convincing, doesn't it? But before you rush to the nearest store to buy a set, read our article on how to choose the right dumbbells and check out our recommendations.
The best non-collapsible dumbbells
More affordable models with non-separable or one-piece construction. Lightweight dumbbells of this type are intended for beginners as well as endurance training. Heavy equipment is intended for experienced athletes who know their level of training.
MB Barbell MB-FdbEM-B 25 kg
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The non-separable dumbbell has a straight bar-handle, which is plated with nickel and chrome. The rotating handle helps reduce the stress on the athlete's wrist when working with heavy weights, eliminating the risk of injury. There are three discs on both sides of the neck. Each pancake has a high-quality rubber coating without an unpleasant odor.
All disks are secured with a countersunk screw. It connects to an internal hexagon and is secured with a key, ensuring reliable fixation of the pancakes. The total weight of the dumbbell is 25 kg, but professional sports equipment from this line can be found on sale weighing up to 60 kg.
Pros:
- Classic design with rotating handle.
- Comfortable knurled handle.
- Rubberized surface of the discs.
- High build quality.
- Reliable fastening of pancakes.
Minuses:
- Quite a high price.
A relatively expensive professional-grade model with a comfortable grip for comfort during heavy workouts.
Bradex SF 0161/SF 0162 2 kg
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
93%
buyers recommend this product
A simple dumbbell with a rubberized surface is designed for fitness, therapeutic exercises and other exercises where there is no need for a lot of weight. The one-piece design fits comfortably in the hand, and the hexagonal shape of the plates prevents the dumbbell from rolling on the floor.
Due to its light weight and compactness, the projectile does not require much storage space. The rubberized surface prevents slipping during training and eliminates the appearance of calluses on the hands. In addition, the dumbbell is protected from corrosion and chipping of the material after impacts or falls on the floor. Available in blue or red color options.
Pros:
- Convenient one-piece design.
- Rubberized surface.
- Compact and versatile.
- Bright design in two colors.
- Very low price.
Minuses:
- Sticky rubber coating.
Cheap lightweight lightweight dumbbells are an excellent choice for warming up, morning exercises or fitness. In addition, they are suitable for practicing techniques for beginners.
Lite Weights 2948NP 0.5 kg
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
Another solid dumbbell weighing only 0.5 kg has an ergonomic bar shape and is made of steel. The model is suitable for aerobic exercise, physical therapy and a number of exercises for working individual muscle groups. Athletes can practice punching by using dumbbells as weights.
Compact dimensions allow you to store shells in any convenient place. The shape prevents them from rolling on the floor. For the convenience of performing exercises, the dumbbells are covered with neoprene, which ensures reliable grip of the hand on the bar. It also acts as a protective shell that protects the metal from corrosion and damage resulting from a fall.
Pros:
- Comfortable ergonomic shape.
- Neoprene coating.
- Universally suitable for several types of training.
- Compact sizes.
- Extremely low price.
Minuses:
- There is a chemical smell the first time after purchase.
Good entry-level dumbbells are primarily suitable for children and women. They allow you to keep your muscles toned, but to develop strength and further improve, you should purchase heavier equipment.
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Buyer's Guide
A good set should be comfortable enough without damaging your floor. Here are the parameters you should pay attention to when purchasing:
Form. Hexagonal dumbbells are an excellent choice. They are comfortable for exercises like renegade rows and won't roll around underfoot if you just leave them on the floor.
Peculiarities. As with any other sports equipment, the general rule applies: the fewer parts there are, the less likely it is for something to go wrong. Be careful with collapsible sets; if used frequently and not very carefully, they may crack.
Weight . If you are going to buy only one pair with a fixed weight, then you need to remember that dumbbells with a lighter weight have more advantages over heavier ones, and in price too. If you choose dumbbells that are too heavy, you will have to forget about a number of very worthy exercises, and with a lighter set it is possible to increase the number of repetitions. The 12 kg set is ideal for purchase.
Material . Some people may find dumbbells with rubberized discs less attractive than shiny chrome ones. But they have one big advantage: rubber softens impacts, which is quite important when it comes to the safety of the floor and, more importantly, your feet. The chrome-plated necks with notches provide a secure fit in the hand and are easy to clean.
Rib cage
Lying dumbbell fly
No other dumbbell exercise compares to its effectiveness for these muscles. It needs a bench. The back should be mostly supported, otherwise it will hurt a lot.
Spreading your arms so that they form a straight line, slowly raise them upward. After this, return to the starting position.
Three Main Types of Dumbbells
With fixed weight
These are ordinary dumbbells with a constant weight; most have seen them in the gym. The minimum weight in fixed weight dumbbell sets is usually 2 kg and gradually increases in 2 kg increments. Purchasing a pair of fixed-weight dumbbells is the most budget-friendly solution. However, with this choice you will have to use the same weight in all of your exercises. This can be quite inconvenient, as the load will be too light for some exercises (such as squats and lunges) and too heavy for others (such as standing dumbbell flyes and overhead dumbbell presses). Of course, you can buy a whole set of fixed weight dumbbells, but this is expensive and takes up a lot of space.
With adjustable weight
This is a better choice for those who train at home with free weights. Using this set, you can easily increase or decrease the weight of the dumbbell by adding or removing additional discs. This allows you to use dumbbells for different exercises and vary the weight range at home. In addition, if you have become stronger and need to increase the load, there is always the opportunity to purchase additional discs. Although, of course, you cannot add weight endlessly and there is a limit to the number of discs that can be added on each side.
Cassette (typesetting)
The load on these high-tech dumbbells is adjusted by adding or removing plates directly on the dumbbell stand using a special selector. This means that the weight can be adjusted much faster than with a standard set of dumbbells. Using a cassette set, it is possible to achieve a much higher load than with conventional dumbbells. That is, such a kit can be quite a profitable purchase. But these dumbbells have a few drawbacks: they are significantly more expensive than others and are too heavy when it comes to moving.
Legs and buttocks
Although exercises with a barbell are considered the most effective for the muscles of the legs and buttocks (due to the possibility of using large weights), nevertheless, with the help of dumbbells you can also work out these muscle groups quite well. To achieve what you want, the main thing is to do the exercises correctly. All movements must be clear and precise. And as a result, in addition to impressive external results, you will get strong legs and buttocks, which will allow you to significantly improve your performance in other sports, such as running and jumping.
Straight-legged row with dumbbells
In this exercise, the muscles of the buttocks, back of the thigh and lower back receive the greatest load. During dumbbell rows, the hands are in a more comfortable position than a fixed barbell. Thanks to this position of the hands, you can shift the center of gravity, due to which the load on the back extensors is reduced and the load on the back of the thigh is more concentrated. To perform this exercise, grab dumbbells and stand straight. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. As you inhale, moving your pelvis back and leaning forward, smoothly lower the dumbbells down. As you exhale, return to the starting position.
More information…
Squats with dumbbells
Squats are a basic exercise for strengthening the muscles of the front and back of the thighs and buttocks. By doing it, you also use the muscles of the inner and outer thighs. To perform this exercise, hold dumbbells in your hands and stand straight. Feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly pointed to the sides. Hands with dumbbells are lowered along the body, palms facing inward. Keeping your pelvis in a neutral position, expand your chest. Inhale, hold your breath and draw in your stomach. Do a squat as if you want to sit on the edge of a chair. Don't lift your heels off the floor. Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Return to the starting position. At the moment of maximum effort, exhale.
More information…
Lunges with dumbbells
Lunges with dumbbells are one of the best exercises for training your legs and buttocks. In this exercise, the hamstrings and gluteal muscles receive maximum load. To perform it, take dumbbells in your hands and stand straight. Feet shoulder width apart. Bring your shoulder blades together, lower your shoulders, tighten your abs. Hands with dumbbells are lowered along the body, palms facing inward. Take a long step forward with your left foot and lower into a lunge so that your left knee is over your ankle and your right knee is pointing toward the floor. The right leg rests on the toe. Straighten your legs and take a step forward and lunge with your right leg. Continue alternating legs as many times as necessary.
More information…
Best cast iron dumbbells
Body Power 30 kg set with screw locks
Different exercises require different weights, so this set of screw-lock dumbbells with a maximum weight of 30kg is ideal for training at home. The weight is quick and easy to adjust, so you can always give your muscles the maximum challenge to build a more muscular, stronger and leaner body.
Price $80
Opti Cast set 20kg
These durable cast iron dumbbells are a great value buy. If 20 kg of weight is not enough for your training, you can order additional cast iron plates from the Argos Opti range and increase the load on each dumbbell up to 35 kg.
Price $42.93
TurnerMAX 30 kg kit
You can order a set of TurnerMAX dumbbells in a weight range from 20 to 60 kg. Each set comes in its own case for easy transportation, which is quite convenient for those who prefer to take dumbbells with them on any trip.
Price: 30 kg for $78.06
York Fitness with screw lock
If you dreamed of having a Hulk body as a teenager, a set of York Fitness dumbbells may be your first significant piece of fitness equipment to grace your bedroom floor. Although, then, with a high probability, you would choose instead of these cast-iron beauties Agros plastic dumbbells filled with sand, so popular during the nineties and zeros. But now you’ve grown up and approach your choice with full responsibility, so treat yourself to York Fitness cast iron dumbbells. The set comes with four plates weighing 0.5, 1.25 and 2.5 kg, which are easy to remove or install using a screw lock.
Price $52.03
Best Dumbbells with Quick Weight Adjustment
Bodymax Selectabell
Switch weights quickly and easily with the twist of the dial on the Bodymax Selectabells. There are ten possible load options, the minimum weight is 2.5 kg, the weight increment is 2.5 kg. You can buy one dumbbell, but according to the editors, it is more convenient to have a pair.
Price from $193.88
Bowflex SelectTech
With the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells, every change in weight will be accompanied by just a small click. There are 15 different modes with the ability to select weights from 2 to 24 kg.
Price from $538.20
Ironmaster with quick lock
These are adjustable dumbbells, but their properties are more similar to regular ones. Adjusting the weight may take a little longer compared to competitors, but the possible maximum weight is a whopping 34kg. If you use sets with additional disks, the maximum weight can be increased to 75 kg, which, of course, is quite funny, but completely useless.
Price from $766.40
What to train
The muscle tissue of any part of the body requires stress, and they differ slightly, for example, for the back and for the legs. First you need to decide what exactly you will load.
It could be:
- Back
- Legs, gluteal muscles.
- Triceps and biceps.
- Breast.
The best floor rubber dumbbells
Bodymax Deluxe
The maximum weight that can be achieved with Bodymax Deluxe is 15 kg for one dumbbell. The set comes with eight 2.5kg pancakes, four 1.25kg and four 0.5kg. This range allows you to start with a light weight that's comfortable for doing dumbbell raises in front of you, and then increase the weight when doing biceps curls.
Price from $64.38
Hexagonal rubberized BodyPower Rubber Hex
Our favorite dumbbells for performing renegade rows. The straight sides and rubber coating on the Power Rubber Hex dumbbells make them less likely to slip in your hand. The downside to these dumbbells is that you can't vary the weight, and each set costs around £50. However, if you have enough space and don't mind the cost, you can purchase a set with five different weights and a dumbbell rack for under £200.
Price per pair 12.5 kg from $66.35
Neoprene coated Gallant Neoprene Hand Dumbbells
Such dumbbells are suitable not only for training to increase muscle mass, but also for rehabilitation exercises or as an additional load during cardio sessions. The weight of the dumbbells varies from 0.5 to 5 kg, and the discs on the dumbbells are hexagonal in shape to prevent the dumbbells from rolling under the sofa during training.
Price from $7.14 (0.5kg pair) to $28.61 (5kg pair)
The best collapsible dumbbells
Models with the ability to adjust weight are perfect for a wide range of athletes: from beginners to masters of strength sports and bodybuilders.
Proxima PS-ADB-5K/40K
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
The weight of the universal collapsible dumbbell can be set in the range from 5 to 40 kg - a total of 17 load levels are provided. The line also includes dumbbells with lighter weights. The equipment is suitable for both home use and the gym.
The design includes a convenient rotating disk that allows you to change the weight. Turning to the required weight mark engages or detaches the plates from the bar - the weight change occurs almost instantly. Adjustable 2kg increments allow you to gradually increase the load during strength training.
Pros:
- Ergonomic neck shape.
- Stepwise weight adjustment.
- Multifunctionality.
- Availability of stand included.
- Compact dumbbell sizes.
Minuses:
- Fragile turning mechanism.
An excellent model for training at home and in the gym. The multi-stage weight adjustment system allows you to replace an entire set of dumbbells with one or two Proxima Gigant. To prevent damage to the sports equipment, you should handle the regulator mechanism carefully, avoiding strong impacts and dropping the dumbbell.
Starfit DB-703 20 kg
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
A collapsible dumbbell with a comfortable bar and removable weights is equally suitable for training at home and in the gym. The adjustable design allows you to set the weight in the range from 3 to 20 kg. The dumbbell bar is made of steel with a plastic coating, which prevents the hand from slipping during training.
The set includes four pairs of pancakes, the weight of which varies from 0.75 to 5 kg. They are secured with plastic locking nuts, which can wear out over time. A wide thread pitch allows you to quickly increase or decrease the weight of the projectile, thereby selecting the necessary load for performing strength exercises.
Pros:
- Straight bar with non-slip surface.
- Removable cast iron pancakes.
- High quality workmanship.
- Convenient packaging for carrying dumbbells.
- Low price for its weight.
Minuses:
- Short-lived plastic locking nuts.
A universal sports equipment with a collapsible, adjustable design is an excellent choice for any trainee, regardless of their level of training. Starfit dumbbells are suitable for beginners, children and experienced athletes.
Atlant-Sport 7 kg
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
The chrome steel dumbbell with a convenient collapsible design has a total weight of 7 kg. The load is adjusted by simply removing or hanging the weights on a steel bar. The set includes two pairs of discs: two 1.5 kg each and two 1 kg each.
Due to its weight, the equipment is suitable for training women or teenagers. But there are also heavier dumbbells from this series on sale - they are suitable for experienced strength athletes or bodybuilders.
The weight is fixed using metal nuts, each of which gives an additional weight of about 0.5 kg. The inner surface of the nuts is threaded and knurled for quick and easy screwing of fasteners.
Pros:
- Convenient weight adjustment.
- Notches on the fingerboard to prevent slipping.
- Anti-corrosion coating.
- High-quality manufacturing materials.
- Quite a low price.
Minuses:
- Heavy locking nuts.
A good model, equally good for practicing at home and in the gym, due to its light weight it is most often used by beginners or women and children.
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8 best barbells
The best chrome dumbbells
Body Power Chrome Ergo
This pair has anatomically shaped handles that fit snugly to the hand and reduce the likelihood of accidental slips. These dumbbells also have an attractive appearance, although, of course, fixed-weight dumbbells are less practical than adjustable ones.
Price from $98.88 (pair 12.5 kg)
How to choose dumbbells
We met the top 10 best dumbbells. Now a sales consultant at a sporting goods store, Artem Samsonov , will share his thoughts on the selection of such sports equipment.
First, you need to familiarize yourself with the design features of dumbbells. These sports equipment are divided into two types:
- non-separable (cast). The weight of these dumbbells cannot be changed.
- collapsible. It is possible to change the weight of the weight.
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Non-separable dumbbells
The first thing to consider when choosing these dumbbells is that they have a constant weight. This factor is convenient because during training you do not need to adjust the weight of the equipment; you simply choose dumbbells with a different weight. The downside to this approach is the need to purchase a row of dumbbells. This is necessary to adjust the weight of the weights during training, otherwise there will be no progress in strength training. However, if the goal of your exercise is to lose weight and maintain a certain level of physical fitness, then this type of dumbbell is ideal for such tasks. Cast dumbbells come in the following types:
- metal. Durable and inexpensive.
- rubber. This sports equipment is pleasant to the touch and is well suited for home use.
- vinyl. Such dumbbells do not have large weights and are convenient for training teenagers and women.
- neoprene. The main advantage is that they do not slip in a sweaty hand. However, the surface is sensitive to mechanical damage.
Do not forget that the appearance of dumbbells is not as important as their performance characteristics and purpose in training. It is on the last points that you should focus your attention. The best option for non-separable dumbbells are rubberized hexagonal dumbbells with metal content. They are reliable, comfortable and quite safe for training.
