If you live in a small space, you know that building a home gym can be a tall order, so looking for multifunctional equipment is essential. The best adjustable dumbbells are therefore a natural complement. These dumbbells add more versatility to your workouts and make a weightlifting routine easier. If you love resistance training but aren’t sure about adding these to your home (or don’t even know what they are), keep reading and we just might convince you that they do. some of the best home gym equipment you can find.
What are the benefits of adjustable dumbbells?
A pair of adjustable dumbbells eliminates the need for a room full of traditional dumbbells. Although they can be bulky, some options replace up to 30 sets of weights, which would undoubtedly take up a lot of space. And if you find yourself gawking at the price tags, add up how much money each set of standard dumbbells would cost you, and we can almost guarantee that adjustable dumbbells are much better value.
Beyond the convenience of these weights, they also allow for quick and (most importantly) seamless weight changes as you transition from exercise to exercise. Like any dumbbell, they allow you to practice functional movements. “Weight machines are usually in a fixed position, only allowing you to recruit specific muscle groups,” Airs of Massy, celebrity trainer and NASM-certified health coach, previously told SELF. « Free weights, like dumbbells, require an individual to recruit and engage their entire body to perform a specific movement. »
What sets the best adjustable dumbbells apart from the rest?
Most adjustable dumbbells are made of steel, plastic and/or cast iron. Since the majority of options use plates, they can vibrate a bit during use. This may seem like a sign of a cheaply built set, but it’s actually quite natural when the weights aren’t aligned with each other. The most important thing to look at is the weight adjustment mechanism. The dumbbells we’ve added to our list use dial settings, metal pins, or thick plastic discs. Plastic discs are fine, but they wear out over time. Some people actually make metal discs that are compatible with adjustable dumbbells, in case you want to replace the plastic one.
Also consider the weight range of each set. If your goal is muscular endurance or you know you don’t lift heavy weights often, opt for a set with a lower weight or smaller weight increments. If you want to build muscle mass, look for a set with heavier weights or larger weight increments. In general, the most popular adjustable dumbbells have a weight range of around 5 to 50 pounds.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 11 sets of the best adjustable dumbbells money can buy, from brands like Bowflex, Core Fitness, Amazon Basics, Rogue, and more. Each of them has hundreds, if not thousands, of five-star reviews or is recommended by experts. They are high quality, built to last and worth the investment. Your squats, lunges, curls, presses, and other weightlifting workouts are about to get a lot more efficient.
