The beginning of a new year always sees an uptick in fitness interest.
If you’re thinking about adding adjustable dumbbells to your home gym or workout routine as you come out of hibernation, then know this: There are a ton of options out there.
If the thought of scouring the internet looking at sets of adjustable dumbbells stresses you out, allow us to do the heavy lifting for you. There are a few features you should consider before taking the plunge on a new set of weights. The following criteria can help narrow down your options:
Adjustability. You’ll want to look for a set of adjustable dumbbells that are actually easy to adjust. If you find yourself missing the clanking of metal that you’ll typically hear in a gym, the traditional pin-lock set of dumbbells may be right for you. Or maybe you’re looking to incorporate weights into your H.I.I.T. (High Intensity Interval Workout) routines, in which case the simple twist of a dial would be better. You’ll find both on our list, along with the pros and cons of each.
Weight settings. Another feature you’ll want to think about is the minimum and maximum weight settings offered. Why spring for a heavier set when you could easily find one in your desired weight range? The set used by serious weight trainers won’t be suitable for beginners or someone looking to rebuild muscle while recovering from an injury. It’s also important to look at the increments in which you can adjust the weights. Lucky for you, we’ve already done the research and have solid options in a variety of weight settings.
Storage. You’re most likely in the market for adjustable dumbbells because you’re looking for a way to get fit without sacrificing precious space for equipment. If you don’t mind storing your equipment out in the open, a set that either comes with its own weight rack or sells a compatible one separately is your best bet. Otherwise, you’ll want to look for either a set that can be put away in a case, or one that's compact enough to fit into a drawer or closet. Whichever you prefer, we have a recommendation for you.
How do adjustable dumbbells work?
Adjustable dumbbells are a major hack for saving space in your home gym. While regular dumbbells have a set amount of weight attached to each end, an adjustable dumbbell allows you to change the weight on the bar.
Most sets use either a dial, a pin, or a lever to allow you to release weighted plates from each side of the dumbbell, and replace them with heavier or lighter ones. If you're using adjustable dumbbells while doing a workout that requires a lot of different weight in succession, you'll have more time between each exercise while you adjust the weight. But, the upside is that you'll save space and money if you opt for an adjustable pair over a full set of traditional dumbbells.
Which adjustable dumbbell set is the best?
Overall, we think the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells(opens in a new tab) are an excellent choice for people who are looking to get swole. This set is great for all levels because it features weights as low as five pounds per dumbbell, and goes all the way up to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell. These are especially great if you're sharing a home gym with a partner or roommates, as there are plenty of weight levels for both beginner and advanced lifters. All weight adjustments are made using a simple dial, so you can spend less time fiddling with your weights and more time actually working out with them.
Need a few more options before you settle on a pair of adjustable dumbbells? Stop searching and start lifting — check out the rest of our top picks below.
