Types of Dumbbells we have - Pros and Cons

Dumbells are a type of free weight that you can use in various exercise and weight training sessions. You can use them individually or in pairs, with a dumbbell in each hand. In terms of weight, they can range from about 2.5kg to 100kg in some cases. Benefits of using dumbbells include: 

• Activate different muscles 
• Stimulate muscle growth 
• Improve muscle flexibility 
• Promote joint and muscle stability 
• Highly effective at targeting specific muscles 

One of the reasons that dumbbells are so popular is that they offer a high training versatility. They are simple to use and can help target muscle groups through specific exercises. You can use them to work out your arms, chest, shoulders, and back. 

Many people use dumbbells either at home or at the gym. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid gym-goer, you can integrate dumbbells into your training with a range of different exercises. Here are some dumbell exercise ideas to incorporate into your fitness routine: 

• Lunges 
• Overhead press
• Bicep curl 
• Lateral raise 
• Goblet squat 
• Bent over row 

The two main categories of dumbbells are fixed and adjustable. But, there are also several types of dumbbells that you may come across which are more suitable for specific training sessions. To help narrow down your choice, here are the pros and cons of five dumbbell types to give you an idea of what to expect. 

A fixed dumbbell is likely the most common type of dumbbell. You usually buy them in pairs at a set weight. The fixed hexagon dumbbells have a hexagonal shape so that it doesn’t move during a workout.

Adjustable dumbbells are good for those who don’t have the space or budget for a full fixed dumbbell rack and weights. You can adjust the weight of the dumbbell, so you essentially have different weights to use within one piece of equipment. The downside of adjustable dumbbells is that they can be quite bulky. It can also slow you down if you need to change weights during a workout. 

Studio dumbbells tend to be smaller and fully coated. So, the entire dumbbell is coated in either rubber or neoprene to protect the weight. You most commonly see studio dumbbells in-studio classes to add some light resistance to a workout. They are easy to grip during a training session and don’t roll off when you put them down. Studio dumbbells tend to go up to about 10kg, so they are only suitable for low weight exercises. If you wanted to do some heavy lifting, you would avoid studio dumbbells. 

Spin-lock dumbbells are a type of adjustable dumbbell, but they are slightly different. You buy each separate weight denomination, similar to how you would with a standard barbell and weight plates. You can then adjust your dumbbell weight manually throughout your workout. Spin-lock dumbbells are a good option.

There are pros and cons to each type of dumbbell. While a studio dumbbell may be perfect for one person, someone else may find that a rubber fixed dumbbell helps them meet their fitness goals. When buying gym equipment, you can’t go wrong with a fixed dumbbell to get you through a tough workout and start seeing serious gains.