This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
You can fully commit to working out from home if you have the right equipment and plenty of motivation. You really haven’t got any excuses any more, because you can purchase everything from treadmills to ellipticals online. Motivation is a little more tricky, but surrounding yourself with quality fitness gear may provide a push to get started.
Everyone will have a different focus when starting out, but one of the most important purchases for anyone on a fitness journey is a set of weights. You can perform plenty of different exercises with dumbbells, and some products are adjustable so you can switch things up or increase the load as you progress.
If you’re thinking about adding adjustable dumbbells to your home gym or workout routine, then know this: There are a lot of options out there. If the thought of scouring the internet looking at sets of dumbbells stresses you out, we can do the heavy lifting for you.
How do you choose a set of dumbbells?
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 — If you’re going with an adjustable set, you’ll want to look for a set that is 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.
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 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 cupboard. Whichever you prefer, we have a recommendation for you.
Keep these points in mind when shopping for a set.
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.
What are the best dumbbells for working out at home?
There are lots of dumbbell options out there for total beginners, top athletes, and everything in between. You can find popular sets from top fitness brands like York Fitness, Bowflex, and Sportstech, with something for everyone.
It doesn’t matter what your goals are or what sort of shape you’re in, because there will be a set that works for you. We have researched everything on offer to highlight a selection of your best options.
These are the best dumbbell sets for working out at home in 2023.
