We’ve talked before about the benefits of dumbbell training and why we love it so much. No gym is complete without them. Whether you’re trying to improve your cardio or build muscle, activate your glutes, or build abdominal strength, dumbbells come in handy 24/7/365.
They’re incredibly versatile, compact, and can be used in countless ways. Plus, they’re excellent for unilateral exercises and finding imbalances and weaknesses throughout your body.
Are you considering adding dumbbells to your box or home gym? Let us help. There are a few factors you’ll want to consider before making a purchase, to make sure you find the best ones for you. Let’s dive in!
How to Choose Dumbbells: 3 Factors to Look At
Let’s talk about the most important things to consider when shopping around for dumbbells.
1. How Much Space You Have for Training
One of the best things about dumbbells is that they’re small and can be easily stored just about anywhere, from your garage to under the bed. However, you’ll still want to consider how much space you have to work with because that’ll determine what kind of dumbbells you’ll buy. (More on that in a minute.)
For instance, you can go with fixed-weight dumbbells. In other words, you buy a set of 10kg dumbbells or 20kg dumbbells, as an example. If you go this route and want different weights to work with, then you’ll need several pairs of dumbbells. This means you’ll need the space to store them! Dumbbells can go on shelves, in a rack, or on the floor. If you plan on keeping them in the garage, do consider placing some kind of mat under them to protect them from the ground and preserve their quality.
On the other hand, if you go with a set of adjustable-weight dumbbells, then it’s essentially giving you several weights in one.
Let’s keep going with this.
2. The Type of Dumbbell You’d Prefer to Train With
Space is one big factor that’ll determine what kinds of dumbbells you buy. Personal preference is another. Some athletes like the idea of having one set of dumbbells that they can adjust based on their needs. Others want a full set of varying weights. And others know that they’ll only need two or three pairs anyway, so they just buy them individually.
Consider your strength level and the type of training you want to be doing. This will help you make the best purchase for you. For example, if you’re on a budget (keep reading for more on that!) and know you’re only looking for a set of light dumbbells to incorporate into your cardio, then a set of fixed-weight dumbbells might be best for you.
However, if building muscle is one of your main priorities and you’re really looking to move some heavier weight around, then you’re going to need more options than that. In this case, adjustable dumbbells or several sets will be the more appropriate option.
3. The Budget You Have to Work With
Lastly, you’ll want to consider how much money you’re looking to spend. A set of dumbbells might cost you around $50. A pair of adjustable weights can come out to several hundreds of dollars — but for a good reason! Remember, you’re getting multiple weights in one.
Do you have a bigger budget and need more versatility with your weights? Then having an adjustable set or several sets of dumbbells will probably be best for you. Are you working with a more modest budget? No problem! Start with one or two pairs and then work your way up from there.
You’ll also want to take into consideration the fact that if you have dumbbells, there is other equipment you can hold off on for now. For example, most kettlebell exercises can be done with a dumbbell, including swings, snatches, clean and jerks, farmer carries, and goblet squats.
So, if you decide to invest in dumbbells, they will take you very far.
It’s wise to think about these various factors: the space you have, how much you’re looking to spend, what type of dumbbells you enjoy working with, your training style, your goals, and so on. The equipment you train with should align with your needs and what you’re trying to achieve. Select the right pieces for your gym, and you’re going to get one heck of a workout, each and every time.
Ready to make that purchase? The WOD Life has a variety of dumbbells to suit your needs and goals. Shop from our selection of dumbbells today.
Did you enjoy this blog? Itching to get to work with dumbbells? Read on for some of our favourite dumbbell WODs to incorporate into your programming to make massive gains. Let us know how it goes!
