As a fitness enthusiast who has been doing fitness for seven years, I think I have some say in choosing dumbbells.I think the main considerations for choosing dumbbells are practicality, user experience, and space utilization.

1.Practicality

Core strategy: whether the training goals can be achieved at different training stages and for different parts.
Our body reacts differently to different weights.
1~5RM – strength increase (increase in strength)
6~15RM – muscle mass increase (increase in size)
16RM and above – endurance increase (large total consumption, conducive to fat loss)

At the same time, as the number of training increases and your mastery of the movements becomes better, your strength level will also increase accordingly.

Suppose you want to gain muscle, and now you can’t bench press 12 times with a weight of 15 kg, but after a month, you can easily push 15 times with 15 kg, which means that 15 kg can no longer meet your goal of gaining muscle.
Then the dilemma comes…

Should you choose a weight that is suitable for now or a weight that is suitable for a month? Choosing a weight that is suitable now will soon become unsuitable, and choosing a weight that is too large will be very strenuous and dangerous now.

In addition, the strength level of different parts of the body is different due to differences in structure and muscle type.
For most people, 5 kg on each side is definitely enough for lateral raises, while squatting with a weight of 20 kg is easy.

So I think if you really want to achieve your desired training goals with dumbbells, adjustable dumbbells with a sufficient weight range must be more practical than fixed-weight dumbbells, and can better meet the training needs of different stages and different parts.

2.User experience

From the perspective of changing weights, there are two types of adjustable dumbbells on the market:
The old-fashioned type with knobs that snap on the upper and lower weight plates

New rotating body (weight knob) to change weight

Although both can meet the training needs, the user experience is really too different.

Friends who have used the old rotating clips must feel the same. In addition to training, the intervals between groups are almost spent in the process of constantly loosening the clips, changing the weight plates, and twisting the clips.

In order to balance the gravity on both sides of the dumbbells, you have to move a pair of dumbbells up and down 4 times respectively. It takes more than 40 seconds for the fast hands and more than a minute for the slow hands. It’s okay for the weight training group, but if you do an increasing or decreasing group, you will really feel dissatisfied with the weight change.

There is no harm without comparison. The way of changing the weight with quick-adjust dumbbells is really comfortable. Whether you want to do an increasing set or a decreasing set, you can get it done in a few seconds by twisting the handle a few times.

I also specifically tested that it took less than 5 seconds to switch from the minimum weight of 2 kg to the maximum weight of 24 kg.

The training experience will not be affected by the problem of changing the weight at all, and the crisp metal sound when rotating to change the weight is completely irresistible to a straight man like me.

3.Space Utilization

Most of the dumbbells that fitness enthusiasts buy for themselves are used at home. The common point is that the available space is very limited. It is impossible to use all the space at home only for fitness.

The floor space occupied by the three pairs of small weight dumbbells I bought before is almost the same as that of a pair of 24 kg adjustable dumbbells. 

If you follow the standard of adjustable dumbbells with weight increments of two kilograms, you will need to buy at least 12 pairs of fixed-weight dumbbells, and the floor space they occupy is basically the same as the dumbbell area in the gym (at least half of the living room will be taken up).

Therefore, if the user experience and functions are similar, the adjustable dumbbells can save at least 70% of the space.

Moreover, many adjustable dumbbells now have matching dumbbell racks. The adjustable dumbbell rack I am currently using is black, which feels quite versatile.

The decoration style is not particularly unique, but it can basically be held.

Considering practicality, user experience, and space utilization, I chose adjustable dumbbells. The weight range of 2 to 24 is completely enough for home use, and the speed of changing weight is also very fast. As long as less than 0.5 square meters of space is reserved, it can be placed.

Share a home tri directional (push, pull, leg) training plan based on self weight and dumbbells!

Push Training Day

1.Dumbbell Press

2.Dumbbell shoulder push

3. Narrow distance push ups

Pull Training Day

1.Dumbbell Row

2.pull-up

3.Bent-over elbow row

Leg Training Day

1.Squat

2.Deadlift

3.Archery Steps

Maintain Dumbballs

Daily Cleaning

After each use of your dumbbells, it is crucial to promptly wipe off any sweat or dirt, particularly on the handles, using a dry or slightly damp cloth. This practice helps prevent the accumulation of sweat and dirt, which can reduce the likelihood of rust formation. Avoid using cleaners containing alcohol or ammonia, as they may damage the dumbbell’s surface coating or electroplating.

Rust PreventionFor electroplated dumbbells, although they are theoretically less prone to rust due to their surface treatment, it is still important to avoid contact with strong acids or alkalis that could corrode the electroplating. Additionally, protect the dumbbells from bumps and knocks that might cause the electroplating to peel off. Store the dumbbells in a dry and ventilated area, avoiding humid environments like bathrooms or outdoors, to further reduce the risk of rust. Applying a layer of cleaning oil or anti-rust lubricant to the metal surfaces of the dumbbells can also help prevent rust from forming.

Storage and Organization

After each use, place the dumbbells in a well-ventilated spot. Ideally, use a dumbbell rack for storage, which not only keeps them organized but also facilitates maintenance. If the dumbbells are not to be used for an extended period, wipe off any oil residue and wrap them in newspaper before storing them in a cool, dry place.

Special Care

For dumbbells with rubber coatings, avoid dragging them across rough surfaces to prevent damage to the rubber layer. Colorful rubber dumbbells are prone to accumulating dirt, so it’s important to clean them thoroughly with a cloth after each use. If you notice any rust on the dumbbell surface, clean and treat it immediately to prevent the rust from spreading to other parts of the dumbbell.

Usage Precautions

When using dumbbells, handle them with care, avoiding collisions or dropping them onto the floor, which could cause damage to the equipment. Regularly check the fasteners, such as screws and clamps, to ensure they are secure and tight, preventing any potential damage or injury due to looseness.

What Brand Of Dumbbells Is Good?

Amazon Basics

Known for their Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights, these dumbbells feature a comfortable, non-slip grip and a hexagonal shape to prevent rolling. They are available in a range of weights and are praised for their durability and affordability.

Bowflex

The SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are highly regarded for their versatility, allowing quick weight adjustments from 5 to 52.5 pounds. This space-saving design is ideal for varied strength training routines.

CAP Barbell

Offering Coated Hex Dumbbell Weights, CAP Barbell provides durable dumbbells with a protective coating and hexagonal design to prevent rolling. They come in multiple weight options to accommodate different fitness levels.

Yes4All

Their Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weights are available in various colors and weights, featuring an anti-slip, hexagonal shape for safety and ease of use. These dumbbells are suitable for both beginners and seasoned athletes.

PowerBlock

The Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells are known for their compact design and expandable weight range, making them a versatile choice for home gyms. They offer a durable steel build and innovative workout features.