Dumbbells are not just for Lockdown but for Life!

These times have seen a minor explosion of people rushing out to buy home exercise accessories, and after speaking to a few clients, the topic of dumbbells has arisen a few times. These are a main staple in health and fitness, and a great versatile bit of kit for all ages and abilities.

So I thought I would briefly outline what to look out for, and if they are really worth the outlay.

The main disadvantage with dumbbells can be the cost and the storage, and whether they will just be a brief fad, and then find a new life as expensive door stops.

Firstly single or sets of dumbbells. These are usually metal, plastic or rubber, and can be bought singular or in a pair, multiple pairs or sets. A pyramid tower can be bought to store them on, if you have multiple pairs. The advantage of these is that you can buy the exact weight you want from 1kg to 60+kg. The disadvantage is that without a pyramid tower, which itself can take up a bit of space, your weights can be left scattered about and quite hazardous. Prices vary wildly, from cheaper plastic ones to Hex type rubber ones. But you do have a great choice.

The next type is the type I use in my training of clients, and for my own use at home. These are the Adjustable dumbbells, and basically are an all in one, as you use a selector to select your desired weight. You basically buy, for example, a 22kg dumbbell, but you can drop off and add on weight at will. These are great for transportation and for storage at home, as instead of multiple pairs of dumbbells, you have just the one pair. Extra weight can also be bought, for when you have reached the maximum weight on offer, and simply slotted onto the set you already have. The disadvantage of this type is that sometimes there is a jump of a couple of kg’s when you cannot select the exact weight you desire. Not so bad for when doing compound lifts, such as squats or chest presses, but not so great when required for an exercise which isolates a muscle such as a bicep curl. Also, it can be hard to select your desired weight if not on a totally flat surface. Although a weight tray and also a stand, can be obtained at an additional cost to make selection easier. The price too can also induce a gasp, but various other cheaper models have hit the market, and have good reviews.

You may also save yourself some cost, time and effort by taking some time to decide if you really need them. If you just require them for duration of a lockdown to see you through, or for a more aerobic exercise session, then perhaps you could get creative and use a can or two from the kitchen cupboard, or a bottle of water or anything else which comes to hand, and can also be easily filled and emptied to a desired weight. In the long run, this could save you stubbing your toe on the aforementioned expensive door stops! If you are looking to weight train for your own goals, and/or looking to add to a home gym or just have the kit at home, then you can see the pros and cons of each type, and make your decision accordingly.

“My one final top tip would be, to make sure that the price quoted is for one or a pair of dumbbells. The price advertised for a lot of dumbbells, is the price for a SINGLE one! Do double check.”

Remember .. dumbbells aren't just for lockdown but are for life!

If any further guidance is required, then please feel free to get in touch and I can advise on what could be suitable for you, and how they can be utilised.

Ben Beale is a mobile Personal Trainer living In Paulton, who travels out to clients in the surrounding towns and villages, and cities of Bath and Bristol.