Unlock Your Fitness Potential: Mastering the Art of Choosing the Perfect Dumbbells for Your Workout Journey

They may not be the most flashy Equipment in the gym, but dumbbells have been a crucial part of strength training — in nearly every sporting arena you can think of — for almost gyms have been around

It’s hard to know where to begin when searching for a new pair or set of dumbbells because there are so many choices on the market.

Hex Dumbbells

If you are a beginner working on a budget, then Hex dumbbells are the best option that you would have.

Hex dumbbells come in a weight range from five pounds all the way up to 100 pounds in five-pound increments, so they’ve definitely got the weight you’re looking for to pack on some solid muscle mass o r tone up. The hex shape of these bells is nice to keep them stable and help prevent rolling around on the floor. The solid rubber caps that encase the cast iron are there to help protect your floor and increase the lifespan of these dumbbells — with proper care, they’ll last a long time. They may get beat up, but the design of this dumbbell can be structurally sound and usable for decades.

 

 Who Should Buy the Hex Dumbbells

·        Athletes who need strong, durable dumbbells for their training. The rubber cap and steel handles mean these things are made to last.

·        Anyone who doesn’t want their dumbbells to roll away during a workout. The hex shape helps to prevent rolling.

·        Consumers who want a dumbbell that is less likely to damage their floor. The rubber cap helps to protect your floor, and reduce noise if dropped too.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Hex Dumbbells

·        Buyers who don’t have space for multiple sets of dumbbells may want to look at our pick for adjustable dumbbells.

·        Trainees looking for a flashy set of dumbbells that come in different colors or patterns — these are plain, but get the job done.

 

Adjustable dumbbells

There are some recent innovative new products that have only just appeared, like adjustable dumbbells and insanely high-tech dumbbells. We’ve broken down the best dumbbells on the market for all different goals and budgets, so if you’re on the hunt for a new set of dumbbells, this list is for you.

Adjustable dumbbells are a trade-off in many ways — greater upfront expense and less durability, but far lower space requirements. Though long term, you will save money because you won’t need to buy a heavier set of dumbbells each time you progress.

These adjustable dumbbells replace at least 15 pairs of dumbbells, saving users a ton of floor space in their gym. However, they’re pretty different regarding the materials used, the price, the weight options available, and how each dumbbell functions.

The weight range here is wider than many other sets of adjustable dumbbells as well, going all the way from five pounds up to 80 pounds. Aside from functionality, this piece of equipment looks both simple and sleek, making it a great addition to any home gym space. 

Who Should Buy Adjustable Dumbbells

·        Anyone who wants to switch quickly and seamlessly between different weights. 

·        Home gym owners who want to consolidate their set-up and not own multiple pairs of dumbbells. 

·        Lifters who want a wide range of weight options.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Adjustable Dumbbells

·        Customers looking for a cost-effective pair of adjustable dumbbells — this type pair has higher price tag 

·        Folks who only use a couple pairs of light dumbbells and don’t need a wide weight range

The kettlebells

A simple, yet incredibly versatile piece of equipment that in our opinion, is underutilized in most gym settings. A lot of gyms have kettlebells present, but not every gym sees them used. We don’t think the lack of use has to do with a dislike of kettlebells, but more so an unknowing of their uses and types.

Two Basic Types of Kettlebells

In the vast world of kettlebells, there are two basic types of kettlebells that should be understood whether you use them frequently or sporadically. Now, there are a lot of different types of kettlebells in respects to shapes, designs, and aesthetic appearance differences, and as the market grows, so does the creativity of a kettlebell’s construction.

Yet, at the end of the day there tends to be two different kettlebell types that run true across the board, even if your kettlebell looks like Darth Vader.

1. Cast Iron Kettlebell

When most think about kettlebells, they think “cast iron”. This is your standard looking kettlebell that has the handle that is typically wider than the bell itself. You’ll see this bell most commonly in commercial, CrossFit, and home gyms, as it’s the most versatile option of the different types of kettlebells. The material may very slightly between different cast iron builds, but the shape typically runs true with the wider handle, even for lighter bells.

Who This Kettlebell Is Best For

·        Recreational lifters who casually or regularly use kettlebells in their training.

·        Lifters who want to do two-handed movements like swings and goblet squats.

·        Newer kettlebell users who may not be used to gripping handles for long periods and need a wider width. 

Competition Kettlebell

Competition kettlebells are slightly different than your standard cast iron kettlebell in a couple ways. First, these kettlebells will have slightly smaller handle diameters. For competition in the American Kettlebell Alliance, all competition kettlebells require a 35mm diameter, and some companies make competition kettlebells with 33mm handle diameters.

Second, the dimensions of competition kettlebells are all regulated, and the handle will align with the bottom portion of the bell. This slimmer and skinnier handle is to allow better and more seamless one-armed movements in competition. Also, it keeps kettlebells consistent for both male and female athletes.

Who This Kettlebell Is Best For

·        Lifters and athletes who might want to compete in formal kettlebell competition one day.

·        Smaller handed individuals who can fit both hands within the handle’s width. 

·        Athletes who are strictly working on their one-armed movements.

Kettlebells come in all shapes and sizes, but there tends to be two main types of kettlebells. You have standard cast iron kettlebells and competition kettlebells. Both of these will vary in construction, but their versatility remains consistent. Potentially the biggest aspect to keep in mind is how you plan to use the bell most often, as this will help guide you to find your best fitting kettlebell.

Related reads.

kettlebell workouts 

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