Choosing the right type of dumbbells can be confusing. Physical ability, convenience, available space, and budget should all be taken into consideration. Keep in mind that it’s better to start light, then add weights in small increments as you go along. Lifting heavy weights too early into your fitness program or before you are warmed up properly can cause strain or injury. Dumbbells come in many varieties. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of dumbbells, along with their pros and cons.
Types of Dumbbells
• Fixed Dumbbells
Fixed dumbbells are convenient to use. Just pick up your preferred dumbbell weight and start exercising. Then, you can increase the intensity of the exercise by using a heavier dumbbell. This exercise equipment is effective for strength and weight training.
However, there’s also a disadvantage. If you want to lift heavier weights, it means you’ve got to have a lot of dumbbells. You can buy them in individual pairs, or in sets of varying weights.
It can be expensive since you have to buy several dumbbells. Moreover, it will also take up considerable space. One option to resolve this is to have a dumbbell rack. If you just need a few weights, or if you have plenty of room and budget, fixed dumbbells are ideal for you. But if you require more weights, have less space, or are on a tight budget, you may want to check out adjustable dumbbells instead.
• Hex Dumbbells
Hex dumbbells are a type of fixed dumbbell that usually have solid steel chrome handles. They have 6 sides, making it possible to place them on the floor without rolling. The heads are usually iron-cast with a painted finish. But there are also rubber alternatives, finished with rubber instead of paint.
Rubber hex dumbbells are typically more expensive, but won’t scratch the floor like regular hex dumbbells. Smaller rubberized hex dumbbell sets come completely covered in rubber, making them more comfortable to grip.
One disadvantage of rubberized hex dumbbells is that they usually have a rubber smell when new (which tends to fade over time). Additionally, the rubber may wear and crack over time.
• Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells allow you to change weights based on your requirements. Unlike fixed dumbbells which are one solid piece, adjustable dumbbells have 3 parts – dumbbell bar, weight plates, and locks (to prevent the plates from falling off). The main advantage of adjustable dumbbells is the ability to adjust weights. Plus, they don’t take up a lot of space.
Adjustable dumbbells are also cost-efficient. Unlike fixed dumbbells which require you to have multiple pieces, you just need a few weight plates and then you can mix them together to adjust the weight. They are also easier to move around, saving you time and energy.
However, the main disadvantage of these types of dumbbells is the need to adjust the weights when adding or subtracting weight during your exercises. That can be inconvenient for some. A good compromise is to have a few sets of adjustable dumbbells, so you don’t have to adjust the weights as often.
• Spin-Lock Dumbbells
Spinlock dumbbells are a type of adjustable dumbbell that allow you to slide the weights onto the bar (like a barbell), and then spin the lock tightly to hold on the plates. These bars are easy to use. However, the spinlocks tend to get loose with rotation. You may find yourself tightening the locks in the middle of an exercise set to ensure the weights stay in place.
Spinlock dumbbells are the most popular type of adjustable dumbbells. Since they’re made of 100% iron, they are also more durable. However, some users also find this type of dumbbell difficult to grip. It also takes longer to change weights.
• Selectorized Dumbbells
Selectorized dumbbells are a newer type of adjustable dumbbell where one set can be adjusted to provide varying weights, without having to put on and take off weight plates. They are a more expensive type of dumbbell set, but if you have limited space, they can be your best alternative. They are also more convenient than the other types of adjustable dumbbells, as they make it much quicker to adjust the weight. A downside is that they tend to bit a bit bulkier than other types of dumbbells.
Conclusion
There are several different types of dumbbells. You may want to consider the pros and cons of each type and choose according to your own requirements. Decide what works best for you, based on your available space, budget, and desire for conveniences. If you want to buy the latest in high quality dumbbells, please click here.