Ready to Build Your Home Gym? Start With These Dumbbell Sets

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Having your own workout equipment at home has a lot of perks: there’s no sharing with other people, no one’s judging your form, and it doesn’t require traveling to a gym or studio. If you’re looking to put together your own home gym, the first thing you should start with is a good dumbbell set.
What Are the Best Dumbbell Sets?
The best dumbbells sets are versatile and effective, and can be used for everything from Pilates to HIIT training to strength training. Since not all exercises are created equal, and you might need more than one set of weights, a dumbbell set offers options for your workout.
For example, if you are working your legs, you’ll need something heavier. If you’re performing a move with high reps, you’ll need something lighter so you don’t fatigue. Another thing to keep in mind is that as your muscles get used to using a certain weight, you’ll eventually need to move up in size to make workouts more challenging. Again, it all depends on your goals.
With all that said, below are a few things to think about before picking up a new dumbbell set (no pun intended).
Things to Consider When Buying a Dumbbell Set
Weight: Think about what moves you’re going to perform with the dumbbells. If you only need them to work on certain body parts, then you might not need many different weights. If you’re starting an extensive strength training plan, you’ll want more options.
Grip: Most weights are made of iron and likely you’ll find dumbbells with exposed grips. This is something to think about if your hands become sweaty easily, since this can make the dumbbells slide and be a safety hazard. A lot of at-home dumbbell sets are coated to provide a more secure grip.
How Much Room You Have: The more dumbbells you have, the more space they’ll take up. If you don’t have a whole room dedicated to your home gym, you might want to consider investing in an adjustable dumbbell set that you can easily tuck away in a closet or the corner of your room.
1. WF Athletic Supply Dumbbell Set
If you’re not sure of what weight your exercises might need, having the option to choose from two-pound dumbbells to 10-pound dumbbells definitely relieves some pressure. The best part about this choice is the storage rack that lets you keep them all neatly in one place. And even if you want to lay your dumbbells on the floor, their hex-shaped heads will prevent them from rolling.
Each set is a different color so you’re able to easily pick out what you need for your workout. Though they’re made with iron, the weights are dipped in neoprene for safety and comfort so they won’t slip out of your hands if you get sweaty.
2. Kunam Dumbbell Set
So you’ve been strength training for a while and you’re looking to up your intensity. This set gives you heavier weights, ranging from 33 pounds to 68 pounds. The best part is it all falls into one compact set with removable plates, so it’ll take up the least amount of room in your home gym.
What separates this adjustable option from others is that it comes with connecting rods to turn your dumbbells into barbells. This will make even the biggest workout buff never want to go to another gym. Lighter options are available from the manufacturer is the 33 pound starting weight is too heavy for you.
3. BalanceFrom GoFit All-Purpose Dumbbells
You think you might need a five-pound set but you want the option to go a little heavier or lighter — this rack with three pairs of dumbbells won’t take up too much space but it also lets you have options. It’s perfect for beginners who want to invest in an at-home workout set, but not go all the way quite yet. The best part is the rack is small and easy to assemble.
The weights also have contoured handles and a hexagon shape which allows for safe handling. Plus, they come in bright, fun colors.
4. Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Pair
The dumbbells in this set only weigh 2.2 pounds each, but can but adjusted to go up to 11 pounds. This set differs from other adjustable sets because the weighted bars are locked inside the weight rather than being an added plate that is clipped on a bar. This gives the set a sleeker look, and helps to save space too.
The set is made with slip-resistant neoprene and a curved-shaped handle bar for safe holding. It also comes in four different colors.
5. Sporzon Rubber Encased Dumbbell
If you’re looking for a set that’s going to last you a long time, these dumbbells are for you. Made with metal handles and thick, hexagon-shaped rubber, they’re built for durability. This would be the best option if want your home gym to feel like a top professional studio.
This choice is available with weights from ten pounds to 50 pounds, so there’s a set for whatever workout you’re planning, and for every fitness level too.