How to choose adjustable dumbbells for home training?

For many French people, the COVID-19 health crisis was an opportunity to acquire home gym. Just like a weight bench, elastics, a pull-up bar or a gym ballDumbbells are essential accessories for train at home in an efficient way. And there's nothing like adjustable dumbbells to enjoy a home gym and build up the whole body. Practical and compact, they allow you to carry out a complete bodybuilding program. But how do you choose your dumbbells to work out at home?

How do adjustable dumbbells work?

Unlike a traditional dumbbell (like those usually found in the gym), an adjustable dumbbell allows you to adjust the weight of the accessory without having to change it. The adjustable dumbbells are today part of the bodybuilding equipment the most popular, especially for home training, as they offer an obvious space saving. With a single object, you can work efficiently all muscle groups.

There are two types of adjustable dumbbells. The fundamental difference is in the mechanism for varying the weights.

Traditional adjustable dumbbells

Conventional adjustable barbell pairs typically have two bars with handles, several weight discs (cast iron or rubber) and a locking system to hold the assembly together (in the form of nuts or clamps).

These products are the most affordable, but they have the disadvantage of having to store all the drives. If the total weight of your disks is too great, you'll probably also need to invest in a rack to store them safely.

Modern adjustable dumbbells

Many athletes therefore prefer to opt for the latest generation of adjustable dumbbells. The cost is certainly higher, but the advantages are numerous and their sustainability is incomparable.

A dumbbell of this type has an innovative operation. The automatic dumbbell actually sits on a base and has a mechanism that allows you to vary the weight by simply adjusting a dial. You directly select the desired load to perform your dumbbell exercises and the other weights remain attached to the base.

In a few seconds, you can go from a 12-kilogram dumbbell for biceps curls to a 24-kilogram dumbbell for pectoral work with bench press.

What are the advantages of adjustable dumbbells?

Space saving

Firstly, they offer a space saving They are not negligible, because they are not cumbersome. Instead of having to equip yourself with several dumbbells of different weights to be able to perform each exercise, you benefit from a single dumbbell whose weight varies according to your needs.

The latest generation of dumbbells go even further in the sense that all the weights are stored on a single rack. For example, adjustable dumbbells ranging from 4 to 40 kilograms represent the equivalent of 15 pairs of dumbbells.

If you live in an apartment or in a small space, such fitness accessories are an ideal choice. And if you have a lot of room, saving space with automatic dumbbells can help you create a weight room home with various equipment (treadmill, weight station, rowing machine, elliptical, etc.).

These sports facilities are finally easy to store after your session.

Durability

Some models of adjustable dumbbells represent an investment of several hundred euros. On the other hand, it is likely that you will keep them all your life, because they will meet all your needs, whether it is for bulk up or lose weight.

Personally, I bought my first adjustable dumbbells in France when I was 25 and still own them. When the gyms closed in the United States because of the coronavirus, the first ones having remained in France, I acquired a new pair of dumbbells from the Bowflex brand. You can discover them in this video where I introduced you to my home training room, but also in those where I offered you weight training sessions at home for the shoulders, the arms, pectorals and the back.

Efficiency

They can be used to carry out all the strength exercises and work the muscles of the entire body, from the pectoral muscles to the biceps, triceps, back, shoulders, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and abdominals. You will be able to perform the following movements:

• the bench press (straight or inclined if you have a bench),
• the prone split,
• the curl,
• rowing,
• triceps extension,
• the shrug,
• lateral elevation,
• the pullover,
• squat,
• the Bulgarian squat,
• the deadlift,
• calf extension,
• the slots,
• and many others.

Adjustable dumbbells are suitable for beginners as well as advanced weight trainers. experienced athletes.

How to choose your adjustable dumbbells?

Several brands share the adjustable dumbbell market: PowerBlock, Bowflex, Sports Tech, Titanium Strength, Ironmaster, Core Home Fitness, AtivaFit, etc.

Beforebuy your dumbbells It is important to check several criteria.

The mechanism for changing weights

As mentioned above, there are several mechanisms that are more or less simple to use to change the weight of your dumbbells. If you are a fan of full-body or superset programs, you should vary the loads throughout the session. For more comfort, it is preferable to opt for quick select dumbbells.

Total weight

Also make sure that the weight range of your dumbbells can allow you to progress in order to reach your goal of gaining weight, for example.

With traditional adjustable dumbbells, you can always buy additional discs later on, which is not the case with the latest generation. If you are used to lifting 30 kilos per arm in the bench press, you will not be satisfied by buying a dumbbell limited to 25 kilos. Instead, choose a model that can lift up to 40 kilos so as not to slow down your progress.

The solidity

The major brands mentioned above generally offer products strong and durable. But this is not the case for all dumbbells available on the market. Do not hesitate to consult the customer opinion to check the quality of your future fitness equipment.

The comfort

Similarly, your dumbbell should be comfortable to use. For example, its grip must be ergonomic enough not to damage your hands. If not, you could quickly put your dumbbell in the closet and not use it anymore. Here again, feedback from experience will give you valuable information.

The price

Of course, the price of dumbbells Adjustable dumbbells are a must-have. A pair of high-end adjustable dumbbells can cost anywhere from 600 to 1,000 Euros, which is a real budget.

Fortunately, some models are more affordable, but make sure that the quality is there. If it is in any case an investment, it is advisable to put it in perspective with the price of a subscription to the weight room and the cost of travel to go there several times a week.

What are the best adjustable dumbbells?

1. Bowflex 1090i dumbbells

The Bowflex 1090i dumbbells are a reference on the market because of their high quality. They are also one of the most expensive models as you will have to pay 999 euros for a pair.

This is an extremely innovative model whose mechanism will allow you to go from 4.5 kilos to 41 kilos in a few seconds, in 2 kilos steps. Each dumbbell offers 17 load levelsThis will allow you to perform a wide variety of weight training exercises at home.

2. The Prozis Powermove dumbbells

This model of adjustable dumbbells from the Prozis brand is the one I personally train with. It allows me to perform many weight training exercises on a daily basis.

The Prozis Powermove dumbbells offer a wide range of weights, from 5 to 25 kilos, in 5 kilo increments. The mechanism for changing weights is very easy to use.

Prozis has opted for quality and durable materials to design this product. This dumbbell costs 290 € each (580 € for a pair). The good news is that you can enjoy a discount of 10 % with the promo code " JULIENQ10 " !

The adjustable dumbbell per unit will cost 261 €, while the pair will cost 522 €.

3. Bowflex 552i dumbbells

Back to Bowflex. The model 552i is more accessible than the 1090i, as it offers "only" 15 load levels, up to 24 kilos. To get this pair of dumbbells, you will still have to spend more than 500 euros.

As with the previous model, this is an extremely durable product that will follow you throughout your life of fitness enthusiast.

4. The PowerBlock Pro 50 dumbbells

These automatic dumbbells have the advantage of being able to increase or decrease the loads by 1.1 kilo increments. You can select weights from 1.1 to 22.7 kilos.

Easy to use, this product is designed with high quality materials and excellent finishes. The pair ofPowerBlock Pro 50 dumbbells is sold at a price of 599 euros.

5. Ironmaster Dumbbells

The adjustable dumbbell set of the Ironmaster brand is in line with the previous models. The weight range is from 2.2 to 34 kilos, which will allow you to optimize the muscle development of the upper body and legs.

This set of two dumbbells made of very robust steel is available at a price of 779 euros. Another advantage is that the product is guaranteed for life by the brand.

6. AtivaFit Dumbbells

AtivaFit is an excellent brand specializing infitness world. His automatic dumbbells are both solid and easy to use. They offer a excellent value for money.

In terms of weight, it is possible to find models up to 12.5 or 25 kilos. Personally, I recommend the second option, because you may be quickly limited with a 12.5 kilos dumbbell. To get a pair of dumbbells of 25 kilos each, you will have to count approximately 300 euros.

7. Sports Tech Dumbbells

For smaller budgets, the Sports Tech adjustable dumbbells will allow you to work out at home without breaking the bank. This is a classic accessory, unlike the previous models. To change weights, you will have to unscrew the holding system and add or remove discs.

The 30 kilo kit comes with two short bars and an adapter to turn it into a long bar. This will allow you to vary your weight training exercises more easily. This good quality set is available for about 130 euros.

Conclusion

The most powerful adjustable dumbbells offer many advantages to those who work out regularly at home. Space-savingeasy to use and comprehensive enough to allow for a variety of workoutsThey are essential if you want to create your own home gym. If it is a substantial investment, intensive use will quickly make your adjustable dumbbells profitable.

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Additional articles:

How to make your own weights for bodybuilding?

How to create a home gym?