Adjustable dumbbells started getting popular when people realised that having dozens of different dumbbells took up a lot of space. The more increments, the more space needed. Thus, people started innovating new ways to make a dumbbell change its resistance and weight.
Early iterations included spring grips, globe dumbbells, and eventually chrome plates and so on. Adjustable dumbbells have been refined constantly over time, optimised for home-use and now they are one of the best additions for your home-gym.
There are three main things you should look out for when picking and choosing your adjustable dumbbells:
- Increments
- Minimum and maximum weights
- Quality
INCREMENTS
Incrementation is important as it affects the kinds of exercises you can do. In building stamina and endurance, you want to do more reps with lighter weights. While with strength training, you need heavier weights. However, you also need to evaluate your ability to lift and what you’re comfortable with.
If a dumbbell does not have appropriate weights or doesn’t increase to match your strength, then they might not be the right one for you. Remember to check the increments beforehand so you can make the most out of it!
When it comes to an adjustable dumbbell’s incrementation, most of them will add up linearly. For instance, our compact adjustable dumbbells increase either by 2kg or 4kg. This means:
For 2kg increments: 2kg (as the base weight) > 4kg > 6kg > 8kg > 10kg > 12kg > 14kg> 16kg > 18kg > 20kg > 22kg > 24kg > 26kg > 28kg > 30kg > 32kg.
For the 4kg increments: 2kg (as the base weight) > 6kg > 10kg > 14kg > 18kg > 22kg > 26kg > 30kg > 34kg.
Meanwhile, the common 24kg adjustable dumbbell has a unique pattern:
2.5kg (handle only) > 3.5kg > 4.5kg > 5.5kg > 6.5kg > 8kg > 9kg > 10kg > 11.5kg > 13.5kg > 16kg > 18kg > 20.5kg > 22.5kg > 24kg.
Please note that these are only examples and different adjustable dumbbells may follow other patterns .
Another thing to watch out for is how they increment. For some dumbbells, you have to twist the dial and for some you have to twist the handle. A few may even need you to attach some plates.
LIGHTEST AND HEAVIEST WEIGHTS
Additionally, you would also want to know how heavy or light the dumbbell can get. For some, you may never find the need to use the highest weight. Most people will not need to lift 64kg or 80kg dumbbells every day.
However, if you want a dumbbell to be 30 to 40kgs each, then it will require some space. Some adjustable dumbbells also come with their own stands. While these stands and supporting equipments are necessary to keep your dumbbells safe when not in use, they will consume more space in your home-gym.
For instance, the 20kg compact adjustable dumbbell is 85mm shorter (in length) than the 32kg compact adjustable dumbbell - each. Meanwhile, the stand will also increase its height.
Overall, an adjustable dumbbell can be identified by how much it can gain and lose. This information is usually readily available but it is important to check each variation you are considering. Few dumbbells may come with accessories or require attachments to ensure they work correctly.
QUALITY
One of the most essential factor for an adjustable dumbbell is its quality. Unlike fixed weight dumbbells, adjustable dumbbells have a lot of moving parts. There’s process to change weights which are often fine and cannot be jolted too heavily.
Remember, Do not slam your adjustable dumbbells on the floor!
If the quality is poor, you may experience issues like jams or broken parts which can lead to injuries. You don't want to be carrying a heavy dumbbell that snaps and falls on your foot. While these issues can happen with any adjustable dumbbell, it is safe to buy the highest quality equipment.
You will also need to balance your budget. Adjustable dumbbells can be expensive, both depending on the quality, and the heaviest/lightest weight, so make sure to do the necessary research before buying.
It would be good to start with checking the warranty and reviews. You can also visit your local gym and see if they have any dumbbells for sale.
Thanks for reading! If you any questions or thoughts, leave them in the comments below or email us at support@rugrigfitness.com.au.
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