As a result of most commercial gyms (and other non-essential businesses) closing their doors to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, the home gym is currently experiencing something of a renaissance.
However, it’s possible that you don’t have the time or resources to turn your garage into the iron paradise of your dreams, or that your apartment is too small to fit a burpee.
A set of movable dumbbells with dials, pins, or knobs allow the user to quickly change between weights. With the help of these mechanisms, the user can switch between various weights that are fastened to the handle.
Many people find that going to the gym on a regular basis is a luxury, but we can work out at home. Adjustable dumbbells, which are becoming more popular due to their convenience, are a necessary component of traditional strength training. But how do movable dumbbells function?
We will go over the construction, alterations, and upkeep of adjustable fitness dumbbells in this post. Also covered will be how they operate and what to look for when purchasing one. You’ll understand why purchasing an adjustable dumbbell is a wise investment after reading this article, as well as what to look for. To determine which adjustable dumbbell is best for you, read our reviews.
What Is An Adjustable Dumbbell?
Dumbbells are a common piece of exercise equipment with handles and weights on each side that can be used to target various muscle groups. One of the best sights for people who are into fitness exercise is a rack of organized weights. But individual weights require a lot of room. Since many people use them for weight loss and switching out weights for different muscle groups is inefficient, they are perfect for commercial gyms.
Dumbbells with adjustable weights, however, are the ideal piece of home gym equipment. The weights are interchangeable at any time, and they take up the same amount of room as a single set of dumbbells. For both total-body exercises and strength training, dumbbells are incredibly adaptable. If you know how, you can even do HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) with dumbbells.
Traditional dumbbells and adjustable dumbbells have a similar appearance. On each side are weights, and in the middle is a handle. Adjustable dumbbells allow you to switch weight plates while using them for strength and conditioning, which is where they differ from traditional dumbbells in that regard.
How Do Adjustable Dumbbells Function?
The retaining mechanism is what makes adjustable dumbbells stand out from the competition. The weights are affixed to the handle indefinitely when using fixed dumbbells. However, the weights on an adjustable dumbbell can be taken off. To change the weights for resistance training, there may be a dial, a pin, or a knob.
The idea behind these dumbbells is to provide the user with as much flexibility as possible for weight training. A set of weights is included in the package, which the user can switch out throughout the workout. Adjustable dumbbells give the user a much wider range of motion and flexibility than kettlebells do. Find out how dumbbells differ from kettlebells if you’re interested.
The Knob
Budget-friendly adjustable dumbbells typically have knobs on the end of the handle. The threaded section of the handle is extended. Once the weight plates are attached, you take the knob and tighten it to secure the plates. The most popular and economical choice for conventional strength training is this one.
The Pin
The pin version is slightly more sophisticated than the knob version. Most of these fitness dumbbells come with separate racks. Similar to a cable crossover machine at the gym, you move a pin to choose the weight you like. Some of these dumbbells may appear to be very intricate and complex, but they are actually very straightforward to use and provide a great workout.
The Dial
These adjustable dumbbells are the most modern variety. They have their own weight rack or holder. For strength training, you select the weight by dialing it, then you lift it by the handle. While the weight of your choice rises with the handle, the loose weights stay in place. These premium adjustable weights cost more than standard ones and are of higher quality.
Pros And Cons Of Adjustable Dumbbells
Let’s examine the advantages of adjustable dumbbells in more detail, as well as the reasons you might want to steer clear of purchasing them.
Pros:
Upfront Cost: Imagine you wanted to purchase enough dumbbells to support you for the first few years of your fitness journey and to get you started. For most people, a set of 5 to 60 pounds would be adequate. Because of this, adjustable dumbbells are desirable due to their low initial cost.
Depending on the brand, locking system, and materials used, a single adjustable dumbbell will cost different amounts. However, in general, you can anticipate paying between $400 and $500 for a single adjustable dumbbell that ranges from 5 to 60 pounds or a set of multiple adjustable dumbbells that weigh the same amount.
You could, for instance, purchase a pair that ranges from 5 to 30 pounds and a second pair that ranges from 30 to 60 pounds.
Space Saver: For people with small homes, the modern adjustable dumbbells are surprisingly practical. Do you have a hard time picturing how much room adjustable dumbbells will take up? To put it another way, all you need is space for a small to medium-sized microwave.
Given how little room these dumbbells require, you can conveniently store them in a closet, beneath a raised bed, or behind a couch, to name a few locations.
Cons:
Equipment Malfunction: It doesn’t take long to find dozens of user reports about contemporary adjustable dumbbells malfunctioning while in use because there are more moving parts, which increases the likelihood of malfunction. The failure of the locking mechanism to engage is the most frequent mistake with an adjustable dumbbell. As luck would have it, this usually tends to occur to most people once their warranty expires, necessitating an expensive repair.
Risk of Injury: In keeping with the previous point, you run the risk of getting hurt if an external weight plate has not been properly engaged and locked into place. A weight plate, for instance, could land on your foot or head. On your foot, a 20-pound dumbbell plate can cause serious injury.
Not to Be Handled Rough: You cannot drop or throw adjustable dumbbells, in contrast to fixed dumbbells, which can be thrown to the ground after a heavy set. This makes a large portion of the fitness community unfit to use them, especially powerlifters who are constantly trying to improve their one-rep maximum. Adjustable dumbbells are guaranteed to break if you drop them, and some warranties only cover mechanical failure brought on by manufacturer defects.
Awkward Hold: When using adjustable dumbbells, the first thing you’ll notice is how awkward they feel in comparison to fixed dumbbells. You won’t be able to do some exercises as well, depending on the brand and length of the handle. For instance, a longer bar handle will prevent you from performing a supinated bicep curl correctly.
Anatomy Of Adjustable Dumbbells
Every type of adjustable dumbbell is going to have the same basic layout:
Bar / Handle: The bar or handle, which is frequently made of steel, serves as the central component of an adjustable dumbbell. An extended piece of material, usually made of metal, is located on either side of the bar and is used to hold external weight plates. (similar to those shown in the images below.)
External Weight: It depends on the type of adjustable dumbbell that it is what external weight can be used with it. Some adjustable dumbbells have loose weight plates—a smaller version of what you’d use with barbells—that can be used for weightlifting. Others will have weight plates that are specially molded and secured in place using a turn-and-hook system. More on this below.
Features You Should Look At
It’s a good idea to assess your needs and budget before investing in any home gym equipment. The same holds true for a set of movable dumbbells. Before choosing which one to purchase, you must take into account the features you want. If you want to advance your fitness level, the same holds true for an ez curl bar.
Build Quality
You shouldn’t sacrifice quality just because it’s a home gym. With just a pair of dumbbells, you can perform a full-body workout in your own home gym.
Therefore, the most crucial feature of resistance training equipment is build quality. The quality of the metal, the paint job, and the ease of changing the weight should all be flawless. Dumbbells of lower quality might not have precise weights, which could eventually result in uneven muscle growth.
Safety
Choosing a high-quality adjustable dumbbell is essential for your weight loss journey because they have individual weight plates held in place by a retainer mechanism. While strength training, you don’t want the weights to fall off from either end and land on your feet. When purchasing an adjustable dumbbell, take into account the quality of the locks, pins, and dials.
Grips
Your point of contact with the dumbbells for exercise is the handle. As a result, the handle must be secure and not slippery. To improve grip, most handles have a texture. For instance, handles with diamond knurling offer superb grip. If you want to build the most muscle possible, padded neoprene handles are also fantastic.
Weight Options
It’s likely to have a knob locking feature if you purchase an entry-level dumbbell with adjustable weights for resistance training. The weight range is not a big concern because you can always order more plates. You can continue working out your entire body after they attach to the handle.
When the dumbbell cannot be given more weight, it becomes a problem. Since they come with a high-quality weight rack, advanced dumbbells with pins or dials won’t let you add more weight. Consequently, choose one that offers a weight range that you are comfortable with. The majority of adjustable dumbbells have a 50 lb per side maximum. Look for alternatives if you want more weight for your leg exercises.
Weight Distribution
A great workout depends on properly tuning the weight. It is better for you if you have more flexibility. Most adjustable dumbbells come in weights between 1.5 and 5 pounds.
Fixed Dumbbells Vs. Adjustable Dumbbells
Fixed dumbbells can help in this situation because convenience is great, but for some people simplicity may still be preferable. While a set of fixed dumbbells might require more space and a bigger upfront cost, they are going to be the better investment for a number of reasons:
The Real Price: Due to the way they are made, fixed dumbbells are almost certain to last longer than adjustable dumbbells, despite the fact that they may initially cost more. Your fixed dumbbells are a one-time payment while you are paying for repairs on your adjustable dumbbells. So, the real cost of fixed dumbbells is lower than adjustable dumbbells in the long run.
Durability and Longevity: Fixed dumbbells are made of solid steel or iron and have a tough powder coating that is applied to industrial equipment. As an illustration, fixed dumbbells are made to withstand a ton of abuse, so you can throw and drop them without finding a scratch. Your fixed dumbbells will last for a very long time thanks to their high level of durability. Try performing the same action while using adjustable dumbbells; it won’t go well.
Reliability: The metal used in fixed dumbbells is one solid piece. You simply pick up and use the dumbbells; there is no turning or cranking involved. They are dependable and straightforward. Conversely, with adjustable dumbbells, you must set them down, turn the dial, then pick them back up and repeat. What’s more, there is always the risk for malfunction in the dialing mechanism, and it’s not a matter of “if” but a question of “when?”
Do Adjustable Dumbbells Make Sense To Buy?
Adjustable dumbbells may be your only choice if you have a small amount of space and a tight budget. But we highly advise sticking with fixed dumbbells because of their dependability and durability.
Any seasoned weightlifter will tell you that the industry has reversed course, despite the appearance of advancement provided by modern adjustable dumbbells. The reason is that adjustable dumbbells make up for their lack of usability and dependability by saving space.
They are clumsy and delicate. Regardless of your goals, if you’re serious about working out, you want exercise equipment that will be more difficult than you. Fixed dumbbells will always be the best option, in our opinion.
Exercises You Can Do
A dynamic range of exercises can be performed with an adjustable dumbbell. Dumbbells offer exceptional support for weight loss, whether used for bicep curls or boosting cardio strength. When it comes to strength and conditioning, it’s crucial to combine exercise with a healthy diet.
To increase your strength, you can focus on a different muscle group each day. See which dumbbell exercises are the most useful!
Cleaning The Fitness Dumbbells
Cleaning your adjustable dumbbells on a regular basis will help them last longer, just like cleaning the rest of your possessions. Include it in your personal care. To get rid of any sweat, dirt, or gunk, gently wipe the handles and the weights with paper towels. Traditional dumbbells require more maintenance because they get dirty more quickly.