Are Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It? Benefits of Adjustable Dumbbells

The field of home fitness gear is in full bloom. One of the most exciting new tools? Adjustable dumbbells. A streamlined alternative to the towering weight racks at the gym, they’re turning heads (and growing muscles) at a rapid rate.

As you craft your home workout routines, you may wonder: Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?

Well, do you value versatility, mobility, and efficiency? If so, the answer is a resounding yes. Let’s take a look at the benefits of adjustable dumbbells and how to use them to enhance your training.

How Adjustable Dumbbells Work

Fixed dumbbells are the ones most people are familiar with. They weigh what they weigh—which means if you want to raise or lower your resistance, you need to swap dumbbells. That’s why gyms feature those pyramid-shaped weight piles.

Then, there are adjustable dumbbells, which allow you to use just one set of dumbbells for a variety of loads (learn more about fixed vs adjustable dumbbells in our blog). This optionality aids growth, recovery, and safety. As you grow stronger, you’ll need to up the weight to maintain your gains. On the other hand, when it’s time for an active recovery day, or when restarting a fitness routine after injury, you’ll need to tone down the load.

So, how do adjustable dumbbells work? Your typical adjustable dumbbells work by combining a handle with a set of weighted discs that snap on or off to alter the resistance. This allows you to condense a whole shelf of dumbbells into one concise package.¹ You’ll encounter several weight-switching mechanisms, such as the:

• Dial – Shift weight by rotating a dial, making rapid changes possible.
• Pin – Vary resistance by clicking a pin into different slots. The simplest way to switch.
• Twist-lock – Twist a handle to activate or deactivate plates. A highly intuitive method.

There’s no right or wrong apparatus. Each offers efficient, hassle-free weight swapping.

Key Benefits of Adjustable Dumbbells

Those who invest in adjustable dumbbells find much to appreciate about them. Their ingenious design unlocks more for less—in more ways than one.

Space-Saving and Compact Design

By relying on attachments, adjustable dumbbells drastically reduce the space required to access a broad range of resistance. This makes them ideal for home setups and on-the-go gains alike.

By liberating space, you open possibilities for:

• Adding additional fitness equipment
• Embracing minimalist living quarters
• Exploring more complex movements
• Sharing your workout zone with others

The compact design of adjustable dumbbells arms you with unparalleled flexibility, in any space.

Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Traditional Dumbbells

Because they require extensive materials and labor to produce, an enormous pile of traditional dumbbells costs more than a single handle and set of attachments. By reducing materials, adjustable dumbbells keep costs to a minimum.

For many, the upfront price tag is a barrier to assembling a home gym. Adjustable dumbbells furnish an enormous range of exercise possibilities at a fraction of the outlay required for traditional fixed dumbbell sets. And that’s not even factoring in the steep cost of a storage rack.

The bottom line? Adjustable dumbbells keep workouts heavy and the price light.

Versatility for a Full-Body Workout

Your body features an array of muscle groups. To achieve optimal fitness, it’s crucial to regularly challenge each one. As you shift between them, you’ll need to modify the resistance to meet your goals and customize to your needs.

Because they offer seamless resistance switching, adjustable dumbbells help you:

• Maintain your workout flow
• Target particular areas
• Personalize workouts to your body’s unique structure

This ensures an efficient and satisfying full-body workout, without endless re-racking trips.

Adjustable dumbbells are ideal for a broad range of exercises, such as²:

• Bicep curls
• Goblet squats
• Bent-over row
• Kickbacks
• Bench press
• Shoulder press

The possibilities are endless. If you’re seeking a functional way to work your whole body, adjustable dumbbells are for you.

Easy Adaptability for Different Strength Levels

While it’s an excellent solo activity, working out is also the perfect way to bond with your partner or friends. Nothing like getting some endorphins pumping while surrounded by your favorite people!

But everyone’s strength level is different:

• One buddy may be able to bench a boulder
• Another might be on their first foray into fitness

If bringing others into your workout space is the plan, adjustable dumbbells make it simple to trade sets at a level that works for everyone.

Additionally, when it comes to building muscle, progressive overload is critical. Progressive overload occurs when you steadily increase weight levels or workout intensity.³ This allows you to reach your goals efficiently, without overtraining.

Adjustable dumbbells are tailor-made to serve progressive and are a fantastic tool for sustainably increasing muscle mass.

Portability for Workouts on the Go

It’s no secret that travel is one of life’s finest pleasures. But it’s also a tempting time to let your exercise commitments slip. Fortunately, there’s no need to forsake your fitness on the road.

Simple to pack and transport, adjustable dumbbells should be among any globetrotter’s top travel hacks. The detachable discs are easy to disperse between bags (so the weight isn’t overwhelming in one spot) and their streamlined setup makes it easy to get a solid pump going in your hotel room or at an airport gate.

Knowing that you can make a workout happen anytime, anywhere helps soothe the stress of travel. (Those endorphins help, too.)

Who Should Consider Adjustable Dumbbells?

So, who makes the ideal candidate for these handy fitness tools? Basically, anyone who could benefit from a versatile and space-saving workout routine.

Some prime candidates would be:

• Home gym enthusiasts with space limitations or budget constraints
• Those recovering from an injury
• Newcomers to the fitness world
• Frequent travelers
• On-the-go parents

Of course, even regular gym goers can benefit from keeping a set around the house or in the car. Nothing wrong with having some iron on hand during your day.

Considerations Before Buying Adjustable Dumbbells

If you’re feeling like adjustable dumbbells might be for you, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider before picking up a pair. Let’s talk about what to consider when scouting for options.

Weight Range and Maximum Capacity

While they’re versatile tools, each adjustable dumbbell can only cover a specific weight range (i.e., 5-50 lbs). Their weight intervals will also vary. For example, one set might progress by tiny increments, while another pair proceeds in 25 lb leaps.

Before investing in a set, you’ll want to think through your past lifting experience and future goals. Extreme weight increment jumps, for example, might be inappropriate for those looking for gentle workouts and active recovery—a lighter weight range and smaller intervals are a better fit.

But for those looking to stack muscle, maximum mileage is the goal.

If you aim to bulk, be sure to leave ample runway for your gains, with room for lighter ranges when you want some active recovery. Consider the exercises you currently perform, and where your max resistance sits. Make that your set’s midpoint.

Durability and Build Quality

When you invest in a new tool, you want it to stand the test of time. Adjustable dumbbells are no different. When surveying your options, stay laser-focused on quality construction. The last thing you need is for your new weights to break mid-workout.

A quality adjustable dumbbell set should:

• Offer exceptional durability
• Employ smart design choices
• Feature sturdy, high-quality materials

The handle should also provide a quality grip. When sweaty hands meet poor grip, the results can be aggravating (not to mention unsafe). Make sure whichever set you choose offers solid traction, preferably with some padding to avoid calluses.

Carefully review your options before selecting a set. Keep an eye out for solid warranty terms. It pays to do your homework: a well-chosen pair of adjustable dumbbells can serve your fitness journey for years to come.

Space and Storage

When it comes to home and mobile fitness, space is always in high demand. Some adjustable dumbbell sets come with storage stands, while others are simple to disassemble and stow beneath a bed or in a suitcase.

Take stock of your workout area’s dimensions and decide how many additional items it can handle while leaving plenty of room to move. It may help to measure both the space and any items you’d like to add beyond your adjustable dumbbells.

Adjustable Dumbbell Workout Ideas

Once you’ve added a set of adjustable dumbbells to your life, make sure you’re getting the most out of them. Here are some helpful pointers⁴:

• Warm up first – Hitting cold muscles with sudden resistance can increase your risk of injury. Be sure to warm up for at least 10 minutes.
• Observe proper form – Maximize the benefits of adjustable dumbbell workouts by maintaining proper form. Use a mirror to monitor and adjust your movements as needed.
• Find a challenging weight – Establish your baseline by starting light and increasing from there. When 12–15 reps leave you depleted, you’ve found the sweet spot.
• Perform a variety of movements – To keep your body balanced and functional, be sure to hit a range of muscle groups.
• Rest between sets – It’s tempting to train at breakneck speed, but pausing for 30–90 seconds between sets promotes healthy growth.⁵

We get it: finding your fitness flow is exhilarating. But if you’re new to it, it’s important to discover and work within your limits. Your safety comes first, so pace yourself and listen to your body to avoid injury.

Why Lifepro Adjustable Dumbbells Are a Phenomenal Choice

When you’re ready to seize the reins of your fitness, you owe it to yourself to pick up a set of adjustable dumbbells. Their supreme versatility transforms any space into a gym, making it simple to stick to your goals and elevate your health.

At Lifepro, our team designs affordable and world-class adjustable dumbbells like the PowerFlow Plus. As home fitness veterans ourselves, we know the promises and pitfalls you face. That’s why every bit of our personal journey informs our products.

When it comes to transforming your fitness or rising up from injury, it takes dedication, well-designed equipment, and a supportive community. Find yours in the Lifepro family today.

 

Sources:

1. WebMD. What to Know About Adjustable Dumbbells. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/what-to-know-about-adjustable-dumbbells
2. Men’s Health. 32 Best Dumbbell Exercises for Building Muscle. https://www.menshealth.com/uk/building-muscle/a755117/the-10-best-dumbbell-exercises/
3. MedicalNewsToday. What is a progressive overload workout plan. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/progressive-overload
4. WebMD. What to Know About Dumbbells. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/what-to-know-about-dumbbells
5. Healthline. Rest Between Sets: What’s Right for Me?https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/rest-between-sets#for-muscle-mass

Author

Joel Gottehrer

Joel Gottehrer is the Co-Founder of Lifepro Fitness and has dedicated his life to helping people transform theirs. With over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and owner of two personal training studios, Joel has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping transform lives. After suffering from physical injuries, Joel and his business partner, Abraham Brach, came together with a common goal to alleviate the pain caused by their injuries.

They continued to find themselves disappointed with the results stemming from various products promising to relieve their pain, and with that – Lifepro Fitness was born. Joel's mission is to have a positive impact on millions of lives with the Lifepro brand. Whether it's finding new and innovative ways to help people recover from injuries or developing products to improve overall wellness, Joel is always looking for ways to push the boundaries. Thanks to his commitment to help people live their lives free of pain, Lifepro has been able to do this for thousands of people since its founding in 2017.