All Different Types of Dumbbells And How to Pick One

Since ancient times, people have been using dumbbells for exercise. Their versatility and convenience are only matched by their effectiveness in building muscle and gaining strength. What once started as stones attached to a handle evolved over the years and nowadays the market is filled with different types of dumbbells; each with its own set of pros and cons.

This article is all about dumbbells, the types available, their unique features, and how to choose the right ones for your fitness goals. Keep reading, and discover what is the best dumbbell type for your needs so you can achieve a Greek god physique.

Fixed Dumbbells

These are the most common types of dumbbells, and they can be found in almost any commercial gym. They are a single piece of equipment consisting of a handle with weights attached on either side.

Advantages

• Durability: If properly maintained, fixed dumbbells can last a long time even when going through heavy use.
• Easy to use: Fixed dumbbells are easy to use with no need for weight adjustment. Simply pick the weight you want, and that’s it.
• Variety: From 1 pound to 100, fixed dumbbells come in all kinds of weights and are great for progressive overload.

Disadvantages

• Space: Since fixed dumbbells have no adjustable weight, you’ll need a fairly big storage space if you want to own several dumbbells with different weights.
• Cost: Due to its sheer quantity, it can be costly to own a full set of fixed dumbbells, especially if you want high-quality ones.

Who Is It For?

No need to reinvent the wheel with fixed dumbbells, they are practical and effective. We recommend these for beginner and advanced weightlifters alike and they are great for all kinds of workouts, such as chest exercises and glute exercises.

Since they need a large storage space and can be costly to acquire, these dumbbells are better suited for commercial gyms rather than home gyms.

How To Pick a Fixed Dumbbell

There are several different types of fixed dumbbells varying in material and shape. In this section, we will highlight all the most popular variations so you can make the best decision possible when it’s time to pick one.

Fixed Dumbbells By Types of Materials

When it comes to material there are many different types of dumbbells to pick from:

1. Cast Iron Dumbbells

These dumbbells are popular among experienced weightlifters. That is because they are practically indestructible, which makes them great for dropping on the ground during a particularly heated gym session.

One thing to keep in mind is that these dumbbells rust easily so if you live next to the sea, they may not be the best option.

2. Neoprene Dumbbells

The next group is Neoprene dumbbells, which are made of cast iron. They are created by coating cast iron with a layer of neoprene, a synthetic polymer known for its soft texture.They come in several bright colors and also don’t rust.

3. Urethane Dumbbells

These can be more expensive but they sure are worth it. They can be very durable, resisting scratches and chips for a long time.

4. Chrome Dumbbells

Chrome dumbbells are the vanity choice. Yes, they look shiny and beautiful but they can be expensive and scratch easily. If you pick these dumbbells, make sure you take good care of them.

5. Vinyl Dumbbells

These are more commonly found in studios and are targeted more towards beginners so it can be hard to find heavy vinyl dumbbells. They serve a similar purpose to the Neoprene Dumbbells but are cheaper and less durable.

Fixed Dumbbells By Shape

There are a few traditional shapes you can pick from when choosing a fixed dumbbell.

1. Round Dumbbells

The traditional ones, those you’re used to seeing in cartoons and old-school gyms. These dumbbells are functional and work perfectly fine. The round shape may not be the best when storing them, but besides that, there’s not much else to them.

2. Hex-shaped Dumbbells

These are the evolution of the round ones. Their shape is perfect for stacking them on top of each other for storage, and they are more stable in general.

Adjustable Dumbbells

In contrast to fixed dumbbells, adjustable dumbbells have a single handle that you can remove or add weight depending on the needs of your workout routine. They come in various types of designs and don’t take up much space.

Advantages

• Saves Space: Since the weights are adjustable, you don’t need a full set of dumbbells occupying space in your home gym.
• Cost-efficient: Adjustable dumbbells are generally cheaper than a full set of fixed dumbbells. You get a wide range of weights in one compact package.
• Versatility: The adjustable weights make these dumbbells great for all levels of fitness and types of exercise.

This means you can do shoulder exercises such as the Arnold press and shoulder press and then hop on the bench for some rounds of dumbbell bench press.

If you prefer bench pressing with a barbell and are not sure about the dumbbell bench press, check out barbell vs. dumbbell.

Disadvantages

• Durability: Adjustable Dumbbells are made of moving parts used to adjust the weight that can wear out over time.
• Convenience: Stopping a workout to change weights is a faster task with fixed dumbbells than with adjustable dumbbells.

Who Is It For?

These dumbbells occupy minimal space and are cheap making them a great choice for people who want to workout at home, perhaps even following a workout program like Body Beast.

The only downside is that they can break more easily than fixed dumbbells since they depend on moving parts and complex mechanisms to work properly.

How To Pick an Adjustable Dumbbell

There are mainly two different types of adjustable dumbbells, each one with its own mechanism to change the weight. Check them out below:

Spinlock Mechanism

This mechanism is fairly simple and works similarly to loading plates on a barbell. The kit comes with a handle with threaded ends, plates, and a spinlock nut. Once you load up the desired weight, just spin the lock until it is tightly secured.

Dial Lock

This is probably the most popular format of adjustable dumbbells. It consists of a dumbbell with several weights attached and a cradle where it rests. On each side there’s a dial where you pick how much weight you want and, once you pick it up, only the desired weight leaves the cradle with the handle.

The Takeaway

Owning a set of dumbbells allows for a world of possibilities for your workouts. They are the most basic and most versatile gym equipment and a great starting point for anyone looking to start a home gym.

Another great step towards a healthy lifestyle is downloading a fitness companion app. Try the Flex APP and level up your workouts with auto-progression, body weight tracker, and plate calculator. Get fit with Flex!