The Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Your Home Gym
In my last post, I broke down some home gym essentials. Here, I wanted to talk about one of the best tools for strength training: adjustable weights. Living in a city, I am intimately familiar with the limited space that we have to build a home gym, and having a good pair of adjustable weights is crucial to building muscle and staying in shape. While even the most budget-friendly options are still expensive, I can personally tell you they are worth the investment. Unless you are going to the cheapest gym in your area, most of these can replace your membership, and you would break even in just a few months. Not to mention the time and money you could save by working out at home, and who knows, maybe the investment in these dumbbells would help you work out more consistently!
Here is a list of the top 5 adjustable dumbbells to get you started.
Best Overall: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts. They have a weight range of 5 to 52.5 pounds and can be easily adjusted in 2.5-pound increments at the lighter weights. This makes them ideal for a variety of exercises, including curls, presses, and flyes. The SelectTech dumbbells feature a sleek and compact design that saves space in your home gym. Something great about these dumbbells is that the two sides have an independent dial so you can load them with different weights to add a fun twist.
Best Heavy Option: Powerblock Elite Dumbbells
Powerblock Elite dumbbells are another popular option. They have a weight range of 5 to 90 pounds (with expansions) and can be easily adjusted in 2.5-pound increments. This makes them suitable for a wide range of exercises, from basic to advanced. The unique shape of these dumbbells has definitely led to a “love them or hate them” divide among gym-goers, but those that love them will swear by them.
Best Budget Option: Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells
My personal dumbbells! I have a pair that ranges from 11lbs to 71.5lbs. If you can get over the unfamiliar increments (they are actually 5kg-32kg, in 2.5kg increments) then they are perfect.
The Ativafit dumbbells feature a dial system that allows for easy weight adjustments. They also come with a convenient tray for storage. They are also slightly smaller in length than the Bowflex 552s, which is impressive given that they go 20lbs heavier.
Best Premium Option: SMRTFT NÜOBELL
SMRTFT adjustable dumbbells feature a unique design that allows for easy weight adjustments without the need for a dial or pin system. Instead, you simply twist the handle to adjust the weight. One of the advantages of SMRTFT dumbbells is their compact design, which makes them easy to store and transport, but will also feel closer to a traditional dumbbell. Additionally, the SMRTFT dumbbells are made of durable materials that can withstand regular use. If you are looking for the top of the line, look no further.
Honorable Mention: CORE Home Fitness
CORE Home Fitness is another popular brand that produces solid adjustable dumbbells. These adjustable dumbbells have a weight range of 5 to 50 pounds and can be easily adjusted in 5-pound increments. They also have a durable and sturdy construction that can withstand regular use. Additionally, the compact design of the CORE Home Fitness dumbbells makes them easy to store and transport, and they come with a convenient tray for storage and transportation.
Regardless of which you choose you want to make sure that the weight range is appropriate for where you are starting and where you want to go. Remember these are going to be a long term investment so if your goal is to really gain some muscle you want to make sure that you don’t outgrow your dumbbells in a year or two. As always you can reach out to a certified personal trainer for advice on which dumbbells will best suit your needs and goals.
