Tag Archives: Adjustable Dumbbells

Best Adjustable Dumbbells

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When setting up a home exercise gym, you are going to have to get dumbbells eventually.  Some home gym enthusiasts swear by dumbbells that are of a set weight and setting them in a dumbbell rack.  This is a nice option, but not for everyone.  It is more expensive and takes up far more room than adjustable dumbbells.

When searching for the best adjustable dumbbells, the choices seem endless.  To make it easier for you, I have selected the best four options, divided into two categories: manual dumbbells and automatic dumbbells.

 

Confidence Pair of 40 lb Fitness Pro Adjustable Dumbbells Set with case

We’ll start with the less expensive manual adjustable dumbbells.  The main complaint for these types of dumbbells is that they take up a bit more time between reps because of having to switch the weights yourself.  If you aren’t willing to pay over $100 though, this is the option for you.  Check out the Confidence Fitness Pro weights or the Cap Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set.  Both are competitively priced manual adjustable dumbbell sets that come complete in a case which is handy for keeping your weights organized and makes it easier to store.

 

Cap Barbell 40-Pound Dumbbell Set

Most simple manual adjustable dumbbells sets will usually come with a few weight plates to get you started, but those looking for bigger results may need to buy some additional weights.  The weights can also be used in conjunction with a barbell if you have one, which is a huge plus, can save you money down the line and makes it more versatile.

But if you have a few extra bucks to spend and want to lift with some larger weights, an automatic dumbbell is a great way to go.  By simply turning a knob on the side, you can decide how much weight to use.  Its speedy and compact.

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

The best brand are the Bowflex SelectTech.  They are sturdy and comfortable during the workout and look a lot nicer than some of the the other products out there.  The two most popular Bowflex adjustable dumbbells models are the 552 and 1090.  The 552 goes to 52.5 pounds for each of the dumbbells in the pair, but the 1090 goes to a whopping 90 pounds, which is more than enough.

Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Single Dumbbell

I recommended the 1090.  It is a great investment which you won’t outgrow and one of the best adjustable dumbbells out there.  Automatic dumbbells are great time savers and have a great amount of weight, so you will be able to use them for a while as you grow stronger.  And while you are at it, you may want to consider the weight stand that Bowflex makes as well.  It is not only convenient, but can help you to avoid injuring yourself by keeping them at a safer height.

The important factor that make dumbbells necessary is they utilize muscles that gym machines don’t work.  When you are lifting a free weight and you have to steady the motion, your are exercising your stabilizer muscles.  By working on machines alone, you won’t get the nice definition in your muscles that you want.

Hopefully this information helps you out of the quagmire of having to research your own dumbbell purchase and avoid the mistakes that so many people make when buying their first dumbbells.  Remember that you get what you pay for, so if you find a deal that is too good to be true, you may want to reconsider.  Good luck and be safe!

Affordable Home Exercise Gyms

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What inspired me to start working out at home was getting fed up with the cost of my gym and being annoyed by how crowded it was.  I wanted to make a home exercise gym that I could comfortably work out in whenever I wanted.  At first, it is daunting because of the cost of some of the larger and better gym equipment out there.  Your first few purchases have to be affordable and highly effective at the same time.  Here are some of the best gym solutions:

Stamina InStride Plus Electronic Stepper

Cardio machines are often bulky and take up a lot of space at home.  The Electronic Stepper pictured to the left takes up 197 square inches of space!  That’s insanely tiny.  Its inexpensive and is a great start to every home exercise gyms.

Other items to consider at the always useful resistance bands.  You can use a resistance band at home to replicate dozens of exercises that you would normally perform with a dumbbell or barbell.  But if you want to use weights, go for an adjustable dumbbell.  The great thing about using adjustable dumbbells is because it is an investment.  You can always add on to it and it can be used for so many different exercises.  And then the weights can also be used if you get a barbell later on as well.

Weider X-Factor Door Gym

One of the best starter items out there is the Weider X-Factor Door Gym.  It easily attaches to your door and becomes an exercise gym.  Using resistance band technology, it creates a workout for your entire body and takes up barely any space.  It cost equates to about two months of a gym membership.  It will work as an effective workout device while you save up for something that works you a bit more.

Cheap doesn’t always equate to good quality, so be sure to do your research before purchasing anything.  Always remember to start with exercise gym pieces that are versatile and work many muscle groups before purchasing pricier equipment that works only certain muscle groups.  Versatile options are always the best gym solution.  Home exercise gyms aren’t usually built in a day, so take your time to make sure that yours is catered to exactly what you need.

More Versatile Home Exercise Gym Options

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Buying a few well thought out gym pieces can save you so much money in the long run.  We’ve covered some of the more basic options, so lets move on to a few items that are the best gym solutions in many home exercise gyms.

A great exercise bar is a necessity.  There are many different sizes, styles, shapes and weights to choose from.  For starters, thinking in a versatile manner, I would go with the simple, straight, light gym bar.  If you already have those free weights that I recommended previously, you have some started weights to go with your gym bar.

You may want to purchase some heavier weights too.  These can also be used on your adjustable dumbbells as well.  Down the line as you get stronger and need a challenge, you can easily add on to your current home exercise gym.

You may want to get some cardio exercise in your workout as well.  Treadmills, stair climbers and elliptical can be really pricey.  If you don’t have a bicycle (which I always recommend for health workout reasons and to save gasoline) you can buy a low priced product that turns your bike into a stationary workout bike.  I think this product is fantastic because it allows me to burn a ton of calories while watching my nightly TV shows.

By now, you should have the basics of a complete home exercise gym.  The stationary bike for cardiovascular exercise, the light dumbbells to use with the workouts you find on TV, the heavier free weights and gym bar for a bevy of other workouts and your balance ball to do your exercises on as well as for stretching after.

The next step would be items specifically geared towards one muscle group or a more expensive home fitness gym if you are interested.  For the time being, click here to check out the items I mentioned early in this page.