Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build up muscles or do cardiovascular fitness, a pair of dumbbells are one of the basic tools you will need.

Apart from being one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment, they are also great for a whole range of exercises. And a gym without dumbbells is not a gym at all – dumbbells are standard equipment in any gym, be it a commercial gym or a home one!

Both men and women can work their back, legs, chest, and abdomen with dumbbells. 

There are currently three main types of dumbbells – adjustable, fixed and selectorized dumbbells. Each of these dumbbells carry certain training benefits.

Whether you’re buying for your home gym or commercial facility, this dumbbell buying guide is made to help you take into consideration some of the following factors when choosing the right dumbbells.

Things to Consider

Dumbbells are the standard equipment in any gym, but choosing them sometimes requires a bit of a research and consideration. That’s why we’re here, to help you find the right equipment for your gym!

Types of Dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells

This type of dumbbells is the most common one, which you probably already have at your home.

They consist of a metal bar that, usually, has an engraved crosshatch pattern (knurling) to improve the hand grip.

You can slide weight plates onto the outer portions of the dumbbell and secure them with clips or collars. Nowadays, many commercially sold dumbbells are available with sophisticated, and easy-to-use methods for weight increments adjustments.

Fixed dumbbells

You’ve probably seen this type of dumbbells the moment you’ve entered your local gym. They are weights created in a dumbbell shape.

Different, cheap, varieties consist of cast iron, sometimes coated with rubber or neoprene for comfort. Regular versions consist of a rigid plastic shell that is filled with concrete.

Their weight is written on them in kg. As a downside, these dumbbells have standard weights of 2-20kg. 

Selectorized dumbbells

These dumbbells are very similar to the adjustable ones. You can adjust the number of plates (i.e. weight) by lifting the handle and by turning a dial or moving a selector pin.

Compared to manually adding or removing plates, this makes it so much easier to change the weight of the dumbbell between exercises.

They are also, by far the most expensive dumbbells you can get if you plan to make a major investment in fitness equipment. Moreover, selectorized dumbbells are extremely heavy, so it is hard to move them around.

Storage Space

When buying a set of any dumbbells, you should consider storage space, since it can be a great problem.

Never keep dumbbells on a wooden floor or the balcony, as they might rust after being kept in a humid environment.

The best way to store your weights, keep them off the floor and also have them organized, is to store them in a weight rack that holds the entire dumbbell set – and for that, you’ll need space, so keep that in mind.

Budget and Pricing

The prices of dumbbells range depending on the type you choose. Generally, the most expensive types of dumbbells are selectorized dumbbells.

A simple pair of 5-pound dumbbells can cost you only a couple of dollars, whereas, a set of light weights, like pairs of 2.5, 5, and 8 pounds dumbbells will cost around $40-50.

A full rack of heavy dumbbells from 5-50 pounds and beyond will likely cost a thousand dollars or more.

Top Products

Armortech 20kg Dumbbell Set

Armortech Dumbbell Set is an ideal way to start your gym setup because it’s great for all fitness levels! This Dumbbell Set comes with comfortable chrome plated bars and easy spin and groove spindled plates so you can easily adjust your weights up or down at will.

Perfect for strength training and even aerobic exercise.

Features:

• 4 x 1.25kg plates
• 4 x 2.5kg plates
• 2 x Chrome plated bar .30mmx14"
• 2 x Star Collar

Used for:

• Strength training
• Aerobic exercises

And if you want to go an extra mile, the ideal thing that you can pair with this set of dumbbells is a 10 pair dumbbell storage tree!

 

Hex Dumbbells 1-10kg

Another great way to start setting up your gym is by purchasing these individually sold Hex Dumbbells. They are made of heavy-duty rubber to minimize floor damage and wear and tear on dumbbells.

Additionally, they feature an ergonomic chrome plated handles which are designed to last. Rubber head is embossed - in kg's! These dumbbells are ideal for upper body strength. These dumbbells are sold individually (1-10kg).

Features:

• Embossed rubber head
• Chrome pleated handles
• Solid cast iron core
• Heavy-duty, won’t bend or break

Used for:

• Upper body strength

In addition to these dumbbells you can purchase an Armortech 3Tier Dumbbell Storage Rack.

 

Commercial Round Dumbbell 5kg

Armortech Commercial Round Head Rubber Dumbbell Set are an ideal fit for any residential, vertical market, or commercial application, including home gyms, garage gyms, personal training studios, hotel and resort fitness centers, commercial gyms, and sports performance training centers.

The machined solid steel handle features a comfortable medium knurl for a secure grip no matter the movement.

The handle also features chrome-plating which resists chipping, flaking, peeling and corrosion, making these dumbbells a great long-term investment. Each handle is inserted into the weight ends and then welded into place for a strong, secure bond to prevent any loosening or spinning of heads.

The rounded cast iron dumbbell head is over molded with quality natural virgin rubber, helping to minimize overall space required and offer unparalleled durability.

The virgin rubber also minimizes the off-putting smell often associated with economy dumbbells coated with recycled rubber.

Easy-to-read weight designations are embossed on each dumbbell making your search for the perfect weight effortless. Weight heads are sized 204mm diameter for sizes 2.5 - 50kg.

Features:

• Chrome plated handle
• Embossed rubber head
• Heavy-duty steel construction
• Designed to last

Used for:

• Upper body strength
• Aerobic fitness

 

Hex Starter Pack with Rack

This Hex Starter Pack with a rack is designed so that it can be used in both home and commercial environments.

The Armortech Rubber Hex Dumbbells provide an effective, and versatile option for workout routines. A staple in almost all gyms, the hex dumbbells are perfect for push, pull and all other lifting movements.

With a heavy duty, one-piece forged construction – the Armortech Hex Dumbbells are both durable and reliable with every use. High quality knurling is also provided for extra grip during lifts.

The Anti-roll heads of the dumbbells are perfect as they keep your workout area safe and tidy.  A stylish chrome finish with contoured handles gives the Hex dumbbells a great aesthetic look.

Features:

• 1 x Dumbbell Tree Vertical
• 1 Pair 1kg Hex Dumbbells
• 1 Pair 2kg Hex Dumbbells
• 1 Pair 3kg Hex Dumbbells
• 1 Pair 4kg Hex Dumbbells
• 1 Pair 5kg Hex Dumbbells
• 1 Pair 6kg Hex Dumbbells
• 1 Pair 7kg Hex Dumbbells
• 1 Pair 8kg Hex Dumbbells
• 1 Pair 9kg Hex Dumbbells
• 1 Pair 10kg Hex Dumbbells

Used for:

• Upper body strength
• Aerobic exercises

 

Armortech 50KG Barbell & Dumbbell Set

The 50kg Dumbbell/Barbell Set offers a compact, space saving option yet highly effective option for a full body, free weight workout.

Set includes a complete set of weight plates (42.5kgs), 6ft two-piece barbell and pair of dumbbell handles.

Also included is a convenient space saving carry case, helping to keep your workouts safe and tidy.

Features:

• 50KGs of total weight (including bars)
• Great variety of weight plate sizes to choose from (4x 5kgs, 6x 2.5kgs & 6x 1.25kgs)
• Reliable cast iron construction
• All collars for bars are included
• Convenient carry case
• Non-slip knurling design

Used for:

• Weightlifting
• Upper body strength

To make your setup even better, consider buying BodyWorx FID Bench.

Final Thoughts

In order to make your gym, either a home or a commercial one, a complete success, you need to consider equipment! And the standard equipment in any gym are, most certainly, dumbbells!

While the space you have to work with and the type of dumbbells you opt for, are important, you also need to consider the budget too!

However, keep in mind that with dumbbells you can never go wrong! Weight lifting is great for burning fat, and can even be a better fat burner than cardio! After completing a workout using dumbbells, your metabolism will stay raised for hours.