All About Dumbells

Dumbells are arguably the most versatile weight training equipment available. It is possible to get an entire body workout With a simple dumbbell weight set. While it's not universally known, dumbells have been used in various forms for centuries. Prior to the 17th century wooden clubs of various weight shaped like a bowling pin were used as a form of exercise for the military and elite. It was in England during the 1500's where the name originated as athletes would remove the clappers from small church bells and perform various exercises to develop strength in their upper bodies. During the 1600's, athletes began using two equal weights attached to a handle to create a dumbbells as we know them today. But enough of the history lesson...

Not only will a dumbbell weight set allow you to train your entire body, but many experienced weight lifters prefer training with dumbbells because it allows them to train each side of the body evenly. Whether you're right handed or left handed, most people have a dominant hand or one arm that is stronger than the other. When training with barbells or many weight machines it's possible that your stronger side will compensate for your weaker side, which will only magnify the imbalance in strength. Dumbells on the other hand allow you to train each arm independently and over time will even out any imbalances in strength (or definition) that you may have. In addition, you will be able to isolate specific small muscle groups in the bicep, tricep, chest, back, and shoulders in order to maximize results.

Most fitness clubs offer a wide range of fixed-weight dumbbells. They are typically arranged on a weight rack from lightest to heaviest along the wall. The fixed-weight version consist of a knurled metal bar with cast iron hexagonal or disc shaped weights welded to each end and can come as light as 1 pound or as heavy as 180 pounds.

For those of us that like to have the option of working out at home, you can get adjustable set as a more cost effective (and space saving) alternative to buying numerous fixed-weights. Adjustable dumbells also have knurled metal handles to improve grip, but instead of having weights welded to the handle the weight plates slide onto either side and held in place with clips, collars. Adjustable dumbells range in price and quality. While better quality dumbbells sets will come with cast iron plates, cheaper sets may come with plates that are constructed out of hard plastic and filled up with sand or concrete. The one major downside to using adjustable dumbbells has always been the pain of having to stop during your workout to change the plates or adjust the weight for different exercises or sets. However, in recent years technological advancements by manufacturers like Bowflex, Weider, Ironmaster and PowerBlock have all but eliminated this aggravation by offering space saving, quick change dumbbell sets. An adjustable dumbbell weight set like the Bowflex Selectech dumbbells, the Weider Core Spacesaver (Powerswitch), PowerBlock and the Ironmaster Quick-Lock product all pack a complete range of dumbbell weights into one convenient set and allow you to very quickly and easily adjust the weight settings.

Feel free to browse our Manufacturer Fact Sheets below. If you are looking for information on products that you do not see listed here drop us a line and we'll do our best to do the research for you.

Bowflex Dumbbells Fact Sheet

PowerBlock Dumbbells Fact Sheet

Ironmaster Dumbbells Fact Sheet

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