Dumbbells come in all shapes and sizes from single cheapo models that you can pick up at Walmart to high priced Urethane Dumbbells found in commercial gyms and fitness facilities. So if you are trying to decide which one or pair to buy, here are a few rules to go by.
- Don’t buy the cheapest dumbbells
- When purchasing dumbbells, buy pairs or sets of them rather than singles.
- Make sure the dumbbells are comfortable to hold
- Don’t buy some that are too heavy
- Do your research
Don’t Buy The Cheapest Dumbbells
Dumbbells come in various materials from plain metal to high-end urethane. If looks and longevity are what you’re after, urethane dumbbells are the ones to get. If looks and durability aren’t as much of a concern, then buying chrome or Neoprene might be the right choice.
Buy Pairs Rather Than Single Dumbbells
Nothing is worse than buying a single dumbbell only later to find out you can find a match when you decide 2 needed. Sure there are a lot of exercises where you only need a single dumbbell, but from my experience, you can do many more exercises if you have 2 dumbbells.
Make Sure The Dumbbells Are Comfortable To Hold And Workout With
Men seem to go for the more manly metal dumbbells, but women often prefer the texture of the neoprene dumbbells. Of course, that is all generalization, so you really need to see what works for you.
Dumbbell handles also come in various diameters, so you will want to pick ones that work with your hands and can be held easily during exercises.
Some dumbbells have a lot of what is known in weight lifting world knows as Knurling or grip. More knurling usually will over time create more calluses than handles that are smoother.
Don’t Buy Dumbbells That Are Too Heavy
It is always better to go lighter than to buy something too heavy. For beginner fitness buffs and those who are just getting back into working out, lighter dumbbells allow you to perform exercises with much less risk of injury. Buying a dumbbell that is too heavy can cause shoulder issues and pulled muscles. I like to start out with a weight that is manageable and then if I need to, buy more pairs, I do it when my strength has increased.
Do Buy Dumbbells That Are Coated
As stated earlier, dumbbells come in various forms from bare metal to urethane. Dumbbells that are coated with rubber, urethane or neoprene not only help protect the dumbbells from damage, it also serves as a preventative should the dumbbell be dropped on the floor or another hard surface.
Do your research
Amazon has some great reviews on Dumbbells and it is worth visiting to see what people say about their purchases. It is also a great place to check out various dumbbells from various manufacturers.
