Dumbbells
Not long ago, weight training was reserved for muscle bound, spandex  clad, Neanderthals, who ate boiled chicken breasts and raw eggs, as they spent hours in a dank gym doing bicep curls. Today, it's widely recognized that weight training is one of the best ways to gain muscle, lose weight, and promote general health for even those of us who've advanced beyond the Paleolithic period. With a number of machines and gadgets on the market, it can be difficult to decide what type of equipment will work best for you and your budget. However, if you're only going to invest in a single piece of workout equipment, an inexpensive, versatile, easily stored, and effective option is a set of dumbbells. For well under $100, less than a decent pair of running shoes, you can train virtually your entire upper body. And if you opt for an adjustable set you'll have even more control over your workout.
Dumbbell Construction
Handles- Knurled handles have grooves carved into them for increased grip. Best used with weight lifting gloves.
- Contoured handles are designed to fit better in your hand.
- Rubber grips are more comfortable to hold.
Materials- Weights can be made from iron, steel, chrome, or plastic filled with concrete.
- Iron plates and weights are often coated with plastic or enamel to protect them from rust.
Weight- Dumbbells are typically found in five pound increments up to 120 pounds.
- If you're going to buy a pair of non adjustable dumbbells, find a weight that you'll be comfortable with. You may need to buy a second set to supplement different exercises or as your strength increases.
| Hex Dumbbells |
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- These are very simple and inexpensive dumbbells that have become somewhat of a standard for both many home and commercial gyms.
- They're a single piece of iron cast into the shape of a dumbbell and coated with baked enamel. Therefore, they are not adjustable.
- They're hexagon shaped heads keep from rolling when on the floor.
- Typically available in five pound weight increments from 5 - 120 pounds.
- They can be found for as little as $0.50 - $0.60 per pound.
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| Chrome Dumbbells |
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- Chrome dumbbells offer an aesthetically pleasing option for your home gym.
- They have rounded heads, and are often stylish in design.
- They typically come in five pound increments from 5 - 50 pounds, but are also frequently available in 2, 3, 12.5, and 17.5 pound models.
- They consist of a three piece construction but are not adjustable in most cases.
- They require frequent maintenance to prevent rusting.
- Chrome dumbbells run around $3 per pound.
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| Adjustable Dumbbells |
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- Standard adjustable dumbbells look like miniature barbells.
- They consist of a 14 inch long steel bar that is one inch in diameter, and iron, steel, or chromeplates can be added or removed to achieve the desired weight.
- The weights are secured with clips or collars.
- Often the outer ends of the bars are threaded, and the collars are screwed on like large nuts.
- Prices can vary depending on materials and quality.
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| Quick Change Adjustable Dumbbells |
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Quick Change Adjustable Dumbbells - A newcomer to the market, these dumbbells reduce the time it takes to change weights.
- Usually capable of being adjusted from 5 - 50 pounds, (though some models can be adjusted to as much as 120).
- They either use a dial or a pin system to make changes nearly instantly.
- Besides being easy to change, they're also easier to store.
- They range in price from $2.50 - $5 per pound.
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| Pro Style Dumbbells |
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- This style dumbbell is often found in commercial gyms.
- They consist of plates that are attached to a bar semi-permanently.
- They offer some adjustability, but making the adjustments is difficult and it's impractical to do frequently.
- Plates are made of iron with a baked enamel or plastic coating.
- They come in five pound increments from 5 - 120 pounds.
- They can be found for as little as $0.50 per pound.
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| Aerobic Dumbbells |
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- These plastic-coated dumbbells are often used for light weight training exercises.
- They typically range from 2 - 10 pounds.
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