To get the results we need, we need to stick to a consistent workout routine. Finding that consistency is difficult because it requires a commitment to change our negative habits into positive ones. Making changes in our lives so it’s easier to do our workouts is one of the most effective things we can do to keep working toward our goals.
It’s important we recognize what our blockers are so we can overcome them. Not having enough time to get to the gym is one of the most common blockers to getting those gains.
Beat this blocker with a 20-minute routine before you start your day. Do this at least 3 times a week before work and watch yourself get propelled toward your strength and aesthetic goals. Of course, you’ll need an at-home setup.
When you’re strapped on space and time you want to make sure you’re using the best equipment to help you have the most efficient workouts… and it’s no secret that dumbbells are some of the most versatile exercise equipment.
There are so many different types to choose from - from full sets to adjustable dumbbells. They don’t often come cheap, and when they come cheap, they are likely not suited for your workouts.
In this article, we discuss the differences between adjustable dumbbells and full dumbbells.
Why Dumbbells
First, let’s discuss why dumbbells are a must-have in your fitness equipment arsenal.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a barbell to build muscle. They’re often favoured for compound exercises like back squats, bench presses and deadlifts, but you can’t easily access them without a gym!
They can also pose safety risks if you are a beginner or are working out without a spotter. Barbells are nice to use when you can, but they’re not necessary for upper body workouts.
Using dumbbells offer a more natural range of motion, which are easier on your joints and helps reduce the risk of injury. It’s very common to have a more dominant side, and with a barbell you’re far more likely to overcompensate on an exercise. This creates unsightly muscle imbalances that are difficult to correct, and can even cause injury over time. That's why working out to desired weight is important too.
Dumbbells and dumbbell weights force you to even the distribution of weight and weight plates, creating more balanced muscle growth, better flexibility, increased mind-muscle connection and helping you avoid injury.
Using dumbbells with a strategic workout schedule and the progressive overload training style will help you lose fat, build muscle, and get closer to your fitness goals.
Types of Dumbbells and their Cost
Fixed Dumbbells
Fixed dumbbells tend to have circular, hex, or square ends that may or may not be rubber-coated. You can buy them individually, in pairs or in a set, with sets of 5-50 lbs going for around $1200 and sets of 55-100 lbs going for around $3500.
Different materials for your dumbbells can factor into how big your investment will be. Cast iron dumbbells are the cheapest, though you can also get stainless steel or rubber-coated ones. The most expensive types often have a urethane coating on them making them the most durable.
The comfort level of the handles also contributes to the price level. On cheaper models, the grip might be too slippery or too sharp to be comfortable.
Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are often plate-loaded with a high-quality locking mechanism - either a plate-loaded spin lock style or a twist handle style.
The weight range is available, from 5-25 lbs in one pair, 4.5-44lbs or 4.5-70lbs. As such, two adjustable dumbbells can replace up to 9 sets of dumbbells, making them more affordable, more convenient, and better for homes with limited space.
One thing to note is the need for weight adjustment is there if you need to change it for supersets. Fixed dumbbells allow you the freedom of just picking up any weight you need without needing to adjust.
Why are Fixed Dumbbells so expensive?
Racking up multiple thousands of dollars for a full set, fixed dumbbells may not be the most realistic for the budget-friendly home gym lifter. But why are they so expensive?
Well, new dumbbells often cost around $1.50 per pound give or take. Multiply that by the maximum lbs you’d want in your collection, and your investment increases exponentially. You’ll also need a dumbbell storage rack to keep things neat and tidy.
They are also expensive due to logistical reasons. Weights are heavy, and they are often shipped from across the world. Anything heavy that needs to be shipped will be costly to transport.
The recent interest in building home gyms after COVID-19 hit the world is also driving the prices of fixed dumbbells up. It hasn’t become any easier or cheaper to ship them in, they are difficult to acquire, and they are not often resold. The laws of supply and demand - short supply and high demand, ensure that fixed dumbbells remain an expensive investment.
Are Adjustable Dumbbells Expensive?
Some may gasp at the thought of spending a few hundred dollars on one pair of dumbbells. But when you choose a pair of adjustable dumbbells, you are getting so much more bang for your buck with so many additional benefits.
A good pair of adjustable dumbbells can take the place of 9 pairs of fixed dumbbells, saving you tons of space! They are also easy to stow away and out of sight when not needed.
Adjustable dumbbells allow you all the benefits of lifting weights with adjustable weights and without the need for a full gym of equipment. They allow you to show up consistently for your training - even if you only have a spare 30 minutes at a time.
A few hundred dollars of upfront investment will be worth it every single time you were able to sneak a workout in - something you couldn’t have done without your adjustable dumbbells.
Other Factors to Consider
The amount of free space you have in your training area is an important consideration when choosing which dumbbell is right for you. If you only have a small space for your home gym you don’t want to add any extra clutter or financial stress where it isn’t needed. A fixed dumbbell set will take up several feet of space even when they’re stored in a rack. You’ll also need space for you to actually do your workouts!
An adjustable dumbbell set can save you space and headaches. All you need is a workout mat (a yoga mat that can be rolled up and out of sight is perfect), your adjustable dumbbells and a water bottle, and you are good to go.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons for both fixed dumbbells and adjustable dumbbells. While fixed dumbbells offer the convenience of picking up exactly the weight you want, they take up a lot of space and are very expensive to get a full set.
Adjustable dumbbells offer you the flexibility of having up to 9 pairs of weights all in one compact pair that can easily be tucked away.
On the whole, adjustable dumbbells are the most convenient and affordable option for those wanting to maintain their at-home work-out routines.
