A dumbbell is a piece of exercise equipment used in weight training, and usually exists in pairs. Dumbbells are free-weights and as such can be used in a variety of different exercises to target different muscle groups.
In current times, dumbbells take the form of two even weights set on a horizontal bar seperated by enough space to fit your hand in between.
Developments in technology have made it possible for several different types of dumbbells to exist in the market today. Although essentially the same, each dumbbell type offers benefits over others.
Fixed-weight dumbbells
Fixed weight dumbbells are weights that are created in the traditional shape of a dumbbell. Usually these dumbbells are cast iron with a rubber coating for safety and protecting the iron from rust caused by moisture.
The benefits of fixed weight dumbbbells are simplicity and safety as there are no moving parts. Popular in gyms and amongst personal trainers, the use of fixed weight dumbbells for weight training means that you will require more than one set in order to have variety in the weight of your dumbbells.
A full rack of fixed weight dumbbells can costs thousands of dollars.
Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are essentially dumbbells that can be dismantled and assembled to include more or less weight.
There are three main parts to the adjustable dumbbell; the bar, the weight plates and the locking mechanism. Weight plates are placed on the bar to reach the desired mass and then locked into place either with a spinlock nut or a spring clamp.
Adjustable dumbbells mean that you need only one set of dumbbells to cover a range of different masses. For example one adjustable dumbbells can be used without weight plates and with up to 100 lbs. of weights, making adjustable dumbbells the cheapest option.
Adjustable dumbbells are a cheap option, but contain parts that can come lose and become dangerous.
Additionally, adjustable dumbbells need to be dismantled and assembled every time a different weight is required (i.e: between exercises).
Selectorized dumbbells
Selectorized dumbbells are adjustable dumbbells whose weight is changed mechanically. You can select your desired weight either by using a dial or selector pin and weight plates are retained on the bar or left in the stand as required. This eliminates the problem of tediously having to change weight plates between exercises.
Selectorized dumbbells are a little more expensive than adjustable dumbbells but much cheaper than a full rack of fixed-weight dumbbells.
Whatever dumbbell option you chose be safe in the knowledge that you can work almost every muscle in your body with your new gym addition. Just browse this site and see the variety of exercises available to dumbbell owners!
