So many perks come with being healthy … minimized illness and injury, adequate energy and strength, positive mental and emotional well-being, clear skin, and more. All these motivate people to develop habits to maintain or improve their health conditions. Resorting to exercise is one of these habits that you and I engage ourselves with. Some of our exercises involve the use of equipment, and dumbbell sets are one of them.
A bar with equal weights on both ends which one holds during exercise is what we call dumbbells. They are designed for strength training and fitness routines while exercising with bicep curls, shoulder presses, lunges, and chest presses among others. There are fixed and adjustable dumbbells.
What are Fixed Dumbbells?
Fixed dumbbells are standalone weights that cannot be adjusted anymore. The weight is permanently attached to the handle but these dumbbells are available in various sizes, shapes, and increments such as 5 lbs, 10 lbs, etc. They are usually made of cast iron, steel, or rubber-coated metal and can be purchased individually or in sets.
These dumbbells are durable and very convenient to use since you do not have to adjust anything, you can start lifting them anytime. They are ideal for high-intensity workouts where dropping weights is normal.
However, these dumbbells’ space requirement is a challenge especially if a whole set is acquired where a significant amount of storage is needed. Buying multiple dumbbells adds up to the cost quickly.
What are Adjustable Dumbbells?
You can modify the weight by adding or removing plates in adjustable dumbbells. Adjustments may also be in the form of a dial or pin mechanism to select the desired weight. They are a space-saver alternative to fixed ones. These type of dumbbells can also combine multiple weights into one compact unit.
Adjustable dumbbells are very flexible, just change the weight to whichever suits the exercises and fitness levels you prefer. Imagine also the space and money you save just by purchasing a pair of plates instead of a whole fixed dumbbell for each specific increment.
Just like the fixed dumbbells, the adjustable ones also have disadvantages. Since the parts are movable, they are more prone to wear out over time, especially with frequent use. Consider also the interruption time as you change weights in mid-workout. And there are models, too, that have weight limits, they do not offer weight as high as the range in a complete set of fixed dumbbells.
Key Considerations
Fitness Goals. In strength training that needs heavier weights, fixed dumbbells are preferred due to their durability and higher weight availability. But for general fitness or beginners, adjustable dumbbells are a good starting point.
Available Space. Prepare a larger storage space for fixed dumbbells, while the compact adjustable dumbbells can fit even in small apartments or home gyms.
Budget. A range of weights in one product is more affordable than a collection of fixed dumbbells.
Workout Style. For those who prefer fast-paced training that needs quick transitions between weights, fixed dumbbells are recommended.
Choose the right dumbbells that fit your requirements and resources, investing in them is a big leap for a healthier and stronger you!
