Kit advice

Dumbbells

The most versatile weights for home strength training — fixed pairs or adjustable sets.

A pile of colourful vinyl-coated dumbbells in red, orange, green and blue
Photo: Ser Amantio di Nicolao, CC BY-SA 4.0

Fixed or adjustable?

Fixed dumbbells are ready to go — no fiddling between exercises — but you'll need several pairs as you get stronger. Adjustable dumbbells let you change the weight, either by adding plates to a handle or with a dial or pin system, and save a lot of space.

What weight to start with

It depends on the exercise and on you. Many people find they need lighter weights for shoulder and arm exercises and heavier ones for squats and deadlifts. That's why a light pair plus a heavier pair — or an adjustable set — works well. Choose a weight where the last two or three reps of a set feel like hard work but your form stays tidy.

Coatings

Neoprene and vinyl coatings are kinder to floors and comfortable to hold for lighter weights. Rubber hex dumbbells don't roll away and suit heavier weights.

Options to compare

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  1. Neoprene dumbbell pair (light)

    Small, soft-coated dumbbells — handy for arm and shoulder work, warm-ups and the NHS-style strength exercises.

    • Weight marked clearly on the end
    • Grippy, easy-clean coating

    Good for: Beginners, lateral raises, curls, seated exercises

    Watch out for: You will outgrow them quickly for leg exercises

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  2. Rubber hex dumbbell pair

    Hexagonal heads stop them rolling, and rubber protects floors. A good choice for squats, deadlifts and rows.

    • Hex heads
    • Knurled (textured) handle for grip

    Good for: Goblet squats, Romanian deadlifts, rows

    Watch out for: Several pairs take up space

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  3. Adjustable dumbbell set (spinlock)

    Handles with loose plates and screw-on collars — inexpensive and lets you add weight in small steps.

    • Collars that screw on firmly
    • A mix of small and larger plates

    Good for: Progressing gradually on a budget

    Watch out for: Changing plates takes a minute; check collars before every set

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  4. Quick-change adjustable dumbbells

    Dial or pin systems change the weight in seconds and store neatly. Bulkier than fixed dumbbells for some exercises.

    • A weight range that suits you now and later
    • A sturdy storage tray

    Good for: Small spaces and full-body workouts

    Watch out for: The longer handles can feel awkward for some moves

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