Dumbbells are a staple in most home gyms due to how versatile they are. They are able to be used across a range of movements to target the full body. The known benefits of physical fitness are becoming widespread; as such, the ability to build your physical fitness at home is very handy. As a result, providing a dumbbell set is the perfect gift to optimise someone's fitness programme, and this blog will guide you through the process. This Exersci blog will help guide you through which dumbbell set you should choose based on your training level, goals, budget and space.

Understanding the Different Types of Dumbbells 

Types of Dumbbells Explained: Hex, Adjustable, Rubber, and Steel

Here at Exersci, we offer a range of dumbbell types to match your training needs, including:

• Hex Dumbbells
• Round Rubber Dumbbells
• Cast iron Adjustable Dumbbells
• Steel Dumbbells
• Olympic Dumbbell Bars + plates

1. Hex Dumbbells

Hex dumbbells are fixed with a rubber coating, making them a popular choice to protect your flooring and keep your dumbbells intact. Furthermore, their shape provides an anti-roll, making them perfect for HIIT and functional training. These are suitable for all fitness types, providing a convenient and durable design for your space.

2. Round Rubber Dumbbells

These are also rubber-coated, again making them durable with more of a traditional shape. These are particularly good for heavy lifting, where they are likely to be dropped. The round shapes accommodate drops over the angled Hex dumbbells, likely making them more durable. 

3. Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbell sets are by far the most versatile dumbbells you can opt for. You are able to choose a weight specific to the demands of the exercise you are completing and progressively overload a movement to stimulate growth and strength. Progressive overload is a key training principle and has been able to achieve this with a small budget is where the adjustable dumbbell sets stand out. 

4. Steel Dumbbells

Steel dumbbells provide a heightened durability, proving a long lifespan and a great cost-effective piece of equipment. They also provide a sleek and professional look, great for advanced lifters, those who invite others to their space, personal trainers and commercial gyms. 

5. Olympic Dumbbell Bars + Plates

Olympic dumbbells are potentially highly optimal and efficient with your setup, due to their compatibility with our existing Olympic plates. This makes them massively scalable in weight, which makes them ideal for heavy strength training. Thus, these are suitable for more serious lifters and strength athletes. 

Matching the Dumbbell Set to Your Training Goals

As previously shown, there are multiple dumbbell sets to choose from, which can make choosing the correct set for you quite difficult. It is often easier when choosing which equipment works for you to base it on your training goals. For instance, if your main goal is to increase strength, then the Olympic dumbbell bars, steel dumbbells and cast iron adjustable dumbbell sets. These are easily scalable and can allow you to progressively overload, which is a key training principle to improve muscle strength. 

If hypertrophy is specifically what you are after, the rubber-coated and Hex dumbbells may be more suitable. They allow you to work close to failure without concern of dropping and damaging the equipment. Furthermore, due to the fixed weights and rubber design, you can perform drop sets more easily, making building hypertrophy more convenient. These dumbbells are also best for fat loss, conditioning and functional training as they can be dropped and multiple different weights can be used without adjusting weights. Specifically, the Hex dumbbells have an anti-roll design which increases safety whilst training. 

Practical Considerations

There are also other considerations beyond your training goals that determine the right dumbbell set for you. Such things to consider are:

1. Space requirements (Hex, rubber, steel and Olympic dumbbells will likely require a rack; thus, more space is needed. The adjustable dumbbells are compact, requiring less space)
2. Budget (Adjustable dumbbells will provide the most versatile and budget-friendly, with the Hex dumbbells as a good middle ground for your budget)
3. Durability and quality (All of Exersci products are highly durable; The rubber-coated ones will be more floor-friendly, with the steel dumbbells being our highest grade, with a commercial feel)

But after all this, why should you choose Exersci? Exersci are a proud leading provider of UK gym equipment, offering high-quality and durable products with FREE next-day delivery. We proudly supply a wide range of amazing fitness equipment to domestic and commercial customers across the UK.

Conclusion

We offer multiple dumbbells at Exersci. However, this can make choosing the correct one for you difficult. The dumbbell set you choose should depend on multiple factors such as your training goals, space requirements and budget. Don't forget that when purchasing a range of equipment, you should also consider the correct storage to optimise your space and eliminate trip hazards. Browse the full range of Exersci products today on our website and find the perfect dumbbell set for your training goals.