Your home gym is worth a little investing; if you are serious about working out but can’t make it to the gym every day, then you need to get a good set of weights for your home. Plunkett Fitness has a little advice about picking out the perfect set of weights for your home gym.
Different Kinds of Dumbbells
The first thing to understand about weights is that there are a lot of different kinds of dumbbells. In addition, there are other kinds of weights, like kettlebells and barbells, that we won’t even get into. The first aspect of selecting a set of home weights is choosing your favorite kind of dumbbell.
Fixed Dumbbells
Fixed dumbbells are probably the kind of dumbbells that you picture in your mind. They are generally stored on racks as pairs.
This kind of dumbbell comes in a number of different styles, including rubber, urethane, hex, and chrome.
Rubber and urethane dumbbells look very similar. The rubber on the dumbbells helps prevent scratching and chipping on the weights as well as damage to the storage stand and other items in the gym. Urethane dumbbells are going to be stronger than rubber, so they are harder to damage. However, urethane dumbbells are more expensive, so many commercial gyms might lean toward rubber.
Hex dumbbells are easy to spot due to their hexagon shape. Many people like these dumbbells, because they can’t roll around. They are also great for floor-based circuits, because they are more stable than rounded options.
Chrome dumbbells are pretty to look at, but they aren’t going to hold up nearly as well with a lot of hard use, which is why they aren’t commonly seen in gyms. In general, metal dumbbells were more popular in the past than they are today due to the availability of rubber or urethane options.
Fixed dumbbells are usually stored in racks. It might be a good idea to get a rack if you are planning on buying a large set of fixed dumbbells. These storage racks prevent your weights from being all over the floor.
Adjustable Dumbbells
If you have limited space, adjustable dumbbells are a great option. Adjustable dumbbells provide a variety of different sized weights without taking up a lot of space in your home. Additionally, these dumbbells tend to cost less than a set of fixed dumbbells. In some cases, you can account for up to 34 pairs of dumbbells with just one adjustable dumbbell set.
There are many different brands of adjustable dumbbells on the market, and they are becoming more and more popular. Most of these brands have created dumbbells that work much like the weight stack on a fixed resistance machine that you would find in a gym. You select the amount of weight you want by putting a pin in the appropriate part of the storage unit. When you lift the dumbbell, only the discs you selected will be on the dumbbell.
The downside of adjustable dumbbells is that they are bulky. If you are in a hurry, you are going to have a hard time using this type of weight.
Studio Dumbbells
These are the weights that you picture when you think of a Pilates, yoga, or other fitness class. They are often brightly colored and coated in textured rubber or neoprene. These weights tend to be inexpensive in comparison to other styles. They are color coded by weight to ensure easy identification. Fully coated dumbbells like these are easy to grip and have an anti-roll shape.
Since studio weights are typically sold in pairs, they are a great option if you are looking for sets of light weights.
Dumbbell Weights
Once you select the kind of dumbbells you want, you will need to choose the weights that you need. For most people, a combination of light and heavy weights is the most beneficial to have around the house. However, if you are focused on only certain workouts, you may just need light, middle, or heavy weights in your home. If many people in your household are using the weights, you might need a larger variety of weight options.
Cost of Weights
When it comes down to it, cost might be an important factor to the kind of weights that you purchase. A single set of dumbbells can cost between $20 and $80, while a pair of adjustable dumbbells can be much pricier.
It is a good idea to purchase just a couple cheap sets if you aren’t sure you are going to stick to a fitness routine. After a few months of use, you can always upgrade or add to your weight collection. It is just a shame to spend a lot on equipment that you don’t use.
If you need a little extra help staying motivated to check in shape, Plunkett Fitness can help! With our personal and group training classes, you can get a personalized routine that will help you meet your fitness goals. To get started, give us a call today at 913-390-3360 to get started.
