Why should I add dumbbells to my home gym?

“Dumbbells are by far the most versatile equipment you can keep in your gym,” says personal trainer Macy Pruett, CPT, owner of fitness workout app, Fittest Core. Because you can switch out weights easily and the design allows for more mobility than say a barbell, dumbbells allow you to tackle a variety of exercises.

You can use dumbbells to hone in on many specific muscles and muscle groups. Plus, if you don’t have oodles of extra room in your house, you don’t have to buy the whole rack. You can just get a pair or two that align with your own fitness goals. (Or invest in a set of adjustable dumbbells.)

What are the benefits of dumbbells?

You can basically access all the benefits of strength training with dumbbells, whether you’re all about lifting heavy or going for lighter weight training perks. When used properly, some benefits of dumbbells include a boost in muscle strength and size, better joint and bone health, weight management, improved cardio function, elevated mood, and more.

Dumbbells offer additional benefits, too. “The weight distribution of dumbbells allows for easier handling as the weight is evenly distributed across the hand (unlike a kettlebell, for example, where the weight distribution is dependent on where the body of the kettlebell is resting),” says Colette Nguyen, CPT, an ACE-certified personal trainer and trainer at Soho Strength Lab. “Since a dumbbell is easier to hold and the weight distribution is balanced, you can hold onto a dumbbell more securely.”

What are the best materials for dumbbells?

Colored and coated dumbbells look and feel nice, but be aware that coating can wear off with use. “For example, the dumbbells with the colored coating on them do eventually chip/break off,” says Pruett.

Metal alloy or brass weights, specifically with a rubber coating, are her picks for longevity. “These are very durable and handle being dropped very well,” says Pruett.