Adjustable Dumbbell Blog & why you might need them

What are adjustable dumbbells and why might you need them?

Are you looking to up your home gym game, or kitting out a small commercial gym where space is at a premium? Adjustable dumbbells are a versatile and space-saving option that efficiently deliver high-quality workouts.

Before you add them to your cart, let’s dive into what they are and how they differ from standard dumbbells.

What is the difference between standard and adjustable dumbbells?

Traditional dumbbells are manufactured as a fixed weight, providing consistency for specific exercises. However, you’ll need multiple sets of traditional dumbbells to train different muscle groups and to allow for progressive overload. It’s why you see gyms with multiple sets of dumbbells, from 1kg all the way through to 50kg, and why even in a home gym you usually need three or four different sets of traditional dumbbells even if it’s only you training there. This takes up valuable space and costs more in the long run.

Here's where adjustable dumbbells shine.

Adjustable dumbbells use removable plates or a mechanism to change their weight, meaning all you need is one set of dumbbells to create different levels of resistance – a great space- and money-saving solution.

You can quickly and easily change the weight, setting a suitable load for each different exercise and muscle group, and giving you plenty of scope to progress your workouts by increasing or decreasing weight as needed.

What should I look for in adjustable dumbbells?

One of the big choices is whether you want to change the weight on the dumbbells using a mechanism such as a dial or switch, or whether you want to simply slide weight plates on and off as if it were a small Body Pump bar. The latter may feel like the lower-tech solution, but it’s the one we’ve chosen for both our Physical-branded adjustable dumbbell sets. Why? Because it’s more reliable: mechanisms can jam, but plates will always be able to slide on and off a bar!

The next choice is material, with adjustable dumbbells typically made from durable materials such as PU (polyurethane) or rubber for longevity as well as floor protection. Both are excellent choices: PU offers extra resistance to wear and tear, while rubber is a popular choice for price-conscious exercisers who still want a great training experience.

We have both rubber and PU adjustable dumbbell sets on offer at Physical, and both come with a warranty – another thing that’s worth looking for when researching which product to buy. Our PU set comes with a three-year warranty on the plates and one year for the bar and collars. Our new adjustable rubber dumbbell set comes with a two-year warranty.

What are the benefits of adjustable dumbbells?

Versatility: Perform a wide range of exercises targeting different muscle groups – from bicep curls to lunges – with just one dumbbell set.

Space-saving: Ditch the clutter of multiple fixed dumbbells and free up valuable space in your home gym.

Cost-effective: Invest in one set that grows with you, eliminating the need to buy additional weights as you progress.

Easy to use: Most adjustable dumbbells have quick and intuitive mechanisms for weight changes, making them perfect for beginners and experienced users alike.

How heavy do adjustable dumbbells go?

The maximum weight of adjustable dumbbells varies depending on the model: at Physical, our adjustable dumbbell sets provide a maximum resistance of 17.5kg per dumbbell, plus the minimal additional weight of the bar.

Best adjustable dumbbells – available now at Physical

Physical offers a choice of adjustable dumbbell sets to suit your needs and budget. Both of the high-quality sets below come with a full commercial warranty for your peace of mind.

NEW Adjustable 17.5kg Rubber Dumbbell Set:

This new set has been redesigned with multi-purpose group fitness workouts, Pump classes and individual strength training in mind. A popular choice for both home and commercial gyms.

Black 30mm PU Dumbbell Set:

Polyurethane-coated for a sleek and stylish finish. Known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear, PU dumbbells are a high-quality, long-lasting investment.