Different types of dumbbells: which is best for you?

All dumbbells are not created equal because there are so many different types of dumbbells. Being one of the best and highly regarded tools in the gym, the dumbbell is a necessity.

Like the barbell, which comes in different weights, sizes, and styles — dumbbells are also varied.

Whether it be dumbbells made for the gym, adjustable dumbbells for home or even DIY dumbbells — there is something for everyone.

The heavier you go with your dumbbells, the more likely you’ll want to pick up some wrist wraps.

Wrist wraps will keep your wrists tight so you can withstand holding heavy dumbbells for long periods.

Bigger weight, more reps, and more sets will lead to a lot more growth. But, which dumbbells are best for you?

Purpose of using dumbbells

Better for unilateral movements

One of the main reasons we cherish the use of dumbbells is their unilateral movement.

Unlike using a barbell, dumbbells work your left side and ride side separately.

You can still perform the movement for each side at the same time, but they aren’t used bilaterally.

There are many benefits to performing unilateral movements, especially if you’ve only trained with barbells in the past.

Focusing on stabilization

Since dumbbells are done unilaterally, they rely heavily on stabilization.

The use of stabilizing muscles and the importance of a strong core and back are evident when using dumbbells.

Even when doing seated dumbbell overhead press, you’ll realize how much you need to stabilize yourself and the weight.

The more time you spend under the stress of stabilizing yourself, the more you become accustomed to unilateral work.

Different types of dumbbells on the market

Standard Commercial Gym Dumbbells

Your standard dumbbells found in gyms are usually rubberized dumbbells in set weight increments.

A full dumbbell rack will normally be in increments of 5lbs with the occasional 2.5lb increment as well — for example 20lb, 25lb, 27.5lb, etc.

Most commercial gyms prefer to use the rubber dumbbells to avoid too much dropping of the weights.

A lot of the time, your commercial gym will also have lightweight dumbbells that are textured rubber or shiny, sticky, smooth rubber.

Adjustable dumbbells for home use

Adjustable dumbbells are a hit for using at home.

If you don’t have time or money to use a commercial gym, you can use dumbbells at your own place.

You can, of course, buy a full run of dumbbells and use a weight rack, but that gets pricey.

Adjustable dumbbells come in all varieties — metal with clamps or screw ends or sometimes plastic.

Some dumbbells use weight plates that can be removed or added, while others use a selector knob to lock in the amount of weight you want.