For a full roundup, check out the best adjustable dumbbells 2023

JaxJox 22.6kg DumbbellConnect Dumbbells

BUY IT NOW:

$499 / £390 / jaxjox.co.uk

PROS

• Quick and easy to change weights
• Smart features with app connectivity

CONS

• Dumbbells have to be charged before use
• Dock’s screen can be difficult to see clearly

Grip: 4/5
Weight range: 4.5/5
Ease of adjustment: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

An LED screen on the docking station lets you select and release your weights

Put your set to good use with the best dumbbell exercises for every body part

Words: David Thomas

Related content:

1. Dumbbells vs Resistance Bands
2. Best Dumbbells For Home Workouts
3. Best Full-Body Dumbbell Workout

The post MF Tests: JaxJox 22.6kg DumbbellConnect appeared first on MensFitness.

For a full roundup, check out the best adjustable dumbbells 2023

Primal Strength Personal Series 34kg Adjustable Dumbbells

BUY IT NOW:

£499 / primalstrength.com (not available in the US)

PROS

• Easy to adjust and use
• Wide, comfortable grip
• Extensive weight range 

CONS

• Relatively large footprint

Grip: 4.5/5
Weight range: 5/5
Ease of adjustment: 4/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

RELATED CONTENT:

1. Dumbbells vs Resistance Bands
2. Best Dumbbells For Home Workouts
3. Best Full-Body Dumbbell Workout

There is an optional stand to go with the Primal Strength 34kg adjustable dumbbells

Words: David Thomas

The post MF Tests: Primal Strength Personal Series 34kg appeared first on MensFitness.

For a full roundup, check out our list of the best adjustable dumbbells for 2023

BUY IT NOW:

$745 / £699 / fitness-superstore.co.uk

PROS

• Wide weight range
• Smart-looking bit of kit
• Slick adjustment mechanism
• The option to add a hip-high stand

CONS

• Handles could be grippier

Grip: 4.5/5
Weight range: 5/5
Ease of adjustment: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5

Intuitive design, slick looks and a competitive weight range make the NUOBELL 2-32 – the brainchild of Swedish brand NUO Athletics – one of the best adjustable dumbbell systems we had the pleasure of testing.

The one thing adjustable dumbbells need to get right is the mechanism for switching between weights – whether a dial, a button, or otherwise. Happily, NUOBELL has got it spot on, with a seamless twist of the handle (while the dumbbells are in their stands or ‘cradles’) allowing you to cycle between the different weights in an instant – right to decrease, left to increase. For anyone still confused by how adjustable dumbbells actually work, once you’ve selected your weight (indicated by a number on the handles), you then simply lift the handle out of the stand and the required plates will stay attached.

Put your new weights to good use with this full-body dumbbell workout

Those plates manage to avoid the common adjustable dumbbell problem of rattling around when you’re lifting, and the handles are knurled (criss-crossed with grooves) for added grip. That grip is effective most of the time, but we did find high-intensity lifting – and consequent sweaty palms – made them slightly slippery. For regular strength training, though, you won’t have any issues, and chalk or gloves can always be used for a stronger grip.

The word ‘stylish’ features heavily in the brand’s mission statement, and it shines through with these. Although the weights (sold in pairs) total a hefty 32kg each, there’s an elegance to their construction that makes them easy on the eye as well as the hands. All in all, a handsome addition to any home gym.

Slick design meets simple practicality – a quick twist of the handle left or right increases or decreases the weight

RELATED CONTENT:

1. Best dumbbells for home workouts
2. Try this dumbbell-only leg workout
3. Dumbbell chest and core workout

The post MF Tests: NUOBELL 2-32kg Adjustable Dumbbells appeared first on MensFitness.

For a full roundup, check out the best adjustable dumbbells 2023

MuscleSquad 5kg – 32.5kg Adjustable Dumbbell Set

BUY IT NOW:

£275 each / musclesquad.com (not available in the US)

PROS

• Wide resistance range
• Small footprint for easy storage

CONS

• Relatively expensive 

Grip: 4.5/5
Weight range: 5/5
Ease of adjustment: 4/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

RELATED CONTENT:

1. Dumbbells vs Resistance Bands
2. Best Dumbbells For Home Workouts
3. Best Full-Body Dumbbell Workout

Dial in your weight with the MuscleSquad Quick Select – from 5kg up to 32.5kg

Words: David Thomas

The post MF Tests: MuscleSquad 5kg – 32.5kg Adjustable Dumbbell Set appeared first on MensFitness.

For a full roundup, check out the best adjustable dumbbells 2023

BodyMax V2.0 25kg Selectabell 15-in-1 Single Dumbbell

BUY IT NOW:

£199 each / powerhouse-fitness.co.uk (not available in the US)

PROS

• 15-in-1 single dumbbell to help you save space and money
• Easy to change between weights using a pin

CONS

• Expensive compared to some competitors
• Handle grip could be more comfortable

Grip: 4/5
Weight range: 4/5
Ease of adjustment: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

The pin-adjustment mechanism is one of the slickest and easiest we’ve tested

This BodyMax 25kg adjustable dumbbell is a thing of beauty. It has one of the slickest designs on the market and is simple to get to grips with.

Excellent for a variety of movements, the weight range goes from 4.5kg to 25kg in 15 increments, making it hugely versatile. As with all adjustable dumbbells, its compact design reduces the need for a stack of dumbbells so you can save a lot of space.

Related: Adjustable Dumbbells vs Fixed Dumbbells

The single dumbbell, docking station and 10 weight plates come with instructions to get you started. (The design is simple and intuitive, though, so you probably won’t need them.)

Related: How To Use Adjustable Dumbbells

To adjust the BodyMax 25kg adjustable dumbbell, you simply have to lift the selector pin and move it to the weight you want to use. Then, click back into place and lift – it’s that simple. The plates themselves are sturdy and don’t rattle around.

The markings on the base unit define what weights can be selected, so you can quickly choose the resistance you want. The base is also compatible with the Selectabell Stand V2.0. 

If there’s one minor gripe, it’s that the knurled grip on the handles isn’t as comfortable as some other adjustable dumbbells we tested. If you’re a beginner (with soft hands not used to lifting weights) and going to be using these often, some lifting chalk or gloves are recommended.

Put your set to good use with the best dumbbell exercises for every body part

Words: David Thomas

Related content:

1. Dumbbells vs Resistance Bands
2. Best Dumbbells For Home Workouts
3. Best Full-Body Dumbbell Workout

The post MF Tests: BodyMax V2.0 25kg Selectabell 15-in-1 appeared first on MensFitness.

For a full roundup, check out the best adjustable dumbbells

BodyMax 36kg Selectabell 18-in-1 Single Dumbbell

BUY IT NOW:

£269 each / powerhouse-fitness.co.uk (not available in the US)

PROS

• Incredibly easy to adjust and choose your desired weight
• Compared to many on the market, you get a lot of weight for an affordable price
• Comes with scratch-resistant coating, so the dumbbells look great for years

CONS

• Need to buy second dumbbells separately

Grip: 4.5/5
Weight range: 5/5
Ease of adjustment: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

RELATED CONTENT:

1. Dumbbells vs Resistance Bands
2. Best Dumbbells For Home Workouts
3. Best Full-Body Dumbbell Workout

The BodyMax 36kg 18-in-1 adjustable dumbbell features a foolproof weight-selection system

This is an impressive bit of kit, which looks just as good as it performs. Included in the package are the set of weight plates, the adjustable dumbbell body and a docking station. We tested these out on hardwood flooring and thankfully the station left no marks on the wood. The dumbbell fits easily back into the dock after use, too.

The instructions are clear and easy to follow, so we were ready to lift in no time. A simple click of the buttons on either side of the dumbbell allows you to twist the dial and choose a weight. With 18 different weights to choose from, a single BodyMax 36kg adjustable dumbbell is all you need for an effective full-body workout.

This wide range of weights makes the dumbbell suitable for both beginners and experienced lifters, and the handle – one of the comfiest we’ve tested – is ergonomic and easy to grip.

Words: David Thomas

The post MF Tests: BodyMax 36kg Selectabell 18-in-1 appeared first on MensFitness.

For a full roundup, check out the best adjustable dumbbells

Primal Strength Personal Series 25kg Dumbbells With Stand

BUY IT NOW:

£449 / primalstrength.com (not available in the US)

PROS

• Includes a stand for easy access 
• Get 15% off when buying direct

CONS

• Need additional room for the stand
• Handles can get slippery

Grip: 3.5/5
Weight range: 4/5
Ease of adjustment: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Unlike the 34kg model, the Personal Series 25kg includes the stand

Effectively boasting 15 pairs of dumbbells in one compact unit, the Primal Strength Personal Series 25kg adjustable dumbbell set is a great piece of kit if you’re looking for an all-in-one weight-lifting solution.

Like its bigger brother, the Primal Strength Personal Series 34kg set, these dumbbells offer a wide variety of weights, suitable for beginners and experienced lifters alike. Unlike the 34kg set, though, it includes a useful stand – which is an optional extra with the heavier dumbbells.

These adjustable dumbbells are easy to set up and use. There’s no fiddling about with barbell collars: you just adjust the sliders to your desired weight, click into place and get on with your session.

Related: Adjustable Dumbbells vs Fixed Dumbbells

The weights available for each dumbbell range from 4.5kg to 25kg – in 15 uneven increments of between 1kg and 2kg. That should give most people all the options they need for effective workouts.

Related: How To Use Adjustable Dumbbells

Although they’re wide and fairly comfortable, the handles are a little too smooth for our liking, and can get slippery during intense workouts. That’s nothing that can’t be fixed with gloves or a little lifting chalk, though. 

Included with the Primal Strength 25kg adjustable dumbbells is the stand with moulded storage trays that display the various weight increments. Simply line up the slider to the required figure to adjust the weight and start lifting. Once you’re finished, slot the dumbbells back into the stand.

Some adjustable dumbbells can take a few attempts to slot in, but Primal Strength 25kg adjustable dumbbells clicked straight in with ease every time.

Put your set to good use with the best dumbbell exercises for every body part

Words: David Thomas

Related content:

1. Dumbbells vs Resistance Bands
2. Best Dumbbells For Home Workouts
3. Best Full-Body Dumbbell Workout

The post MF Tests: Primal Strength Personal Series 25kg With Stand appeared first on MensFitness.

For a full roundup, check out the best adjustable dumbbells

MuscleSquad 2.5kg – 12.5kg Adjustable Dumbbell Set

BUY IT NOW:

£75 each / musclesquad.com (not available in the US)

PROS

• Five resistance options
• Compact design 
• Cost-effective

CONS

• Light weight range unsuited to some exercises

Grip: 4.5/5
Weight range: 3/5
Ease of adjustment: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Too light? Here’s our review of a heavier 5kg – 32.5kg MuscleSquad Adjustable Dumbbell Set 

The 2.5kg – 12.5kg set is the lightest in MuscleSquad’s Quick Select range

These MuscleSquad 2.5kg – 12.5kg adjustable dumbbells impressed us right away. One pair takes the place of five sets of dumbbells and its small footprint makes storage a breeze. 

Related: Adjustable Dumbbells vs Fixed Dumbbells

It’s easy to shift from the smallest weigh of 2.5kg to a maximum weight of 12.5kg. You don’t have to faff around with dismantling each dumbbell to change the weights, either: just dock the dumbbells, choose the weight you want, click the dial into position and get going. Perfect for drop sets, these dumbbells couldn’t be simpler to use.

The dumbbells can be bought individually or in pairs, and include the docking station and instructions. The docking station is unobtrusive and has a soft underside to protect surfaces from possible damage. Each set is also covered by a one-year warranty.

MuscleSquad’s Quick Select dumbbells can be bought individually or in pairs

This 5-in-1 adjustable dumbbell set gives you five weight options. Simply dial up and down in 2.5kg increments to find the ideal weight for the required exercise. 

We tested each increment, from 2.5kg to 5kg to 7.5kg to 10kg to the maximum 12.5kg weight. For anyone starting their weight-lifting journey, these MuscleSquad dumbbells will help you with both compound and isolation movements. 

Related: How To Use Adjustable Dumbbells

If 12.5kg is not challenging enough for you, MuscleSquad has three other Quick Select adjustable dumbbell sets to choose from: 2.5kg – 25kg, 5kg – 32.5kg or 5kg – 40kg.

We found the soft handles on the MuscleSquad Quick Select adjustable dumbbells to be extremely comfortable. When lifting the weights, there was some slight movement from the plates, but no more than other adjustable dumbbells. They remain secure through each lift, though, so you don’t have to tighten them occasionally as you might with some models.

Words: David Thomas

Related content:

1. Dumbbells vs Resistance Bands
2. Best Dumbbells For Home Workouts
3. Best Full-Body Dumbbell Workout

The post MF Tests: MuscleSquad 2.5kg -12.5kg Adjustable Dumbbell Set appeared first on MensFitness.

There are plenty of things to consider in the fixed dumbbells or adjustable dumbbells debate, but it mostly comes down to personal choice. After all, they both work your body in the same way. It’s more about how each type facilitates your chosen workouts.

So before deciding whether you want to go fixed or adjustable, consider your training routine, and what that might look like in the future. Primarily, what exercises do you want to use your dumbbells for, how do you see your training programme developing and, crucially, how often are you likely to change weights between exercises?

RELATED CONTENT:

1. Best adjustable dumbbells
2. Full-body dumbbell workout
3. Best dumbbell sets for home workouts

Of course it also comes down to money and space. Can you justify the additional expense of adjustable dumbbells? The likes of the BowFlex SelectTech 552i dumbbells come in around £600, and there are more expensive models out there. Or do you have the floorspace or room for a stacking system for multiple pairs of fixed dumbbells?

Put your shiny new pair of dumbbells to good use with these best dumbbell exercises for back workouts

Benefits of fixed dumbbells

Fixed dumbbells are the simpler option. It’s easier to find and use the weight you need and, at first at least, it will be a cheaper outlay, because you can just buy a few pairs of specific weights. Even adding three or four sets to your collections will most likely cost less than a good pair of adjustable dumbbells.

Of course you’ll need more floorspace, or a good racking system to keep them out of the way. Hexagonal dumbbells are easier to stack and store, and unlikely to roll. They’ll tend to have a protective coating too, unlike cheaper circular dumbbells.

Try these best dumbbell exercises for every body part

Fixed dumbbells are more robust than most adjustable dumbbells, particularly those with dials to alter weight. They are also smaller, less cumbersome and easier to travel with.

That said, if you need to use a wide weight range, like the weights themselves the costs are going to stack up.

The Universal PowerPak uses a common dial-based adjustment system

Benefits of adjustable dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells offer a more flexible, finely tuned workout but are also the most expensive. You’ll need less space to store a set, which can offer a weight range of some 5lb to 50lb in a compact package.

They are helpful when performing drop sets, allowing you to quickly dial down the resistance as you go for increased reps and muscular fatigue. They are also useful for increasing weight gradually when performing the same exercises over time – essential for progressive overload.

With adjustable dumbbells you don’t need to worry about stacking or storing, and the systems tend to be solid enough not to roll.

RELATED: How to get stronger without lifting heavy weights

Personal trainer and physiotherapist Jonathan Cooke, who runs JCFitness, says, “Adjustable dumbbells have a distinct advantage of replacing multiple fixed dumbbells and are great for saving space as well as being more cost effective.

“However, they can take some time to get the feel of as the movable plates can change the weight distribution compared to fixed dumbbells.”

“And although adjustable dumbbells are convenient and save space, they take time to adjust the weight to the desired load, which can slow down workouts that have successive exercises, such as circuits and supersets.”

Another option: plate dumbbells

There is a third choice, although it’s something of a compromise. If you think you will need multiple weights, but can’t justify the expense of adjustable dumbbells or multiple fixed ones, you might want to consider plate dumbbells. These are adjustable, as they feature a locking mechanism which allows you to add or remove plates.

All you need to know about how to use adjustable dumbbells

Although they offer greater flexibility in the same footprint as fixed dumbbells, adding and removing plates can be a bit of a faff. They’re also not suited to exercises which require you to position the dumbbells on their ends (for example, getting into position, with the weights rested on your quads, for a chest press) as the metal bar extends beyond the plates on each side.

The post Adjustable Dumbbells vs Fixed Dumbbells appeared first on MensFitness.

Lockdown emphasised the usefulness of having a home gym set-up. Freeing yourself of the need to go to the gym means you could get your strength training in day or night – and that’s just as useful now as it was during the pandemic.

But who has room at home for a large collection of weights? More to the point, who can afford it?

Take your pick of the best adjustable dumbbells

A collection of dumbbells covering a useful range of weights will take up significant floorspace and burn a hole in your wallet. So adjustable dumbbells are a no-brainer if you want to set up a small – and relatively inexpensive – gym at home.

How to use adjustable dumbbells

There’s no question that adjustable dumbbells offer more flexibility and versatility than their fixed-weight counterparts. There are various types of adjustable dumbbells available, using different adjustment methods and covering a diverse weight range. What they all share, however, is letting you decrease or increase the resistance quickly and in manageable increments.

Choosing the right adjustable dumbbell

First you need to find a set that covers your required weight range. So bear in mind the kind of exercises you intend to use them for. Are you going for heavy-weight strength gains, or looking to get leaner with some high-rep conditioning?

If you’re just starting out, you’ll probably be tempted to go lighter. Remember that you will get stronger and be able to lift heavier weights as you progress, though, so bear that in mind. Choosing dumbbells that reach from 5lb to 50lb each will give most people all the room they need to improve their strength.

Get your fix with the best dumbbell sets for home workouts

There are also plate dumbbells, which are a low-cost adjustable option that cover a range of weights. However, removing the plate to vary the weights can be time consuming. You can’t adjust them on the fly as you can with proper adjustable dumbbells.

Changing weights with adjustable dumbbells

The method by which you modify the weight differs widely between models. To name a few options, the Bowflex SelectTech adjustable dumbbell uses a straightforward dial on the end; XMark Fitness’s pair has a lever on the top that slides back and forth to select the correct weight; while the PowerBlock system has a selection pin that slots into the desired weight to free it from the rest of the unit.

There’s a wide choices of weight ranges and increments of adjustability, too. For example, the PowerBlock system goes from 5lb to 50lb, in 5lb increments; the Bowflex SelectTech from 5lb to 25lb in 2.5lb increments; and the Universal PowerPak, from 4lb to 10lb then in 5lb increments to 45lb.

Bowflex 2-24kg Bowflex SelectTech 552i Dumbbells

Personal trainer and physiotherapist Jonathan Cooke, who runs JCFitness, says, “With the dumbbells resting in the base cradle or stand, first adjust them to the desired weight using the dial, pin or lever locking mechanism located on one or both sides of the dumbbells.

“Adjustable dumbbells typically have a dial on either side of each dumbbell, therefore it is highly important for safety that both dials are set to the same weight before lifting.

“Ensure the dial, pin or lever of the adjustable dumbbell(s) are locked into place to the desired weight setting before lifting as they can easily get stuck or plates can come loose when lifting out of the base cradle.”

Find more articles about adjustable dumbbells

How to work out with adjustable dumbbells

Once you’re set up with your adjustable dumbbells you’re good to go. To begin with, you can use them as you would a standard set of dumbbells. But by utlising their entire range you can quickly tap into a wealth of exercises in one workout.

Here are the best dumbbell exercises for every body part

For example, a full-body workout with adjustable dumbbells might look something like this:

1. Dumbbell Deadlift x 8-10 (heavy weight)
2. Dumbbell Chest Press x 8-10 (heavy weight)
3. Superset: Dumbbell Bent-Over Row x 10 (medium weight) with Dumbbell Flye x 10 (medium to light weight)
4. Dumbbell Arnold Shoulder Press x 12 (medium to light weight)
5. Superset: Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift x 10 (medium to heavy weight) with Dumbbell Reverse Flye x 15 (light weight)

Adjustable dumbbells are also a good choice for drop sets. Drop sets are when you work your way down to a lighter weight after using a higher weight in order to increase intensity/fatigue. Adjustable dumbbells mean less interruption between switching weights than fixed dumbbells.

By incorporating smart training techniques such as changes in tempo or time under tension, you can use your adjustable dumbbells in an almost infinite variety of ways. So you can build just as much muscle as you can with more substantial fitness kit – often more efficiently, and definitely more cost-effectively.

RELATED CONTENT:

1. Home dumbbell HIIT workout for a full-body fat burn
2. How to know which type of dumbbells to buy
3. Best full-body dumbbell workout to try at home

The post How To Use Adjustable Dumbbells appeared first on MensFitness.