If you could only own one item of fitness kit for the rest of your life, you’d do well to pick the humble dumbbell. Even the heaviest are small enough to fit in the corner of a room, and you can perform virtually every strength training exercise – and just about every workout protocol – with a dumbbell set.

Test out your new kit with the best dumbbell exercises for every body part 

A dumbbell set can elevate the calorie burn of high-intensity workouts, and help you develop the functional strength and power required for numerous sports.

However, while the dumbbell set is one of the best and easiest bits of home gym kit to snap up, they weren’t all created equal. Generally speaking, for most people’s home workout needs, a rubber-coated ‘fixed dumbbell’ set is going to be the best bet: these tend to be the most durable and forgiving to fragile floors.

More on that here: Adjustable dumbbells or fixed dumbbells

That said, beginners might favour the plate-loaded ‘spinlock’ variety, which tend to be lighter in weight but adjustable – with additional weight plates tending to sit in the 1.25kg-5kg range.

As with any exercise equipment, the options are endless and choosing the right type for you can be bewildering. Which is why we’ve pulled this list together: to help you find the best dumbbell set for your home workout needs.

Discover the best adjustable dumbbells

Best Dumbbell Set For Home Workouts

1. Jordan Fitness Premium Urethane Dumbbells ($52-$1,553 / £42-£1,260)
2. Eleiko Vulcano Dumbbell ($35-$470 / £28-£379 each)
3. Blk Box Rubber Hex Dumbbells ($13-$162 / £12-£154 each)
4. Corength Hex Dumbbell (£11.99-£79.99 each – not available in the US)
5. Mirafit Rubber Dumbbell Set (£34.95-£199.95 – not available in the US)
6. DKN Rubber Hex Dumbbells (£22.99-£239.99 – not available in the US)

Keep reading for our full reviews of the best dumbbell sets for home workouts in 2023…

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Jordan Fitness Premium Urethane Dumbbells

BUY IT NOW:

$52-$1,553 / £42-£1,260 / jordanfitness.com

Pros:

• Excellent weight range
• Floor-friendly design

Cons:

• Expensive

Grip: 5/5
Durability: 4.5/5
Weight range: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5

Another option that will reduce the risk of scuffs and damage to your floor, these durable urethane dumbbells can be picked up in pairs all the way up to a monstrous 75kg (if you have £1,260 to spare), or sets ranging from 2.5kg-25kg to 65kg-75kg.

There’s also steel underneath that urethane, which has been heat treated with a handle that offers plenty of metal to grab onto. These are going to appeal to experienced gym-goers who want to lift big, but there’s also a good range of weight options for less seasoned lifters.

Eleiko Vulcano Dumbbell

BUY IT NOW:

$35-$470 / £28-£379 each / eleiko.com

Pros:

• High-grade appearance
• Floor-friendly design

Cons:

• Expensive for a set
  

Grip: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Weight range: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 5/5

Eleiko’s Vulcano dumbbell sets don’t come cheap, especially as they’re sold individually. You do get what you pay for though: a well-constructed dumbbell that will work for whatever workout you throw at it.

The dumbbells feature chrome steel handles that are sloped and knurled to make sure you can get a good grip even with sweaty hands, while handle length and diameter are accommodating for both smaller and bigger gripping styles.

The ends are coated in protective polyurethane, which softens the sound if you accidentally drop the dumbbells onto the floor. That makes them better suited to home workouts, particularly if you’ve got hard floors and are worried about potential scuffing. Plus, it’s a nice bonus that the polyurethane outer shouldn’t give off any bad smells when sweat comes into play.

From curls to squats to bent-over rows, you have something well equipped to cover the key dumbbell exercise bases, and with weight options ranging from 1kg to 40kg, you have the scope to go light or lift heavy.

It’s going to be pricey to assemble a dumbbell set, but if you just need a single or pair for home use, Eleiko’s Vulcano stands out for all the right reasons.

Need some workout inspiration? Try this dumbbell-only leg workout

Blk Box Rubber Hex Dumbbells

BUY IT NOW:

$13-$162 / £12-£154 each / blkboxfitness.com

Pros:

• Huge weight range
• Sturdy hex design
• High-quality build

Cons: 

• Sold individually
• Pairs of heavier weights can be expensive

Grip: 4.5/5
Durability: 5/5
Weight range: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

These heavy-duty fixed hex dumbbells go all the way up to 60kg, making them strong options for anyone that wants serious weight to hand. The cast iron frame is covered in rubber to protect floors, and there’s chrome-plated knurled handles to get a good hold of.

That hex-style design means they’re not going to roll around and make them well suited for press-up style exercises. Plus, the lighter weights won’t break the bank, although the dumbbells are sold individually, so a pair of the heavier options is going to set you pack several hundred pounds (£300 for two 60kg weights). However, compared to other options in this list that is surprisingly good value.

Corength Hex Dumbbell

BUY IT NOW:

£11.99-£79.99 each / decathlon.co.uk (not currently available in the US)

Pros:

• Affordable
• Stable design perfect for floor exercises

Cons:

• Relatively light weight range

Grip: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Weight range: 4/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

Ideal if you hate the idea of dumbbells rolling around your floor, this fixed dumbbell from Decathlon wraps its iron frame up in rubber for a more stable design compared to round plates. It works well for dedicated weight training and functional workouts.

There’s a good-sized metal, knurled handle to wrap your hands around, although weight options range from 2.5kg-22.5kg, so it definitely sits at the lighter end of the weight spectrum. The hex plate design makes Decathlon’s range ideal for floor-based dumbbell exercises like renegade rows and dumbbell press-ups, because the flat sides of the weights will stay put as you work away.

The all-black design gives it an attractive, low-key look, they feel built to last and you’re safe in the knowledge that when you put them down and away after a session, they’re still going to be there when you need to go again.

Mirafit Rubber Dumbbell Set

BUY IT NOW:

£34.95-£199.95 / mirafit.co.uk (not currently available in the US)

Pros:

• Good grip
• Sturdy design

Cons:

• Expensive for heavier weights
• Weight range could be better

Grip: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Weight range: 4/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

These come in pairs, with the heaviest weighing in at 35kg per dumbbell. The rubber coating on the weights mean they’re kinder to hard floors and the knurled steel handle offers a strong and durable place to grip.

You can also pick them up in sets if you want a greater variety of weights (a set of 5kg-30kg at 2.5kg increments will set you back a cool £999.95) and Mirafit even makes racks for your dumbbell set, to give you that proper gym feel at home.

DKN Rubber Hex Dumbbells

BUY IT NOW:

£22.99-£239.99 / amazon.co.uk (not currently available in the US)

Pros:

• Stable design
• Look good

Cons:

• Limited weight range

Grip: 4.5/5
Durability: 5/5
Weight range: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5

DKN’s hex dumbbell sets come in pairs up to 30kg per dumbbell. That hex design means they’ll stay put in-between sets and there’s solid steel handles with a knurled pattern to provide a reliable grip even when you start to sweat.

Plus, that rubber coating ensures a good amount of durability, too, and won’t do damage to your floor should accidentally drop them.

See more content related to dumbbells

The post Best Dumbbell Sets For Home Workouts appeared first on MensFitness.

If you’re pushing for a parkrun PB, your old, knackered to-the-shops-and-back trainers aren’t going to cut it. Running as fast as you can over 3.1 miles (5k) is – as anyone who’s tried it will know – very hard, and you’re going to need all the help you can get.

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When it comes to footwear, that means light, fast and responsive trainers that can propel you forward with every step – crucially, without weighing you down.

So whether you’re chasing a sub-20-minute time, or just want something to help you finish your first 5k, here’s our pick of the best running shoes to do the job.

Check out our list of the 12 toughest running races on Earth

Men’s Fitness Best Buy

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

BUY IT NOW:

RRP £165 / saucony.com

PROS:

• Spacious upper
• Durable outsole
• Just as at home over longer distances
• Good amount of grip

CONS:

• Wide fit may be a little loose for some
• Pricier than the Speed 2

Speed: 5
Comfort: 5
OVERALL: 5

The clue is in the name here in terms of what you can expect from one of the newest members of Saucony’s Endorphin range. The Speed 3 is designed to get you running your fastest, but also feels more stable than its predecessor if you want to mix up your speeds.

There are a few things that make it a standout option, starting with a mesh upper that’s both breathable and more accommodating than the one on the Speed 2 – and offers a good amount of space up front in the toe box.

Saucony’s special sauce comes from combining its soft PWRRUNPB midsole foam to provide an enjoyable bounce and its Speedroll shoe design that gives you that feel of being pushed forward onto your toes.

The outsole is built for road runs, with a pattern that’s designed to grip well to pavements and harder surfaces. When you’re ready to progress beyond the 5k distance, there’s a nylon plate packed in to promote big energy returns on longer runs.

If you’re just sticking to the short stuff, this really is a standout shoe.

26 need-to-know expert running tips

Men’s Fitness Recommended

Hoka Rocket X

BUY IT NOW:

RRP £155 / hokaoneone.eu

PROS:

• Makes fast running feel good
• Lightweight design

CONS:

• Fit may be too narrow for some

Speed: 5
Comfort: 4.5
OVERALL: 4.5

If you’re all about bringing that speed and don’t want to spend big for a shoe that feels nice to run fast in, Hoka’s Rocket X is one to consider. Shop around and you can pick it up for closer to £80 than the usual £155 price tag, and that represents a bit of a bargain.

It wraps the feet up with a light upper that hugs close to your feet and offers a strong locked-down, racing-flat fit. Hoka matches up a 1mm carbon fibre plate with a slightly firm midsole foam and an early-stage meta rocker to offer stability in the forefoot, which delivers an aggressive and enjoyably smooth ride from start to finish. The outsole prioritises areas at the heel and forefoot to cover key impact areas, further reducing the overall weight of a shoe that’s a great go-fast option.

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2

BUY IT NOW:

RRP £229.95 / nike.com

A shoe you can expect to see lined up at the front of every race start line, Nike’s latest Vaporfly includes its responsive ZoomX midsole foam and a full length carbon plate to help make this a shoe to run a zippy 5K in.

The snug upper is built to hug in all of the right places with a lightly padded tongue and lacing that keep the weight down and also takes the pressure off your racing feet.

The grooved outsole is one to reserve for road runs.

PROS:

• Built for speed
• Suitable for a range of distances
• Snug upper

CONS:

• Some will need more support
• Expensive

Speed: 5
Comfort: 4.5
OVERALL: 4.5

Puma Velocity Nitro 2

BUY IT NOW:

RRP £100 / uk.puma.com 

PROS:

• Versatile
• Great value for money
• Comfortable upper
• Grippy outsole

CONS:

• Not the most breathable
• Could be lighter

Speed: 4
Comfort: 5
OVERALL: 4.5

The Velocity Nitro 2 performs way above what its price tag suggests. It’s an excellent shoe for partnering your 5k efforts.

The upper is plush and comfortable, while the Puma Grip rubber outsole can handle both wet and dry running conditions with ease. Puma uses its Nitro foam midsole to provide a responsive and pleasantly bouncy ride that makes it work at easy, moderate and quicker paces. It offers stability at the heel, too, for anyone concerned the ride might be too excitable and want that added protection.

Asics METASPEED Edge+

BUY IT NOW:

RRP £225 / asics.com

PROS:

• Nice and bouncy
• Works best going quick

CONS:

• Expensive
• Not the most durable

Speed: 5
Comfort: 4
OVERALL: 4

The Edge+ is expensive, but if you’re a quick runner and looking for something to fight for a podium finish, then it’s got plenty going for it.

Asics keeps the weight down with a recycled polyester upper, including skinny braid laces and a wafer-thin tongue. There’s more of its FF Blast Turbo cushioning than the first Edge, and a carbon plate that helps get the feet turning over quickly and efficiently.

The AsicsGrip outsole is well built for wet roads and, while it’s pricey, it’s one that can help chase down those big 5k PBs.

Asics NOVABLAST 2

BUY IT NOW:

RRP £130 / asics.com

PROS:

• Stable and enjoyable ride
• Strong outsole durability

CONS:

• On the heavier side
• Cushioning will be too soft for some

Speed: 4
Comfort: 5
OVERALL: 4

The Novablast is another versatile option that works at a range of paces and distances, but is pacey enough to push the envelope over 5k. Asics packs this latest iteration with its FF Blast cushioning technology which – matched with a wide, trampoline-inspired outsole –helps to give the Novablast 2 a noticeably bouncy ride.

There’s additional support provided at the back of the shoe through a TPU heel stabiliser, and Asics’ AHARPLUS outsole is fit to eat up plenty of road-running time before you need to think about buying a new pair.

Skechers GoRun Speed Elite Hyper

BUY IT NOW:

RRP £165 / skechers.co.uk 

PROS:

• Fast and light
• Barely-there upper
• Excellent grip

CONS:

• Ultra-responsive feel won’t be for everyone
• Best for short distances only

Speed: 5
Comfort: 4
OVERALL: 4

Skechers is beginning to roll out some really good running shoes, and in the Elite Hyper it has one with a need for speed. If you like to run quick, this is the shoe for you – coming alive when you up the pace.

The mono-mesh upper is thin and light, while Skechers’ Hyper Burst foam and carbon plate – which sits primarily in the forefoot – combines to give this shoe a slightly firm, but unexpectedly peppy ride. That’s topped off with a Goodyear outsole that gives the Elite Hyper strong traction even if it’s wet underfoot.

New Balance Fuelcell RC Elite V2

BUY IT NOW:

£210 / newbalance.co.uk

PROS:

• Built for speed
• Suitable for training and racing

CONS:

• Not enough stability for some
• Heavier than the original

Speed: 5
Comfort: 4
OVERALL: 4

Another 5k racer option, the RC Elite 2 packs an energy-returning carbon plate, making it tailor-made for fast running.

New Balance plants its bouncy FuelCell foam inside the midsole and there’s an outsole that prioritises heel and forefoot areas to improve durability. Its knit upper, meanwhile, is designed to help keep the shoe’s weight down and offer a sock-like fit.

Shop around and you can grab it for much less than RRP, making it a great buy that works even when you move from speedy 5ks to half and full marathons.

Hoka Mach 5

BUY IT NOW:

£125 / hoka.com 

PROS:

• Versatile shoe
• Responsive ride

CONS:

• Not the most durable outsole
• Narrow fit

Speed: 4.5
Comfort: 4
OVERALL: 4

Like the excellent Mach 4, Hoka’s Mach 5 is designed for daily training runs with the capacity to speed things up. There’s a quite narrow jacquard mesh upper to keep feet securely locked in place and it’s been upgraded to Hoka’s latest ProFly+ midsole foam to deliver an overall enjoyable ride.

The outsole remains similar to the one used on the Mach 4 to offer good grip on roads. It’s a shoe that works for 5ks, but will easily manage longer outings, too.

Brooks Glycerin 20

BUY IT NOW:

£150 / brooksrunning.com

PROS:

• Comfortable
• Durable

CONS:

• There are quicker 5k options
• Better suited to training than racing

Speed: 3
Comfort: 5
OVERALL: 3.5

Brooks has a lot of great shoes that work well at this distance, but the Glycerin 20 is the comfiest of the lot. It features impressive new cushioning technology and offers a level of durability that means it can eat up a lot of running time.

You’ve got your pick of medium or wide-fit options, with an engineered mesh upper that offers ample snugness and an outsole that gives you a big landing base for pavement pounding. The Glycerin 20 also includes Brooks’ new, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam, providing a soft cushioning to protect legs when you decide to take them beyond that 5k distance.

RELATED CONTENT:

1. 26 need-to-know expert running tips
2. Running for just 10 minutes can boost mental performance
3. 5 steps to improve your running technique

The post Best Running Shoes For Smashing Your 5K PB appeared first on MensFitness.