Adjustable vs. Non-adjustable (Fixed) Dumbbells: What’s the Difference?

You know how when you go to a new gym, the weights section can be really overwhelming? You’re not sure how they organize the equipment here or where things are. Shopping for your home gym can be a similar experience - there is a TON of exercise equipment on the market, from different types of dumbbells to accessories like resistance bands and various set-ups - benches, bars, machines... 

We want to make exercising easier for you because you deserve to feel good and to be healthy. Today, we are going to explain the difference between two different types of dumbbells out there: adjustable and non-adjustable (sometimes also called fixed dumbbells). We’ll talk about which one is best for your goals and give suggestions on which ones to get. 

Why dumbbells are essential for a home gym

First of all, dumbbells are a great way to start building your home gym’s equipment library. Varying in colours, weights, grips, and materials, dumbbells are extremely versatile and you can work out every muscle group in your body with them. Depending on the weight of the dumbbell, you can burn fat, improve your coordination, sculpt muscles, and even build muscle mass if you go into the heavier lifting range.

How to choose a dumbbell weight

The weight of the dumbbells you acquire depends on your goals and current workout routine - if you are just starting out, you can use lower weights and see good results with consistency. If you are already strong and your workout routine is advanced, you won’t get far with 30lb dumbbells, unless you are just focusing on maintenance. As a beginner, you don’t need really heavy weights and you can do a lot of exercises with smaller weights and functional movements. Before you set out to purchase dumbbells, figure out your workout goals, what exercises you plan on doing, and what your home setup will look like. Someone with the goal of bodybuilding will require entirely different equipment than someone who wants to just stay fit and toned.

Adjustable Dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells give you amazing flexibility because you don’t need to choose the weights separately! And as you can probably tell from the name, adjustable dumbbells allow you to… adjust the weight. With one set, you can go from 5lbs to 45lbs in increments (3kg to 20kg). This is an amazing piece of exercise equipment because it saves you a ton of space at your home gym - you are combining 16 (!) sets of workout weights into one. You also don’t have to choose between which weights to buy if these are your first dumbbells and if you are on a budget, this is a great option. With the versatility of this set, you can do light or intense workouts and not have to worry about buying additional weights! 

The drawback of adjustable dumbbells is that weight plates can rattle if the lock mechanism isn’t high quality. This can be remedied with twist-lock technology which also allows for faster adjustment and less time lost during your workout.

GEARFORFIT ADJUSTABLE DUMBBELLS, 45 POUNDS, SET OF TWO
 

Non-adjustable Dumbbells

This one might be a shock... non-adjustable dumbbells cannot be adjusted. These traditional weights are solid, often featuring a cast-iron core, and you have to choose the weight individually if you want to purchase them. If you want additional weights, you have to purchase another set. If you are working out of a basement or a garage and have a lot of room, getting fixed dumbbells is a great idea. You can purchase them as needed depending on the evolution of your workout routine. In a way, it’s less commitment than adjustable dumbbells because if you know you’ll never use 45lbs and prefer lighter exercises, you will only need one or two sets of fixed dumbbells. You can also buy racks to store them nicely.

Made from 100% virgin rubber, fixed dumbbells protect your floors, furniture, and even your feet if you drop them. There is also zero adjusting time and the hex shape prevents them from rolling away. If your workout includes supersets or drops sets where switching between weights must be immediate, then non-adjustable dumbbells may be your best bet. They are also more durable because of the solid build. The drawback is definitely the cost per set and the storage space. 

GEARFORFIT VIRGIN HEX DUMBBELL

In the end, the choice of adjustable vs non-adjustable dumbbells comes down to your personal choice and workout routine. If you need multiple options or if multiple members of your household use the weights, then adjustable is the way to go. If you know exactly what you’re doing and want to maintain your workout, then non-adjustable will be great and you can grow your home gym equipment library as you wish.