There are many reasons to work out at home, whether you want to save money on a gym membership, don’t have time to go to a workout class regularly, or simply love your virtual exercise instructors. These days, it’s easier than ever to bring home the equipment you use at the gym. A dumbbell set is a must for any home gym, as we can use these weights for a wide variety of exercises and are easy to store, even in small apartments.
The Best Dumbbell Sets
What to consider?
There are a few things to consider when buying a dumbbell set:
Space
The first thing to consider when buying a new product for your home gym is how much space it will take up and how much space you have. Larger sets require racks that may be too large for apartment-sized home gyms. Here, a pyramid style rack or adjustable dumbbell set will give you more bang for your buck in terms of space.
Weight range
Next, think about the weight range you want. This depends on the type of resistance training you do and your personal exercise routine. To add light resistance to a home yoga or Pilates class, you may want a set of weights that doesn’t exceed 10 pounds. If you like to challenge yourself with strength training exercises, a larger set of weights, up to 50 pounds or more, might be more suitable for your needs.
Equipment
Since you’re training at home, you’ll want to purchase a set that won’t damage your floors or walls when it comes into contact or when a weight is dropped. Rubberized weights are a good idea for just this reason. Weights with flat sides, such as hexagonal dumbbells, also don’t roll, which can protect toes and other objects in their path.
If you want to give your home gym a bit more of a professional look and add resistance exercises to your routine, here are the best dumbbell sets for all home gyms and skill levels. The best part is that because each set contains multiple weights, these products grow with you as you gain strength, allowing you to use them for years to come.
1. Stand Set
This set of dumbbells is ideal for most home gyms. The weights range from 5 to 25 pounds and come with an easy-to-use pyramid stand that is out of the way for the organization. We rubberize each weight for safety and hexagonal to prevent rolling. Both the weights and stand are very durable and built to last, and this set won’t cost you a fortune, either.
Customers love that this 5-star rated dumbbell set is easy to set up and offers flexibility in the type and intensity of workout you can get. As one reviewer notes, “They are GREAT and a great value for the money. The rack is very solid and the dumbbells are ergonomically shaped. They stay in place on the floor because the ends are rubber coated and they have flat sides.... I love them!”
Buy: Stand Set
2. Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set with Stands
For a serious home gym setup, you can’t go wrong with this impressive set of free weights, which range from 5 to 50 pounds. The dumbbells have a hexagonal design that prevents rolling, and a rubberized exterior to protect your surfaces from accidental impact.
They come with a sturdy red or blue metal stand to place the weights against the wall for easy access. The weights have grooved metal handles for easy grip, and the heavier weights have slightly wider handles for added control and comfort.
While this set is not the cheapest option, it is built for quality, and one user notes that “I was worried about spending so much on a set of dumbbells, but after looking at a lot of different products, I paid for the quality I wanted. So far, I am very pleased with this purchase.”
Buy: Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set with Stands
3. Adjustable Dumbbell Set with Dumbbell Stand
Bring some charm and style to your home gym (not to mention functionality) with this cute adjustable dumbbell set. The set includes 20 pastel-colored plates in 2.1 and 1.1 pound increments, so you can easily move up and down without having to accumulate an immense pile of equipment in your home.
The plates are square and rubberized, so they won’t move when you set them down, and they have a simple locking mechanism to keep the weights from slipping off in the middle of your workout.
Users of all levels appreciate the fact that we can customize these dumbbells to fit the activity of the day. One reviewer writes, “I’m a beginner, so they fit my needs well. It’s very easy to adjust the weight, and I like the unique anti-roll feature.”
Buy: Adjustable Dumbbell Set with Dumbbell Stand
4. Adjustable Dumbbell Set
This set includes everything you need to load hand-held free weights and a barbell with just the right amount of weight for your abilities. The set includes two dumbbell handles, a barbell and 12 weight plates - four 2.2-pound plates, four 3.3-pound plates and four 4.4-pound plates - so you can add up to 39 pounds to your bar at a time.
The barbell handles have a non-slip plastic grip for better control, and the barbell has a thick foam protective layer to relieve pressure on your back during squats.
Users appreciate the versatility of these products, but note that setting up and switching weights between exercises can take some practice and time. As one reviewer writes, “The concept is pure genius! However, there is only one negative, and that is the time to assemble the weights [to the] specific exercise you want to perform...other than that, I am thrilled with my purchase. I highly recommend it.”
