At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts for collaboration on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality. Key features – Main material: Latex-free plastic; Weight range: 3.6-22.7kg; Number of weight options: 8 While fitness fads may come and go, few health innovations have stood the test of time as steadfastly as the humble dumbbell. With a strong claim to being the most versatile piece of gym kit around, variations of these free weights have been contributing to users’ bulging bis and bulky tris since Ancient Greek times. Although water-filled dumbbells also technically fall into the adjustable dumbbell category, it is primarily these two types outlined above that we’ll be covering in this roundup. And now for something completely different. Initially, it’s easy to mistake this Northdeer offering for a fixed weight dumbbell, as it comes with 12.5kg already attached to the bar. However, these weights have grooved holes on either end that can be used to attach additional plates with screws built into them (much like a nut and bolt combo).

Weakness: These dumbbells have to be plugged into the wall to change the load, and the maximum weight of the pair we tested (the Jaxjox’s 22.7kg) might not be enough for those well-versed in strength training. How we test The grip on the handles felt a little rough and, predictably, changing the weight took longer than on digital and dial dumbbells. But overall, this is a neat and robust set that will stand up to the rigours of any home workout. This adjustable dumbbell set is quite light compared to others on the list – which is reflected in the cheaper price (retailing at less than half the price of others in our roundup). Gone are the days when aspiring athletes had to choose whether they wanted to pound the pavements or lift weights in the gym. Studies have repeatedly shown the two can work symbiotically to form a stronger, faster and more efficient runner. Plus, the stronger your muscles and connective tissues are, the less likely you are to get injured. That's why we recommend strength training one to two times a week, if you can. And one way that you can make it easier to fit in is by doing it at home. Why buy an adjustable dumbbell?

The best adjustable dumbbells you can buy in 2023

Available on its own or as a pair, this user-friendly adjustable dumbbell impressed our tester with its polished performance, scoring top marks for comfort. The rounded shape made it easier to manoeuvre than bulkier options and the rubber grip felt kinder to our hands than most metal weights. The Nüobell is the best blend of reliability and authentic dumbbell feel I’ve used," says Samuel, who has been using these for over three years. "The shape and design of these bells makes them ideal for accessory motions, like skullcrushers and biceps curls, and they’re easy to hold for goblet squats too." Aside, from a few scratches, they've held up great to heavy use. Overall, they’re a really durable piece of equipment that we use weekly in our strength routines. "I've dropped these from three or four feet up after tough sets of presses, and they hold up just fine," Samuel recounts. (Although we don't recommend making a habit out of dropping any adjustable dumbbells on the regular.) There aren’t too many weight options to choose from (12kg, 17kg, 20kg and 25kg) and the lightest setting is still quite heavy. But, if you’re after something a little bit different, this stylish dumbbell is worth looking into. Moving on to their construction, these dumbbells feature a plastic casing around the plates to protect them from damage and dampen noise during use. We find the plastic casing makes these feel quite bulky and slightly less premium compared to, let's say, the NÜOBELL Classics. We find the design a bit wide and cumbersome for exercises like curls and even side-loaded squats and lunges. "In my experience, these work best for chest-supported rows and overhead presses," says Samuel.

Why should I buy an adjustable dumbbell over a trusty fixed weight pair?' you say. We’re glad you asked. Versatile Studies have found it can also improve bone health, boost the efficiency of your heart and lungs and reduce resting blood pressure. Strength-training can be even more important as you get older, too; the stronger you are, the better your balance will be, which can reduce the risk of falls later in life. This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users. If you fancy enjoying these health perks without trekking to the gym, add an adjustable dumbbell to your home gym equipment. They take up minimal floor space and offer a range of different weights, meaning you can choose the most appropriate load for every squat, lunge and press. What is the best adjustable dumbbell?

Our roundup of the best all-in-one adjustable dumbbells to help you save space and money

Size and shape: Adjustable dumbbells come in different shapes and sizes. Consider the size and shape of the dumbbells and make sure they feel comfortable in your hands. Basically, does the dumbbell feel “good” or natural to you? Again, this comes down to personal preference and might involve some trial and error. For beginners and folks looking to engage in moderate strength training at home, a set that maxes out at 50 pounds per dumbbell should suffice. They offer a range of weight that can be used for a wide range of exercises and is a great starting point. Beginners can work on everything from bicep curls to overhead presses to squats with these. Our tester liked this unique set-up, with each additional plate screwing tightly into place to create a stylish, solid and sturdy dumbbell suitable for more dynamic movements. There are only four weight options and the lightest 12.5kg is still quite heavy, but there are lighter sets available online. York has been making weights since 1932, so it’s no surprise that the company knows its stuff. This is clear from the brand’s versatile dumbbell set, which is suitable for everything from adding resistance to a HIIT workout to performing strength-building exercises like goblet squats.

The center dial couldn't be easier to use—just turn it until your desired weight appears and stops blinking, and you're good to go. Unlike other dumbbells on this list, the iSelects utilize a single adjustment mechanism for both dumbbells, which saves you the time of adjusting each one separately. For 2023, using our unique scoring system, the MuscleSquad 5kg – 40kg takes the crown for the best adjustable dumbbells in the UK. We offer an Express Delivery option on certain products for a small additional charge, with delivery times between 1-2 business days.Weight range: Look for a weight range that meets your fitness goals. Most adjustable dumbbells can be adjusted in 2.5-pound or 5-pound increments, so it's important to consider a weight minimum and maximum that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking to add some muscle or lose some fat, lifting weights is essential to maximise results. This kind of exercise is often referred to as resistance training. The basic design of adjustable dumbbells involves a handle that you hold onto during your workout, with a set of weight plates on either end—just like traditional dumbbells. Old-school adjustable dumbbells come with a set of plates of varying weights that can be added or removed from the handle, but newer designs have employed innovative adjustment mechanisms to make adjustable dumbbells more user-friendly.

Combining the customer score with our export analysis, we awarded these dumbbells a Savvy Score of 8.9 out of 10. They feel good in-hand thanks to an ergonomic grip and knurled handles that help you keep a hold during your workout. But, as you may be able to tell by looking at them, they don’t offer the same weight distribution as a traditional bell. "If you’re looking to use a set of adjustable movements for plenty of accessory movements, go with something more dumbbell-shaped," Samuel explains. Forcing your neighbour to endure the metallic clang of a dumbbell in the early hours is going to do little for your relationship. With that, let us introduce the Bowflex SelectTech 552i — the silent assassin of the adjustable dumbbell world.

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Many customers report having a very poor experience with customer service. Once problems occur, Bowflex is reluctant to take responsibility. You'll find York Fitness's bombproof dumbbells in gyms up and down the country. They're made to last, ergonomic and are available – even now – in an enormous variety of different weights. So even if you can't get the exact range you want at the moment, you'll be able to fill in any gaps soon.