BRAINGAIN 17-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbells 40kg PAIR Weight Set Affordable Dumbbells Adjustable Weights Space Saver Dumbbells for Home 2x 40KG

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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. Unlike other adjustable dumbbells we’ve tested (notably the BodyMax range), the selectorized dial feels well-made and easy to adjust. The BodyMax ones seized up and stopped working altogether in under a year.

Price: Price is important for just about every home gym builder. For many people, this might be the deciding factor. Because a single pair of adjustable dumbbells replace as many as 17 dumbbells, it's important to put this investment in perspective. You want to opt for something that can grow with you in terms of durability and weight range, which the cheapest models often can't. You might notice that some of the adjustable dumbbells below have an Esquire Approves logo emblazoned upon them. That’s because each of these products has been put through the wringer by our dedicated fitness testing team. So, when we say Esquire Approves, we really do.

The best adjustable dumbbells you can buy in 2023

We understand that building a dedicated fitness room in your home is probably a bridge too far (unless your house happens to have an empty wing). And, when you've already turned the spare room into a home office and the kids have to sleep somewhere (apparently), finding any spare workout space can be a mission. Well, with a premium dumbbell, you don't need a gym from MTV Cribs. On the other hand, if functional training is more your bag, fixed weight dumbbells will be the one for you.

Strengths: Changing the weight of these dumbbells couldn’t be less labour intensive. The digital weights we tested were also sturdy, compact and came as a pair, meaning we weren’t limited to unilateral (single-sided) movements. 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. 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.

The phrase “weight training” may conjure up images of sweaty gyms and clanging metal plates, but the practice has a plethora of health benefits that go far beyond maintaining muscle and managing weight (so long as you’re eating well, too). 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.

This innovative design is brilliantly compact and the flat base makes it easy to store. The shape took our expert a while to get used to – the handle is surrounded by the rectangular weight plates – but it felt reassuringly robust. There is also the option to buy and add extra weights, should you want to lift more than the maximum 22.5kg.It's important to choose adjustable dumbbells that are well-made and constructed from durable materials. If you're using an old-school model which features removable plates, you should also make sure that they're securely attached to the handle before you start your lift. Using and adjusting the weight mid-workout is simple, with a clear display on the front of the weight cradle showing the current weight, and plus or minus buttons to allow for 3kg incremental changes in either direction. For 2023, using our unique scoring system, the MuscleSquad 5kg – 40kg takes the crown for the best adjustable dumbbells in the UK. Bowflex’s SelectTech dumbbell is a selectorised dumbbell, which means its weight can be adjusted simply by turning a dial when the dumbbell is resting in its base. It combines 15 weights ranging from 2kg to 24kg, so you can easily achieve a varied workout.

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.Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s about deciding which best fits your needs. Let’s help you choose. Digital No, it's not a dumbbell. But it's so much more! Kettlebells offer an unbalanced weight, which means as well as your standard lifts, you can challenge your body in new ways with swings and catches. This Bowflex 'bell switches from 3.5kg to 18kg when you spin the dial at the top, offering six weight stops on the way, and when not in use it sits happily in the accompanying holder. 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. We believe the greatest fault with these weights is the weight adjustment increments. They do not increase by a standard amount – for example, 5kg, 7.5kg, 10kg. Instead, you’ll notice 3kg to 3.5kg stages: 5kg, 8kg, 11kg, 14.5kg, 18kg, 21kg, 24kg, 27.5kg, 30.5kg, 33.5kg, 37kg, 40kg.