Equally, loosening the weights is a breeze, and the collars take just a few seconds to undo. In fact, I timed how long it took to add one 1kg weight on to each side of the bar – 37 seconds in total to undo both collars, add the weight and re-tighten the collars. Below, our expert testers at the Men's Health Lab and our own experienced editors have compiled a list of their best adjustable dumbbells for building muscle, strength, endurance and power from the relative comfort (if you'll allow us to call it that) of your living room. Don't say we don't spoil you. If you’re particularly short on space, an adjustable dumbbell is the way to go. Housing multiple weights in one compact design, they’re both a more economic and space-saving alternative to buying separate dumbbells. The only downside is that they need loading. Material Yes, it can take a while to change the weight as you have to spin each individual collar on and off each time, and the plates can clang when you press them overhead. But their no-frills build makes them a darn sight cheaper than their tech-heavy counterparts. Men's Health Lab Approved Then, let’s talk about the weight-changing mechanisms. Some adjustable weights allow you to change the weight using additional plates that can be fixed to the bar as needed, whereas others have an adjustable plate system built in that uses a dial to alter the required weight before you curl or lift easily. The second option is more efficient (you won’t have to stop mid-workout to screw and unscrew plates off and on), but they cost more. FAQ Are adjustable dumbbells a good investment?

The build quality of this weights kit is high. It may not be the most expensive on the market but, as they are cast-iron weights, you can see and feel the quality. So what should you look for when buying your ideal pair of adjustable dumbbells? The first and most obvious is the weight range. If you’re thinking about using these adjustable home weights more for aerobic, fat-burning exercises alongside a cardio workout, for example, look for a pair with a lower weight range, as you’ll be using these in high-repetition exercises. If you’re more about bulking and adding muscle, you will want a pair of loadable dumbbells with a higher range. Modular dumbbells are perfect for home gyms due to their compact size and versatility. If you choose to buy one, the Bowflex Selecttech range is one of the best options out there: simply dial in the required weight and the dumbbell cleverly grasps the correct plate/s. Related: Men's Health Dumbbell Club: Your Three-Day Full-Body Muscle Plan How to Choose the Best Dumbbells Space Typically, a dumbbell will either be rounded or hexagonal, the latter being the smart choice as it doesn't roll away when you put it down. It's also perfect if you fancy using a dumbbell for press-up variations. Secondly, the weight is particularly important, especially if you opt for a fixed dumbbell system, which can't be adjusted or added to.

The 3-in-1 function has its caveats. The Boxbell 3-in-1 works great as an adjustable dumbbell, but it's not quite ergonomic enough to replace kettlebells. It can be used for kettlebell moves the same way you can use a decent-sized dumbbell for snatches. The same goes for using them as parallettes: you can use hex dumbbells or cheap wooden parallettes instead. Not only do dumbbell exercises accelerate fat loss, help develop strength, build muscle mass and improve your cardio, they’re also super convenient. Ready-to-use and easily-scalable, you don’t need to worry about setting up a machine or loading up a barbell before getting your pump on. With that in mind, here’s a few basic exercises you can perform using the dumbbells we recommend below. Bicep Curl The Boxbell 3-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell is a decent home weight and one that has many functions. It can replace several home weights and is super portable; it's also compact, making it easier to store and use for workouts. The weight spread is pretty good, and 20 kg as a max weight is more than enough for home gyms.

A solid, robust weight kit that’s ideal for those doing cardio, HIIT or other fat-burning workouts at home, this is a high-quality piece of kit for the money. The build quality is impressive, the design and unprotected iron weights feel old-school, and although adding or removing weights takes a little extra time, it’s a small price to pay for the cash saving. Get a set before they’re all snapped up. Domyos Threaded Weight Kit 20kg review: Also consider The problem with these threaded weights when compared to the more expensive adjustable dumbbells is that, undoubtedly, unscrewing and replacing different weights takes time out of your workout and can interrupt your flow. I found also that the collar occasionally began to work itself lose during workouts if I hadn’t twisted it as tight as it will go, which meant the weights then became wobbly on the bar and I’d have to re-tighten the collar. Not a major inconvenience, but an irritation that you wouldn’t find on fixed dumbbells or adjustable dumbbells.Switching weight on these beefy monsters by Bowflex is as easy as spinning a dial. This works exceptionally well for mid-workout weight changes when you need to act fast and be efficient. It’s also a lot less frustrating than having to unscrew a metal spin collar to change the plates when you’re in the zone. The Boxbell 3-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell is a decent home weight and one that has many functions. It can replace several home weights and is super portable; it's also compact, making it easier to store and use for workouts. The weight spread is pretty good, and 20 kg as a max weight is more than enough for most home lifters. We would recommend this unique home weight to people who are really pressed for space, such as those living in shared accommodations. The footprint of the weights is tiny, and once you get used to the ins and outs of the Boxbell 3-in-1, you can use them for a variety of home workouts. Top-scoring models provided the natural, sturdy feel of a fixed dumbbell, with minimal rattling or shaking, and had a practical shape that was easy to wield.