What to Consider When Buying Dumbbells

Get the best equipment for your money

Here's what you need to keep in mind when buying dumbbells (free weights):

• Cost - This is one of the most important aspects of purchasing dumbbells. If you’re more concerned with function than form you can get a good set of three pairs of dumbbells for between $50 and $100. The flashier they are (chrome I’m talking about you) the more likely they’ll be expensive. If you buy dumbbells individually it can end up costing more or less depending on brand and style, so total them up and compare with a set to see which is actually the best deal. When buying individual weights or sets that don’t come with storage racks, you might want to factor that cost in as well.
• Comfort - No matter how good of a deal you got, if dumbbells aren’t comfortable you won’t use them. Hand grips that are too wide can be tough on a woman with small hands, as can certain materials. Look for grips that are coated with rubber or foam, or are knurled to aid in gripping. Otherwise you might want to buy a pair of good weight lifting gloves.
• Weight range - Dumbbells start at one pound and go all the way up to 150 lbs, so you need to know what weights you’ll be working with. When buying weights women tend to start too low. A set of 2, 3 and 5 pound weights will get you nowhere. Most women can easily start out with 5, 8 and 12 pound sets, adding heavier weights as they progress. If you’re unsure what you can handle you can always get a day pass at a local gym and test yourself out in the weight room out.
• Durability - Most weights will be durable, but some require more care than others. All-in-one dumbbell types, for instance, can seize up if they aren’t maintained. After a while it can become hard to add or remove plates. The same goes for adjustable weights, which also present the problem of small parts. If you lose one of the collars that hold the plates on you won’t be able to use them at all. Chrome dumbbells are protected from rusting unless the coating chips off, while uncoated solid steel dumbbells can rust with age if not properly cared for.
• Storage - You have to know where you’ll be keeping your weights. Will they be on display in a home gym or stored away in a cupboard between uses? Some dumbbells come in a case for easy storage, while other sets come with a variety of different weight trees, stands and racks.