The 5 Best Dumbbells

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 09:00:40 +0000

Quality dumbbells are the staple of any home gym. They can help you perform weight lifting moves to lose weight, tone your muscles, and strengthen your entire body in no time. You can also use free weights to isolate specific arm muscles or to strengthen the abs and core. In fact, Men’s Fitness recommends using free weights for six-pack abs. You can find endless moves and routines through free videos and instructional guides online.

What Is a Dumbbell?

A free weight is a small hand weight used during muscle-building exercises. Free weights are perfect for any person, no matter what their age or fitness level may be. A dumbbell works similarly and consists of a short bar with a weight on each end. Dumbbells are effective in any strength training, aerobics, walking, and step workout routine. No matter what type of workout you may be doing – even just walking down the street – carrying or using free weights or dumbbells will intensify the workout so you can sculpt strong, lean muscles in no time.

Top 5 Dumbbells

CAP Barbell 40-pound Adjustable Dumbbell Set with Case

The rust-free, maintenance-free CAP Barbell 40-pound Adjustable Dumbbell Set includes two handles, four 2.5-pound plates, four five-pound plates, four collars, and a plastic storage case. The dumbbells feature ergonomic grips, comfort handles, and rubber trim collars. The durable cast iron plates have a semi-gloss finish, while the collars are threaded for a secure fit.

The convenient set is great for both beginners and advanced exercisers. CAP Barbell offers some of the bestselling strength training products online, so you’re sure to be satisfied with anything from their inventory. You can also purchase the CAP Barbell curl bar and incline/decline bench to complete the set.

Currently $49.99 on Amazon

Tone Fitness 20-Pound Hourglass Shaped Dumbbell Set

Tone Fitness 20-Pound Hourglass Shaped Dumbbell Set includes a two, three, and five-pound dumbbell, so you can continue to increase your weight as your strength improves. The neoprene material will protect your floors, provide an easy grip, and is durable enough even for outdoor workouts. The dumbbells come in stylish pink, green, and purple colors and have an hourglass shape, which is more comfortable to use.

The free weights are housed in a convenient rack, so you can easily store the set and take it on your trips. The set is backed by amazing online reviews and a limited 30-day manufacturer’s warranty. If you’d like new ideas for using your dumbbells, visit the Tone Fitness website for downloadable, printable exercise charts.

Currently $23.50 on Amazon

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

If multiple dumbbells are taking up your workout space, then the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are perfect for you. The pair of weights replaces an entire rack of 15 sets of weights, thanks in part to the unique dial system. The dumbbells each adjust from five to 52.5 pounds, adjusting at 2.5-pound increments up to the first 25 lbs.

The weights are housed in a convenient rack for easy use and storage. Adjustable dumbbells allow you to increase your weight in increments, as your strength improves. One set can be used for leg, back, chest, abdominal, arm, and shoulder exercises. You will receive a free workout DVD with purchase and can download the free Bowflex SelectTech app for custom designed workouts and motivation. The set is highly rated online and recommended by Best Dumbbells Guide. The set is also backed by a two-year warranty on weight plates and parts. You can also upgrade your purchase with the Bowflex custom stand and adjustable bench.

Currently $299.00 on Amazon

SPRI Deluxe Vinyl Dumbbells

The SPRI Deluxe Vinyl Dumbbells are available in a wide range of colors and weights. The durable no-slip vinyl coating is gentle on the hands, easier to clean, resists chipping, and is easy on floors. The vinyl coating has a sticky feeling that can take some getting used to, but it allows the weight to stay steady in your hand, so there is no risk of dropping it during your workout. The six-sided dumbbells can be set down anywhere and they won’t roll away.

SPRI is one of the most trusted brands on the market and known for offering professional-quality fitness solutions, so you are sure to be happy with any of their products.

Currently $18.98 on Amazon

Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells

The Yes4All set is ideal for both beginners and experienced exercisers because you can progress to heavier weights by simply changing the plates whenever you like. The Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells come in 40, 50, 52.5, 60, and 105-pound increments. The set includes four five-pound spin-lock star collars, 15 five-pound plates, four 2.5-pound plates, and four 1.25-pound plates. The dumbbells are made of gym quality cast iron and textured solid chrome handles. The threaded collars and handles offer an ergonomic grip and secure fit. The adjustable dumbbell set will allow you to increase your weight at your own pace. The set is easy to use and can be put together by hand. It is backed by a 60-day satisfaction warranty and a five-year workmanship warranty.

Currently $98.49 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best free weights and dumbbells. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Get More for Your Old Treadmill by Bartering

Linsey Knerl — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:36:12 +0000

It’s the New Year, and people across the U.S. are refocusing on ways to lose weight and get in shape. This means a sharp increase in the number of treadmills and exercise equipment products at retailers. Those who don’t have the cash or credit to buy new might be looking to obtain a used piece of equipment as part of a barter agreement; if you happen to have one you don’t want, you could be looking at a sweet deal! (See also: Why It's Wise to Barter)

A Look at the Exercise Equipment Market

A quick glance at my local Craigslist ads in the Barter section shows an uptick in activity for those looking to trade items. Yes, there are those folks who received gift cards for Christmas and who are desperately trying to unload them for what they truly asked Santa to bring them. The majority of the ads, however, are pleas for excellent-used-condition treadmills and elliptical machines, and these people are willing to offer some pretty neat stuff to get what they want.

One ad, for example, offers to give hunting equipment, power tools, and a gun in exchange for a used treadmill. Another offers to hand over three antique sewing machines for that coveted exercise staple. The ads are varied, but one thing is certain — treadmills are hot this time of year.

How You Can Profit

What does this mean for you, the treadmill owner? If you are willing to part with a well-functioning, albeit dusty machine, you may be able to make more than a buck. In fact, many of the trades seem to be coming from people who are cash-strapped, may not have credit, and aren’t resourceful enough to snag free exercise equipment from a home realtor. This means that they are offering much more than the value of the treadmill, because the perceived value of that treadmill is higher in their minds. If you’ve wanted something unique, you may find that it will cost you nothing to get it — and you can free up some space in your garage.

Since the value of the dollar has been going down, you may even be able to get much more through a barter situation than you could shopping retail. Take the example of a trade of $700 of hunting equipment for a treadmill you paid $1,300 for last year. Sure, you could try to sell it, but many people are short on cash this time of year (meaning it could be difficult to liquidate), and the used fitness equipment outlets will likely give you ½ of what they hope to sell it for. You are like to get a much better deal with bartering.

Don’t Forget Uncle Sam

There is a tax to consider. While I can’t give specific advice for making sure your tax reporting is on the up and up, you can give the IRS guide for barters and exchanges a look before you go ahead with your deal. While it’s doubtful that the amount of tax owed would negate the high value of the exchange, it is something to think about if you do it often enough.

Do you have a piece of neglected-yet-functioning exercise equipment that you’ve been reluctant to let go of? Imagine the value of it plummeting as 2012 gets underway — you may find it best to trade it away now for something your heart truly desires.

This article is from Linsey Knerl of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: