As an ACE-certified personal trainer with a specialization in orthopedic exercise, I’m a huge proponent of strength and resistance training to help enhance overall daily functioning, improve posture, boost your metabolism, prevent injury, and promote longevity—and science backs me up on this. A meta-analysis1 from the British Journal of Sports Medicine confirmed that a regular regimen of muscle-strengthening activities can reduce your risk of mortality, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes by up to 17%. There are a slew of incredible psychological benefits that come with weight training, too. Research suggests a link between strength training and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as improvements in sleep quality, self-esteem, and cognition. Needless to say, finding the right exercise equipment is key for anyone who wants to reap these weight-training benefits from home. Read on for the best adjustable dumbbells to streamline your next workout. One reviewer says, “Absolutely solid and quality dumbbells. These bad boys should be a staple to any home. Love the convenience of having these puppies available to lift whenever I want and they have been putting me to work. Been knocking out full body workouts with these dumbbells so I’m incredibly thankful for these and believe they are a fantastic investment.” On the con side, although you are getting a lot of value out of the set, it is one of the more expensive options, and a few people mention that the plates can wobble slightly. Choose between 5- or 2.5-pound increments when adjusting the weight, and use the plastic pin to lock the plates into place. The set comes with a custom-molded storage tray that takes up a fraction of the space of a typical set of dumbbell weights. You’ll even get a free iFit trial with your purchase, which you can use to stream thousands of trainer-led workouts. While these may appear bulky with the heaviest weight setting, reviewers note that these dumbbells do not restrict their motion in any way during their workouts. One satisfied shopper says, “After having used these dumbbells about 4-5 days a week since I got them, I can definitely say this was a solid purchase. Super convenient, weight selection is very nice and quick, no major gripes at all.” While these offer the most versatility at their 90-pound capacity, they are the most expensive dumbbells on this list. With that in mind, you’ll be eligible for a free yearlong trial of the JRNY app ($149 value) with your purchase, through which you can stream on-demand, full-body strength training classes. The squared-shaped design also comes in handy for floor exercises like plank rows and tricep dips. Rubber padding on the handle makes these dumbbells extremely comfortable to use (even during longer workouts), and the set is durable and built to last for years to come. The brand even offers a 5-year warranty should you need a replacement. While the square shape might take some getting used to, reviews are mostly positive about these dumbbells—particularly about the quality. One reviewer notes, “The weights are easy to use, and the square shape has grown on me very quickly. These weights never roll away, and the shape actually works better for all of my favorite compound motions. I’ll be picking up the expansions next!”
