Dumbbells, Dumbbell Sets & Free Weights | MuscleSquad

Dumbbells, Dumbbell Sets & Free Weights

Dumbbells are the cornerstone of any home or commercial gym. Our range of dumbbells and free weights include our bestselling hex dumbbells, neoprene dumbbells, adjustable dumbbells and more. These can be purchased as a set, with storage options or with a weight bench.

 

What you should know about dumbbells

Dumbbells should be one of the first things you think about when planning a home or commercial gym build. Light weights can be used to rehab injuries while heavier weights are there to push you through your PRs.

Our hex rubber dumbbells are made out of solid cast iron encased in a durable, high-quality rubber coating to protect both the dumbbell and your flooring. These are by far our most popular offering.

Neoprene dumbbells are perfect if you’re just starting out with your training. The cast iron weight is encased in a neoprene coating for a nice soft-touch finish.

For unbeatable cost and space-saving, turn to adjustable dumbbells. These smart weights can replace up to 12 dumbbells in one for a fraction of the price. They’re not as sturdy as their fixed counterparts, so it’s important not to throw them down after a set.

Take a look through our products and see what dumbbell type suits you. We’ve answered some of your most common questions below to help you make the best decision.

FAQ

01

What weight dumbbells should I buy?

To find out what weight of dumbbells you need, it's a good idea to test your current strength at home as a base. A litre of water weighs about 1kg. Pick up a full 1-litre water bottle and do a few bicep curls with it. Does it feel heavy or light? If it's too easy, try putting multiple bottles in a bag, following the same 1L=1kg rule, until you reach a weight that challenges you.

The next thing that determines the weight you should be using is your goals. Someone wanting to build strength and muscle would need a heavy weight that challenges them much more than someone who wants to tone or build endurance. If you're looking to train and build muscle across your whole body, you'll ideally need three pairs of dumbbells.

The weight of your light pair of dumbbells can be easily gauged by lifting household objects. The medium pair of dumbbells should weigh about double the weight of your light pair. Finally, the heavy pair should weigh ~50% more than the medium pair.

02

Can dumbbells be used for cardio?

Absolutely! A set of dumbbells is a great addition to cardio workouts as a way to add some light resistance. Avoid going heavy here; you likely only need a pair of 1kg or 2kg weights for cardio work, with neoprene dumbbells being the most popular choice.

A light pair of dumbbells work great for home boxing workouts. Simply grip them in your hands and punch out as you would normally. Alternatively, you could jog while holding a pair of weights or perform a high-intensity-interval-workout with a set of dumbbells to make it even more of a challenge.

03

What exercises can I do with dumbbells?

The honest answer? Pretty much everything. From a standing position, you can hit your arms through bicep curls, lateral raises and tricep kickbacks. Seated dumbbell exercises include shoulder press, overhead extensions and preacher curls. Whether you’re on a bench or your living room floor, you can perform exercises lying down like chest press or dumbbell flys, not to mention to plethora of leg exercises you can use dumbbells to add resistance to like squats, lunges and deadlifts.

Check out our workout guides to get ideas for your next session.

04

What dumbbells should I buy if I’m a beginner?

If you’re just starting out with fitness training, then neoprene dumbbells are bound to be right for you. They’re great for early weight training while you get used to moving your body.

Another option is a starter set of adjustable dumbbells. Adjustable dumbbells combine several weights into one product, which saves both money and space. Our 12.5kg adjustable dumbbell, for example, gives you a 2.5kg, 5kg, 7.5kg, 10kg and 12.5kg option in one economical purchase.

05

Where can I store dumbbells?

The neatest way to store your dumbbells is through dedicated storage racks, but if budget is a consideration then there’s nothing wrong with tucking your weights away under the sofa or in a cupboard. All that matters in our eyes is that you use them!

06

Do you sell dumbbell sets?

We do. We sell sets of dumbbells so that you can build a full arsenal as well as dumbbell sets that include storage options.

07

Can I drop dumbbells after a set?

Rubber-coated dumbbells are safe to drop after finishing a set. The durable outer layer will protect the cast iron weight. Adjustable and spinlock dumbbells, on the other hand, need to be set down gently in order to protect the mechanism inside. If you’re ever unsure then reach out to your product’s supplier to double check.

08

What are dumbbells made of?

While we can’t speak for other suppliers, our hex dumbbells are made out of a cast iron core and a high-quality rubber coating. The handles are stainless steel.

Our neoprene dumbbells are also made out of a cast iron core but are encased in neoprene instead, while our premium PU dumbbells wrap their cast iron core in a high-quality polyurethane layer.

09

What’s the difference between fixed and adjustable dumbbells?

Fixed dumbbells do what they say on the tin — they provide a single, sturdy weight to train with. Adjustable dumbbells, on the other hand, provide a number of different weights in a single dumbbell by utilising a smart locking mechanism that adjusts how many weight plates are attached to the handle.

This means you can easily move between training with a 5kg dumbbell in one exercise to a 25kg dumbbell in the next. They’re not quite as sturdy as their fixed cousins, but you get a lot more bang for your buck.

10

Do you offer free delivery?

Yes, all orders over £50 qualify for free shipping. Please note that orders to Northern Ireland and certain areas of Scotland may incur additional delivery charges.

11

How long after ordering until I receive my dumbbells?

If you place your order before 12pm, your dumbbells will arrive on the next working day. The only exceptions to this are a) if you order a dumbbell over 32.5kg and b) if your order has 12 or more parcels in it. This is because we have to use a pallet for these orders which takes 3-5 working days through our pallet network.

If your delivery address is in Northern Ireland or the Scottish Highlands, standard delivery times will increase to two working days while pallets will arrive in 5-10 days.

12

How do I care for my dumbbells after they’ve arrived?

Ensure your dumbbells are kept in a temperature-controlled environment. Treat any imperfections on the handle with a small amount of WD-40 and address any blemishes on the rubber heads with silicone oil.

13

What’s the warranty on your dumbbells?

Our dumbbells come with a one year warranty.

14

Can I return or exchange my dumbbells if they’re not suitable?

Yes, as long as the dumbbells are unused, in their original packaging and returned within 30 days.