Adjustable Dumbbells vs Fixed Dumbbells

When choosing adjustable dumbbells or fixed dumbbells, consider how much space you have and the type of workouts you do…

There are plenty of things to consider in the fixed dumbbells or adjustable dumbbells debate, but it mostly comes down to personal choice. After all, they both work your body in the same way. It’s more about how each type facilitates your chosen workouts.

Check out our roundup of the best dumbbells for home workouts

So before deciding whether you want to go fixed or adjustable, consider your training routine, and what that might look like in the future. Primarily, what exercises do you want to use your dumbbells for, how do you see your training programme developing and, crucially, how often are you likely to change weights between exercises?

Of course it also comes down to money and space. Can you justify the additional expense of adjustable dumbbells? The likes of the BowFlex SelectTech 552i dumbbells come in around £600, and there are more expensive models out there. Or do you have the floorspace or room for a stacking system for multiple pairs of fixed dumbbells?

Put your shiny new pair of dumbbells to good use with these best dumbbell exercises for back workouts

Benefits of fixed dumbbells

Fixed dumbbells are the simpler option. It’s easier to find and use the weight you need and, at first at least, it will be a cheaper outlay, because you can just buy a few pairs of specific weights. Even adding three or four sets to your collections will most likely cost less than a good pair of adjustable dumbbells.

Of course you’ll need more floorspace, or a good racking system to keep them out of the way. Hexagonal dumbbells are easier to stack and store, and unlikely to roll. They’ll tend to have a protective coating too, unlike cheaper circular dumbbells.

Fixed dumbbells are more robust than most adjustable dumbbells, particularly those with dials to alter weight. They are also smaller, less cumbersome and easier to travel with.

That said, if you need to use a wide weight range, like the weights themselves the costs are going to stack up.

Benefits of adjustable dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells offer a more flexible, finely tuned workout but are also the most expensive. You’ll need less space to store a set, which can offer a weight range of some 5lb to 50lb in a compact package.

They are helpful when performing drop sets, allowing you to quickly dial down the resistance as you go for increased reps and muscular fatigue. They are also useful for increasing weight gradually when performing the same exercises over time – essential for progressive overload.

RELATED: How to get stronger without lifting heavy weights

With adjustable dumbbells you don’t need to worry about stacking or storing, and the systems tend to be solid enough not to roll.

Another option: plate dumbbells

There is a third choice, although it’s something of a compromise. If you think you will need multiple weights, but can’t justify the expense of adjustable dumbbells or multiple fixed ones, you might want to consider plate dumbbells. These are adjustable, as they feature a locking mechanism which allows you to add or remove plates.

All you need to know about how to use adjustable dumbbells

Although they offer greater flexibility in the same footprint as fixed dumbbells, adding and removing plates can be a bit of a faff. They’re also not suited to exercises which require you to position the dumbbells on their ends (for example, getting into position, with the weights rested on your quads, for a chest press) as the metal bar extends beyond the plates on each side.

Related content:

1. Home dumbbell HIIT workout for a full-body fat burn
2. Best dumbbell exercises and workouts for every body part
3. Best full-body dumbbell workout to try at home