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FREE WEIGHTS BUYERS GUIDE

side angle of fixed barbell rack
rubber hex dumbbells with A storage tree
trigrip weight plates on a stand

When it comes to building a well-rounded and versatile training setup, free weights are a must-have. Whether you’re an experienced weightlifter, a workout guru, or a beginner setting up your first home gym, investing in the right free weight sets can take your workouts to the next level. Unlike strength machines, free weights allow for a full range of motion and engage stabilising muscles, making them the most effective pieces of equipment for strength training.


In our buyer’s guide, we’ll tell you all you need to know about free weights, compare them to gym machines, and help you make the best choice based on your fitness goals.

round dumbbells on a rack

What Are Free Weights?

Free weights are any weight that isn’t attached to a machine. This includes dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and weight plates. Unlike machines that guide your movement, free weights allow you to balance and control the weight yourself which in turn makes you engage more muscles. Free weights are ideal for building your overall strength, coordination, and stability.

Why Choose Free Weights Over Machines?

Many people toy with the idea of free weights vs. strength machines. Both have their benefits, but free weights offer advantages that machines just can’t replicate.

 

  • Greater Range of Motion: Free weights allow you to move naturally through each exercise, working muscles more effectively.

  • Improved Functional Strength: Free weights improve coordination and balance by engaging your stabiliser muscles such as your core.

  • Versatility: With free weights, you can perform a wide variety of exercises, making them perfect for both upper and lower-body workouts.

  • Cost-Effective: For those setting up a home gym, free weights are often more affordable than bulky strength machines.

 

Machines can however still play a role in a balanced workout routine, especially for beginners or those rehabbing injuries, as they provide more stability and control.

Types of Free Weights

Understanding the different types of free weights available before committing is essential. Each has its benefits, and the best choice for you will depend on your training style and what you are looking to achieve.

1. Dumbbells

Dumbbells are one of the most popular and versatile pieces of free-weight equipment. They come in a range of sizes and styles, including fixed-weight hex dumbbells and adjustable dumbbells.

 

  • Fixed-Weight Dumbbells: These are the traditional dumbbells you’ve likely seen in most gyms which either hexagon or round in shape. They come in pairs, with the weight permanently fixed to each dumbbell. They’re durable and easy to use but require more storage space if you want a variety of weights.

  • Adjustable Dumbbells: These sets allow you to adjust the weight by adding or removing plates. They save space and money, as one pair of dumbbells can replace multiple pairs of fixed weights. However, adjusting them between sets can be a bit of a hassle.

 

Why Choose Dumbbells?

Dumbbells are ideal for isolation exercises, like bicep curls or shoulder presses, and they’re great for improving unilateral strength (working one side of the body at a time). Whether you’re looking to build muscle, tone up, or increase endurance, dumbbells offer a wide range of exercises in an ideal compact form.