FREE WEIGHTS BUYERS GUIDE
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.
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.
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Greater Range of Motion: Free weights allow you to move naturally through each exercise, working muscles more effectively.
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Improved Functional Strength: Free weights improve coordination and balance by engaging your stabiliser muscles such as your core.
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Versatility: With free weights, you can perform a wide variety of exercises, making them perfect for both upper and lower-body workouts.
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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.
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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.
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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.
2. Barbells
Barbells are the go-to equipment for compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. They consist of a long, heavy bar with weights added to each end. The beauty of barbells is that they allow you to lift heavier weights than you can with dumbbells, making them ideal for bodybuilding and building overall strength.
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Olympic Barbells: These are the standard barbells used in gyms and competitions. They’re longer, typically 7 ft, and can hold a large amount of weight.
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Standard Barbells: Slightly smaller and lighter than Olympic barbells, these are often found in home gyms. They’re great for beginners or those with limited space but may not support as much weight.
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Fixed Weight Barbells: Barbells that come with a pre-set, non-adjustable weight. As the weight of the barbell cannot be changed it makes them convenient for quick access without having to adjust plates.
Why Choose Barbells?
If your goal is to lift heavy and build maximum strength, barbells are essential. They allow for compound movements that work for multiple muscle groups at once, increasing the efficiency of your workout.
3. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are round weights with a single handle offering a dynamic way to train. Unlike dumbbells, which balance the weight evenly, kettlebells place the weight below the handle, requiring more stabilisation and coordination.
Why Choose Kettlebells?
Kettlebells are fantastic for functional training, cardio, and full-body strength workouts. Exercises like kettlebell swings, cleans, and snatches can improve power, endurance, and overall athleticism.
4. Weight Plates
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Weight plates can be used on barbells or on their own for exercises like plate presses, Russian twists, or farmer’s walks. They come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 5kg to 25kg.
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Bumper plates, made of thicker rubber, are ideal for Olympic lifts where you might need to drop the barbell from overhead.
Why Choose Weight Plates?
If you’re using a barbell, weight plates are a must. They’re also useful for weighted bodyweight exercises and provide a straightforward way to progress in strength training.
How to Choose the Right Free Weights for Your Gym
Choosing the right free weights depends on several factors, including your fitness goals, available space, and your budget. Here are some tips to help guide your decision.
1. Decide On What You Want To Achieve
Are you aiming to build muscle, lose weight, or improve your endurance? Your goals will determine the types of weights you need. If you’re focusing on strength, barbells and heavy-weight plates will be essential. If you’re more focused on toning and cardio, lighter dumbbells and kettlebells would be a great choice.
2. Consider Your Workout Space
Free weights are more space-efficient than machines, but they still require some room. Adjustable dumbbells or kettlebells are excellent choices for those with limited space, as they can replace several pieces of equipment. On the other hand, if you have a dedicated workout room, you might opt for a full free weight set with barbells, dumbbells, and weight plates.
3. How Much Do You Want To Spend
Free weights are generally more affordable than machines, but prices vary depending on the range of weight you want to invest in. If you are looking to start with the essentials, go for a set of dumbbells and a barbell, and then gradually expand your weight collection as your budget allows.
4. Durability and Material
Look for weights that are made from durable materials like cast iron or rubber-coated options. While these might be more expensive initially, they’ll last much longer and stand up to heavy use, especially in a home or commercial gym.
Setting Up Your Home Gym
If you’re setting up a home gym, start with a small selection of free weights that offer versatility. For example, a small dumbbell set can give you access to a range of weights without taking up too much space. Pair this with a kettlebell or two for functional training, and a barbell with weight plates for heavier lifts like squats and deadlifts.
With just these few pieces of equipment, you’ll have everything you need to perform a wide variety of exercises, from full-body workouts to specific muscle group training.
Free weights offer unmatched versatility, functional strength, and value, making them the essential bit of kit for any well-rounded workout program. Whether you’re setting up a home gym or adding to your commercial gym, investing in high-quality free weight sets will provide years of effective training.