Picking the Perfect Dumbbell: Your Guide to Pumping Iron Like a Pro!

Looking to start a new fitness program, but not sure what weight dumbbells you should buy? Not to worry, this handy guide will help you start the journey!

If you are a beginner, my recommendation is to start with lighter weights to ensure you are completing exercises with proper form and technique and learning quality movement patterns, but lighter is completely subjective, right! So, what do you do?

The simplest way to figure out what weight dumbbells to buy is with a rep test. Go to your local sporting goods store and try performing a set of 10-12 reps of a bicep curl. If you are not sure of proper bicep curl technique, I have included a technique video for you here:

Did you perform all reps with proper form and technique?

Are you finishing the last few reps easily?

Are you breathing through all your reps (and not holding your breath)?

If you answered ‘YES’ to all of the above questions, then repeat the rep test at a higher weight. If you answered ‘NO’ to any of the above questions, you should reduce the weight and repeat the rep test. The goal is to find a weight that is not too light so as to risk not reaching your fitness goals, yet not too heavy so as to risk injuring yourself.

Another option is to have more than one set of dumbbells. Having a lighter set and a heavier set will allow you to choose which exercises you perform at each weight, as different muscle groups can handle more/less weight than others. As you progress through your program and fitness journey, you will want to increase the weight, so having multiple sets of dumbbells will come in handy as time goes on.

Still not sure where to start? It is better to err on a lighter weight as you learn proper movement patterns, form, and technique - this is the key to strength training! Once you can complete movement patterns with proper form and technique and get stronger, you will be able to increase the weight.

Ready to start your first program? Check out 2fast twins® Training programs here!

Here’s to the start of something wonderful! 

💙 Kelly