Introduction
Adjustable fitness equipment, like adjustable dumbbells, are a space-saving money-saving creation of human ingenuity.
The first piece of adjustable fitness equipment were dumbbells released by Powerblock in 1993(above), which was further popularized by Bowflex’s dial system via the SelectTech dumbbell system. Both companies are still operating and offering well-made products.
Adjustable dumbbells, like the Bowflex select-tech product, replace a high number of dumbbells, saving space and money. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells model replaces 15 pairs of dumbbells while only taking the space of a single pair of dumbbells.
The cost savings of buying one pair of adjustable dumbbells compared to 15 different dumbbells is monumental.
Adjustable fitness equipment has now advanced beyond the dumbbell.
Many pieces of adjustable fitness equipment can be purchased used. However, if you can afford it, consider buying the equipment new. Consider your purchases an investment that you take care of diligently so each piece of equipment may last for decades.
The longer you have a relationship with an object, the deeper your connection to it. We want this philosophy as opposed to the capitalist philosophy of new objects having greater value, which often benefits the corporation more than the individual.
Even if you have a gym membership, you should collect fitness equipment as part of your lifelong journey to many fitness-related masteries across the domain of Body.
Every tool has a purpose and collecting purposes provides meaning.
Below are four categories of adjustable fitness equipment to save money and space in your place. Each category has product recommendations and we have only recommended solid and tested products.
We have not listed adjustable equipment that is isn’t figured out yet. Meaning, equipment that is unreliable, unsafe, or does not have the potential to last for a long time.
Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells were the first piece of adjustable fitness equipment, so they’re well figured out. Most adjustable dumbbell sets go from 5-50 lbs, or 5- 100 lbs, with the larger weight stack being more expensive.
Those who have developed an adequate level of strength and conditioning mastery and who can afford it should opt for more weight as the objects we purchase should be with the intent to have the longest productive relationship possible with–You will grow into heavier weights on your pursuit of mastery.
If you start by buying 5-50 pound adjustable dumbbells, you can later sell them, or give them away to someone who will value them and buy yourself a larger set.
You should look at these as an investment and something you will own for 20+ years. If they break, it is better to fix them instead of replace them, unless absolutely mandatory.
Avoid expensive and gimmicky “smart dumbbells” or any additional features other than a pair of handles, and a significant amount of weight. The fewer points for failure, the better. A corporation should not manage your adjustable weights.
We neglected to list adjustable barbells. They do not appear to be figured out like adjustable dumbbells. And if you think about it, a barbell in its nature is adjustable with plates and collars.
Recommended adjustable dumbbells:
Adjustable Kettlebells
Bowflex created a dial adjustable kettlebell, the Selectech 840 adjustable Kettlebell.
It replaces 6 kettlebells with these weights:
- 8
- 12
- 20
- 25
- 35
- 40
Traditional kettlebells are a solid piece of iron, meaning you can be rough with them, drop them, throw them, etc.
Since adjustable kettlebells are mechanical, you cannot treat them as harshly as a solid kettlebell. An adjustable kettlebell is still valuable as the only difference is you need to be somewhat gentle when setting your equipment down.
Other brands have made adjustable kettlebells, so there are brands to explore outside of Bowflex. However, The Bowflex 840 isn’t very expensive, has high reviews, and is proven to be a solid product.
If you get two kettlebells, you can do dual kettlebell exercises. It may be useful to get two Bowflex adjustable kettlebells, or a adjustable kettlebell, and a range of traditional kettlebells, as you can do dual kettlebell exercises with a mechanical kettlebell and a standard one.
Adjustable Weight bench
An adjustable weight bench is crucial as it allows you to train in seated and prone positions, as well as different angles, giving you a significant number of new exercises you can perform with your adjustable equipment.
Instead of getting a flat bench with no adjustments, an adjustable bench allows you to train from a flat, incline or decline position, which adds numerous new training modalities and exercises you can perform.
- Bowflex adjustable bench
- Major Fitness Adjustable Weight Bench
- Steelbody Deluxe Utility Weight Bench
- Yoleo Adjustable Weight Bench
Adjustable sandbag
These are excellent for training outdoors as you can be rough on sandbags, compared to other adjustable equipment. You can workout at the beach if you live nearby, and even fill your bag there.
You should not use a product filled with water meant to replace sand. It will eventually wear, leak, and will cause more problems than it is worth.
Recommended adjustable sandbags:
Additional Notes
There are many adjustable fitness products on the market, but we only want to recommend products that appear to be capable of longevity greater than 10 years, products that do not cause headaches or need excess maintenance.
We avoided inferior, and unproven products to remain consistent with the ethos of products that may last a long time
If you can afford new gear, buy it new. When you make a purchase, plan to have the adjustable equipment for 10 years, if not longer. When you buy new, you have less risk of failure and a lower chance of maintenance needs.
However, if new gear is out of your price range, buy used, and test everything before you buy it. So if you’re buying adjustable dumbbells, test every weight increment to make sure they all function.
We thought about listing an adjustable plyometric box, but they aren’t stable compared to traditional and stable plyoboxes, which can easily be stacked high for organization, defeating the purpose of an adjustable box.
This post will be updated as additional adjustable fitness equipment becomes proven to last for a long time and aid in the pursuit of body mastery.
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