Dumbbells benefits
Dumbbells are excellent fitness tools that can be used to sculpt muscle and tone the body. Whether your goal is weight loss, strength building or toning up, adding a set or two of handheld weights to your home gym will help you achieve it. The main benefits to dumbbells are that they are easy to work with, they don't take up much space, and they are versatile - dumbbells can be used to target specific areas or for a full body workout. Another great benefit to these fitness tools is that you can gradually increase the weight you train with to continually push yourself and see results.
Dumbbells training at home
Free weights are excellent for taking your home workout to the next level. They are portable and very versatile, allowing you to train a wide range of muscles. As they are so compact and small, dumbbells are ideal for home use. Whether you train indoors in your living room, outside in your garden or in the corner of a bedroom, a set of dumbbells is easy to store and hide out of the way between sessions.
Technogym's dumbbells come as part of their free weights range and are designed to support natural movement. With a textured handle, they provide a solid grip in the hands which lets you focus on your technique as you progress through each movement. Each handle is made from high-quality; scratch resistant steel and the weighted sections are coated with high quality rubber to protect the ground and other fitness equipment.
Exercises with dumbbells
Resistance training with dumbbells includes exercises using one dumbbell, as well as exercises with two dumbbells. Some of the most popular and most effective exercises with dumbbells include the following. Aim for 8 -12 reps per set and 3 sets per exercise for a full body workout.
Bench press - this movement targets the chest muscles and can be performed lying on a bench or a fitness ball with a dumbbell in each hand
Tricep curl - this exercise trains the triceps at the back of the upper arms and can be done with one or two dumbbells. Hold the weight(s) straight above your head and lower your arms down behind your neck, bending at the elbows
Bent over row - train your triceps and the muscles in the mid back with this movement. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, bend forward at the hip and pull the weights towards your core in a 'rowing' motion before lowering them back down again. This movement should be performed slowly in each direction for optimal effect
Calf raises - this subtle but tough movement works the calf muscles. Standing up straight with a dumbbell in each hand, simply raise the heels off the floor so you are on your tip toes and then lower back down
Lateral raise - also referred to as side raises, standing up with a dumbbell in each hand, simply raise the arms to shoulder height and return to the starting position. This exercise targets the upper arms and shoulders
Deadlifts - this full body movement is usually done with a kettlebell but can also be performed with two dumbbells. Hold each weight, begin in standing position, lower the weights down in front of the thighs almost to the floor, and then straighten the hips to return up to standing position. This movement trains your hips, glutes, lower back, and hamstrings
Glute bridge - take your standard glute bridges to the next level by adding one dumbbell held at the hips. Lie on the floor with your knees bent and feet firmly planted. Push through the heels to lift the hips into a bridge pose - the added weight will ensure you truly feel the burn in this one
As with the glute bridge, other bodyweight exercises such as squats and lunges can also be done with a dumbbell in each hand to work the muscle that little bit harder.
How to choose dumbbells
Dumbbells are suitable for both men and women and for fitness fans of all levels, from total beginner to seasoned expert. Technogym dumbbells range in weight from 4kg up to 36kg. When selecting the best dumbbells kg for you, use a weight that challenges you but with which you can still complete a set of reps. You want to work the muscle without reaching the point where you cannot perform the movement. Over time, increasing the weight of your dumbbells so that you are continually challenged will boost your progress and ensure that you achieve the results you desire.