Adjustable dumbbells for beginners
Light enough to start with lateral raises and with small steps, so you can add weight every few weeks.
1 great fits and 2 good ones, out of 3 models.
When you start, the first kilos matter more than the last. Lateral raises and shoulder work are done with 2–4 kg; if the dumbbell starts at 5 kg, you skip them or do them badly.
Second, the steps. Going from 4 to 6 kg on a press is 50% more; from 4 to 5, 25%. 1 kg steps let you go up every few weeks without stalling.
And it should reach at least 20 kg: that is what rows, Romanian deadlifts and goblet squats will ask for within months.
The ones we recommend for this
Derived from the data- + Floor mat:Gorilla Mats 183 × 122 cmcovers it fully
- + Floor mat:Gorilla Mats 183 × 122 cmcovers it fully
- + Floor mat:Gorilla Mats 183 × 122 cmcovers it fully
The verdict for each model
Derived from the data| Model | Verdict | Weight rangeper dumbbell | Settings · smallest step | Length at full weight | In uselength × width × height | Machine weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BowFlex SelectTech 552 | Great fit | 2–24 kg | 15 · 1.1 kg | 43 cm | 43 × 21.2 × 22.8 cm | 24 kg | — |
| NÜOBELL 2–32 kg | Good | 2–32 kg | 16 · 2 kg | 48.5 cm | 48.5 × 18 × 18.5 cm | 32 kg | — |
| Core Home Fitness | Good | 2.3–22.7 kg | 10 · 2.3 kg | 36.8 cm | 36.8 × 20.1 × 19.1 cm | 22.7 kg | — |
- BowFlex SelectTech 552Great fit
- Starts at 2 kg
- Steps of 1.1 kg
- Up to 24 kg: room to progress
- NÜOBELL 2–32 kgGood
- Starts at 2 kg
- Steps of 2 kg
- Up to 32 kg: room to progress
- Starts at 2.3 kg
- Steps of 2.3 kg
- Up to 22.7 kg: room to progress
Frequently asked questions
What dumbbell weight should I start with?
2–4 kg for shoulders and arms, 6–10 kg for rows and legs. That is why a 2 kg start helps.
What adjustable range should a beginner buy?
2 to 20–24 kg in 1–2 kg steps covers the first year or two.