The advantages of hand weights come from their diversity in shapes, sizes, and convenience. Let's explore this type of weight to find one that suits your workout goals.
Hand weights are a familiar tool always present in every gym. Their popularity stems from the diversity in shapes, sizes, and weights. Moreover, they are essential in weight gain training for skinny individuals. Hand weights are one of the easiest ways to get started with exercising. Here are some types for you to choose from for different exercises.
Fixed Hand Weights
This is the most basic and user-friendly type of hand weight. All you need to do is choose a pair of weights that suit you and start your workout. You can easily switch to a new pair of weights quickly.
However, this also has a downside. Since these are fixed exercise tools, their weight cannot be adjusted. This means you need an extensive set of hand weights for your entire workout routine.
If the requirement is to use weights from 1 – 20kg, the trainee has to buy a total of 20 pairs of weights. At this point, you will lose a lot of space and incur a significant cost for training.
If you are a gym owner, do not hesitate to equip a massive collection of hand weights for your clients. However, when there is a need to train at home, trainees should consider hand weights that can be adjusted in weight.
Circular Hand Weights
These are the most popular type of hand weights with two round weight heads that help prevent collisions and limit scratches on the floor or rack.

Round Weights – The Most Common Type of Hand Weights
The new material is noteworthy in this type of weight. You can easily choose based on your preferences for your exercise equipment, from iron, plastic, rubber to urethane (a type of synthetic plastic). Moreover, this type of weight has addressed the weaknesses of rubber weights, such as odor and dirt accumulation.
Studio Hand Weights (Colored Hand Weights)
This compact, lightweight type of hand weight is often used by trainers to illustrate exercises or for new students. In addition to being suitable for those new to fitness, studio hand weights can also be used to increase the difficulty of basic exercises.

Unlike hand weights with metal handles, this training tool is entirely covered in rubber, providing comfort when gripping or doing cardio workouts.
Hexagonal Hand Weights
The hexagonal shape of this weight helps increase stability, making it the perfect choice for push-up exercises. This eliminates the need for exercisers to worry about their weights rolling around the room.

Elegant and sturdy hexagonal hand weights
Hexagonal weights are often made of iron with sharp edges. This workout tool can scratch the floor or the weight rack. To overcome this, you can cover the ground-contacting parts of the weight with rubber.
Customizable Hand Weights
For those unwilling to invest in a fixed set of hand weights, this presents an excellent suggestion. Customizable hand weights are suitable for fitness enthusiasts aiming to save space, especially in small gyms with limited areas.
The only downside to this type of weight is that exercisers need to pause between each set to adjust the weight. A set of customizable hand weights comprises three parts: the handle, the weight plate, and the locking mechanism.
Twist-lock Hand Weights (Spinlock Dumbbell)
Typically, exercisers will maneuver them like compact weightlifting bars. To adjust the weight, you need to modify the number of weight plates to match your requirements, then secure them by twisting two bolts at both ends.

The major drawback of twist-lock weights lies in the bolts. This accessory can become loose after a certain period of use or when attaching heavy weight plates. This often distracts the exerciser as they have to constantly check for any looseness, even having to pause mid-workout to secure it again.
On the flip side, the advantage of twist-lock weights lies in their reasonable price and high durability. Our advice is that when choosing this workout tool, pay attention to the risk posed by the bolts. Due to the lengthy adjustment process, modern-day fitness enthusiasts are gradually opting for alternative types of hand weights.
Bowflex Dumbbells
While standing out with its unique design, Bowflex proves to users that it's not just about the looks. You simply need to adjust the lock to the desired weight and lifting the dumbbell will instantly change the weight load.

Bowflex dumbbells are not only stylish and convenient but also boast a smooth and quieter lock mechanism compared to bolt locks. Some users emphasize the importance of this, as certain individuals find the noise distracting during their workout sessions.
The only downside of Bowflex dumbbells is that the weights must be positioned accurately, ensuring that the weight plates align correctly with the angle and initial position. Failure to do so may result in damage.
Ironmaster Dumbbells
Durable, aesthetically pleasing, and user-friendly are qualities often praised by fitness enthusiasts about Ironmaster dumbbells. These appear to be the most user-friendly customizable hand weights. Simply stack the weight plates together, insert a pin through them, and twist the lock.
Ironmaster dumbbells are celebrated for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and user-friendly design. They seem to be the most user-friendly customizable hand weights. Simply stack the weight plates together, insert a pin through them, and twist the lock.

Ironmaster Dumbbells – a pricey investment
Not only sturdier than bolt-lock weights and more user-friendly than Bowflex, but the iron material from this type also proves incredibly durable over time. However, high quality often comes with a high price tag. Therefore, if budget is a constraint, you may consider more pocket-friendly alternatives.
Posted by: Tài Nguyễn Đức
Keyword: Hand Weights - Diverse Choices for Beginners