The Best Weight Set

Lifting weights isn’t just some fly-by-night fitness fad or a hobby reserved for bodybuilders. Resistance training confers a host of health benefits, from boosting metabolism to improving bone density. In November 2018, the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion issued the recommendation that American adults complete a minimum of two muscle-strengthening sessions per week, defined as “activities make muscles do more work than they are accustomed to doing.” The recommendation continues: “That is, they overload the muscles.” One way to achieve that muscle overload is to use free weights such as standard dumbbells or kettlebells. (Resistance bands can also do the trick.) But—surprise—having just one or even a couple of sets of dumbbells at home won’t be enough. As you get stronger, you’ll find that you need to add more weight (or resistance) to achieve the maximum benefits. “The only reason the body adapts is because it’s challenged beyond its present capacity,” exercise scientist Brad Schoenfeld told us. “If the weights are too light, you can’t do that.” If you’re committed to weight training at home, investing in a set of adjustable dumbbells can save you money and space. Rather than buying a full set of traditional dumbbells, which, depending on what you choose, can be prohibitively expensive and require the same amount of storage space as a small bookcase, getting a set of adjustable dumbbells—two handles that each allow you to load them incrementally with weights totalling up to 50 pounds or more—may make more sense. If you want to get in shape, and save some on equipment, this list is for you!