Dumbbell
A short handle with a weight at each end, held in one hand. Each arm moves and stabilises its own load, so dumbbells let you find a natural path and train each side equally.
- Handle
- 28–32 mm diameter
- Grip
- Handle across the base of the palm, thumb wrapped, wrist stacked over the forearm
- Jumps between sizes
- Often 2–2.5 kg (about 5 lb) per hand
Getting heavy dumbbells into position takes practice: sit on the end of the bench with them standing on your thighs and use your knees to help them up as you lie back. Plan your bail before hard sets: bring the dumbbells to your chest, then lower them to the floor under control.