Free Weights Buying Guide

If you are new to a sports or fitness program, you should get a check-up before you begin. Most exercise is good for you, but if you have certain health conditions, some exercises can make them worse, not better. After a thorough exam, your doctor can discuss your individual fitness situation and may recommend home gyms or exercises to address your specific needs.

Free weight components/categories

Dumbbells and Barbells

These terms are incorrectly used interchangeably, so be sure to check product descriptions carefully to get exactly the weights you want.

• Dumbbells are two hand weights permanently connected by a bar; dumbbells are sold in pairs or dumbbell sets.
• Barbells are tubes that temporarily attach to weight plates; they may be sized for one-hand or two-hand weight training and are sold alone or with weight training sets.

Kettlebells

Occasionally misspelled "kettleballs," these are single spheres with a handle, usually metal and filled with sand or other material. Among workout equipment, kettlebells come and go in popularity. Today, interest is growing again, as they complement dumbbells and barbells in many professional and home gyms.

Medicine ball

Weighted balls run up to 20 inches across and weigh one to eight kilos (2.2 to 17.5 pounds); though less popular now than in previous generations, this sports fitness gear is still used by many athletes. A few have handles, similar to kettlebells.

Wearable weights

Weighted gloves or weights strapped to wrists and ankles are frequently worn to increase effort during aerobics, cycling, walking or running. These hand weights and leg weights burn more calories and increase muscle toning; they can be used in total fitness programs or simple things like mall walking, gardening and housework. Some weight sets have pouches, making them adjustable, and they have exteriors of nylon, neoprene or other comfortable materials. Units commonly vary from two to five pounds, though weights up to 20 pounds are available.

Free weights buying tips

They are called free weights because, unlike home gym machines, no specific movements are involved. For weight training novices, a weight machine requires users to workout in proper form, and training professionals frequently recommend weight machines for this reason. More advanced users often prefer the greater flexibility of free weights because they allow a wider variety of exercises and require effort from more muscles.

Materials

• Iron and steel: The base for most dumbbells, barbells and kettlebells; without frills, these are the simplest and least expensive materials.
• Chrome-plated: Not better, just prettier, though the coating may help prevent rust.
• Rubber-coated: Also neoprene or other cushioning materials help protect weights against rust and floors against dings when weights get dropped.
• Other: Rubber or neoprene weights may be filled with sand or other materials.
• Leather, rubber or vinyl over nylon: The common choices for medicine ball skins; usually filled with air or gel to vary weight and density. None of these materials has real advantages over another beyond the obvious--i.e., synthetic leather or vinyl is less expensive than real leather or rubber.

Sets

• Dumbbells: Dumbbells are sold as individual pairs or in sets from three to ten, sometimes more. Dumbbell sets can be as low as one, two and three pounds each. Small, light sets are excellent for beginners, walkers or joggers and others requiring a minimal workout. Racks (often sold separately) are recommended for larger sets.
• Barbells: Described by their maximum weight, barbells vary in increments from one to five pounds. Most barbells still use individual weight plates, but a new innovation could be called dial-a-weight: the barbell sits in a rack with a set of weight plates; dialing a switch on the end of the barbell attaches or detaches individual plates to total the user's desired weight. More expensive, of course, but these sets are great for those with limited space.
• Medicine balls: Medicine balls are sold individually or in sets up to six pieces.
• Wrist and ankle weights: Hand weights and leg weights are always sold in pairs.