Dumbbells

The dumbbell is basically just a shorter version of the barbell (from 8-inches to 14-inches long). What's so great about them is that you can do pretty much all the same exercises with them that you can with barbells and more.

I'm a big fan of free weight workouts (as I've mentioned throughout this site in my hopes to get you to enjoy the benefits of working with them), and free weight workouts with dumbbells offer several advantages over barbells:

• First, they strengthen both sides of your body equally, forcing you to perfect your form even on the weaker side of your body.
• They also enable you to perform exercises like front raises and flies that you can't do with barbells.

• Another plus to dumbbell workouts is that when I sprained my right arm, I could still work the left side of my body. As my right side healed, I was able to gradually add to the weight load on my right dumbbell to encourage the re-strengthening of that arm, while still keeping my normal weight on my arm.
• Dumbbells are extremely versatile. Most have weights permanently fixed on each end. Pro-style dumbbells are considered the best of the best when it comes to fixed bells, although with adjustable dumbbells you're able to attach and remove weight from the ends using weight collars the same as barbells.
• Many dumbbells also have rubber-coating over them to prevent hand strain.

My weight training program which I do every other day (except on Sunday) includes a variety of dumbbell exercises. The reason dumbbell exercise routines are so easy to design is because so many people have used and own at least one pair of dumbbells. Not only that, but if you can't afford to purchase new equipment then dumbbells are your most economical choice. Additionally, if you travel a lot, dumbbells are mobile and they won't take up a ton of room in your home gym either especially if you purchase hex dumbbells that won't roll or a dumbbell rack.