Starting out with vinyl dumbbells
Vinyl dumbbells don’t just look pretty, they also have some advantages over stainless steel and other varieties of dumbbell, too. For example, vinyl dumbbells are usually color coded, which is useful when you have several weight sets of different individual weights; each color coded vinyl dumbbell represents a certain weight.
However, not all manufacturers of vinyl dumbbells will use the same color codes, so it is important to ensure that you know what coding is being used for the set of vinyl dumbbells you have in mind. Of course, if you only have one set of dumbbells, it may not matter.
It is also important not to confuse vinyl dumbbells with simple plastic ones, which are poor imitations. In fact, vinyl dumbbells are made of steel, coated with vinyl for protection against rust, and also to reduce noise and increase comfort. Plastic ones will not last as long, since vinyl is more elastic and does not tend to crack like plastic can, over time.
Also, be aware that some non vinyl dumbbells contain sand or concrete, and therefore can be messy when the plastic breaks and it starts leaking out. This can happen with cheaper dumbbell models, but will not usually be the case with vinyl dumbbells.
Using vinyl dumbbells is straightforward, and a good way to build muscle strength, or just to tone existing lines. A good reference book, sheet, or guidance from an experienced pro will help you to get the best out of your new dumbbell set – you will miss out if you do not take instruction on how best to use dumbbells to meet your needs.
As an alternative to vinyl dumbbells, chrome dumbbells offer a similar level of protection against the elements, but tend to be more expensive and noisier when put don on the floor. Another alternative to vinyl dumbbells are rubber ones, which solve the noise issue, but are more delicate – rubber can perish when exposed to air.
All in all, the beset solution for those looking for weight sets will be vinyl dumbbells, probably hexagonal in shape, as these look good and are less prone to rolling across the floor when not in use, thereby negating the need for a storage rack.
Visit our dumbbells buyer guide for reviews of the best dumbells and for reputable online suppliers.
