By now we all know that strength training has to be a part of a woman’s exercise program.  And I’m often asked for advice about buying dumbbells. Today I’m going to cover all the things you need to think about when you go buy dumbbells.

This topic was covered on an episode of the Crunches and Cosmos podcast. You can listen below:

I’ve bought round, square and hex as well as click weights and I’ll tell you what I liked about some styles and why I don’t recommend certain ones for women.

This post is a summary of the podcast episode. If you want to read a comprehensive post about how to buy dumbbells head over here:

✔A Woman’s Guide to Buying Dumbbells

The 5 mistakes you need to make sure you avoid when you go buy dumbbells

Making the assumption that all dumbbells are alike

Buying a single dumbbell

Taking advice about dumbbells from someone who might have the best intentions but doesn’t really have the best knowledge about dumbbells for women

Thinking that the shape of your dumbbells doesn’t matter

Buying the wrong size (weight) dumbbells

Listen in on the full episode (Season 2 episode 3) to hear all the pros and cons of each of the dumbbell materials used below:

Cast iron

Chrome

Neoprene

Vinyl

Rubber*

*Rubber dumbbells are my favorite option (no contest) for a variety of reasons including comfort, function and durability.

I finish the show with my recommendations for which range of dumbbell sizes I recommend for a beginner, intermediate and advanced exerciser.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

✔Girls on the Run

✔SheFit Sports Bras

✔One Strong Southern Girl website

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