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Home workouts are kind of the best: You can show up in your jammies, rock out to the Wicked<\/em> soundtrack without shame, or simultaneously stream your Housewives<\/em> city of choice to help get your heart rate up. But while the vibe of your home gym<\/a> might be chill, your programming shouldn\u2019t be\u2014and research shows that any well-rounded workout routine should include weight training<\/a>. Since choosing the best weights for your home gym can be more intimidating than a recently divorced Bravo star locked in a vacation home with five frenemies, we’ve enlisted experts to help you find the perfect equipment to meet your needs, preferences, and skill level.<\/p>\n Regular weight training is important for many reasons<\/a>. It helps build muscle tone, promote bone health, reduce back pain, improve heart health, and more. And you don\u2019t need to be a professional bodybuilder to reap these benefits, either: \u201cBuilding muscle at home is totally possible, with the right weights and consistent effort,\u201d Sal Nakhlawi<\/a>, founder and strength coach at StrongHER Girls, an online fitness coaching platform, tells SELF.<\/p>\n So, what are the \u201cright weights\u201d? It depends on your fitness level, preferred workouts, goals, and more, says Zack Daley, NASM CPT<\/a>, head coach at fitness studio Tone House. Below, experts weigh in (heh) on how to find the right weights for your home gym.<\/p>\n \n \n According to the experts we spoke with, there are a few criteria to keep in mind while shopping for a set of home gym weights.<\/p>\n Type of weights: dumbbell vs barbell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Daley says your two main options for outfitting your home gym are dumbbells or barbells. And for newbies, dumbbells are likely the better option. \u201cThey\u2019re the most universal piece of equipment for any home gym due to the amount of exercises you can perform with them,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Daley prefers hex dumbbells, a type of dumbbell with a hexagonal-shaped weight plate. \u201cThe flat, six-sided shape prevents this type of dumbbell from rolling when placed on the floor,\u201d he says. Daley also likes adjustable dumbbells<\/a>, or versatile weights that allow users to change the amount of weight on a single dumbbell using a plate, dial, or pin system. \u201cThey\u2019re great for people who have less space to work with; however, they are the more expensive option,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Barbells might be a better choice if you\u2019re looking to lift heavier or increase the intensity of your movements, says Daley. \u201cBarbell training<\/a> is a great way to find muscle imbalances due to the stabilization of each exercise. Both sides of your body have to work in tandem to support and lift the weight with proper form,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n If you opt for barbells, Daley recommends investing in the following equipment:<\/p>\n One very important note: Daley does not recommend barbell training at home if you don\u2019t have access to the proper training or safety measures, like a squat rack or spotter. Poor form and misuse of your equipment can easily lead to injuries\u2014potentially severe ones.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n If you have more of a workout corner than a home gym, an adjustable weight set could make sense. \u201cThese are designed with a designated rack that has layers of weights within it, like a pancake stack,\u201d Daley says.<\/p>\n If you have a lot of space to work with (lucky you!) Daley recommends purchasing a weight bench<\/a> to increase the amount of exercises you can do with your dumbbells. And if you\u2019re lifting with a barbell and have the room anyway, you might want to consider buying a squat rack as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Weights are typically made from metal, but many of the experts we spoke to prefer ones that are covered in rubber. \u201cIf you accidentally drop them, the padding will do less damage than a metal weight,\u201d says Nakhlawi. Look for rubber or neoprene coatings that can take a beating.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Some people like traditional round weights, while others, like certified personal trainer and Le Sweat founder Charlee Atkins<\/a>, prefer hexagonal dumbbells that won\u2019t roll around when you set them down. She says they\u2019re also safer for certain exercises, like renegade rows.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Your fitness level and goals<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Beginner weightlifters might want to opt for dumbbells because they\u2019re easier to control, says Daley. But if you want to lift pretty heavy weights, then barbells might be a better fit. Nakhlawi says a general rule is that you should be able to perform eight to 12 repetitions with good form with whatever weight you choose to use (this is the sweet spot for muscle growth).<\/p>\n Atkins adds that you should also be thinking about your go-to workouts as you shop. How do you like to move, and which equipment will you use the most?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n To curate our list of the best weights, we asked personal trainers and fitness experts what they look for in at-home exercise equipment, as well as their personal recommendations for weights and weight sets. We also tested some of these weights ourselves as part of SELF\u2019s Home Fitness Awards.<\/p>\n \n No need to navigate a crowded weight room when you have these dumbbells, barbells, and ankle weights.<\/p>\n \n Bells of Steel<\/p>\n \n \n Daley notes that, unlike round dumbbells, hex (or hexagonal) weights have a shape that prevents them from rolling when they\u2019re placed on the floor\u2014a nice bonus if you\u2019re working out around kids or pets. This 2024 Home Fitness Award-winning hex set from Bells of Steel is also coated in rubber, another feature experts recommend because \u201cif you accidentally drop them, the padding will do less damage than, say, a metal weight,\u201d Nakhlawi says.<\/p>\n Choose your ideal mix of weights in pairs ranging from 5 to 100 pounds, or pick up one of the brand\u2019s pre-made sets (just note they can get pricey). All of the handles are chrome-plated, rust-resistant, and ergonomically designed for a secure, comfortable grip.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> 2.5 to 125 pounds | Material:<\/strong> Cast iron, rubber, chrome-plated steel<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n These dumbbells won a SELF Home Fitness Award<\/a> three years in a row, have over 20,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, and<\/em> were recommended by all of the experts we spoke with. \u201cI like that they allow you to change the weight without needing a rack of dumbbells,\u201d Nakhlawi says.<\/p>\n The simple dial makes it easy to adjust between weights, although some reviewers have found that it wears out over time. (To avoid this issue, choose weights you can lift safely and confidently and take care when adjusting between weights.) We also love that these dumbbells offer small, 2.5-pound increments up to 25 pounds and 5-pound increments beyond that, for progressive training.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> 5 to 52.5 lbs per dumbbell | Material:<\/strong> Steel, nylon, plastic, thermoplastic Rubber<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n These basic dumbbells have almost 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, and they check a lot of boxes for their price. They\u2019re hexagon-shaped and rubber-coated, so they won\u2019t roll around or scratch up your floors. Meanwhile, contoured chrome handles offer great grip.<\/p>\n SPRI dumbbells are sold in pairs and come in weights ranging from 3 to 40 pounds. Reviewers report that they\u2019re well-made and pretty durable, although some say they have an unpleasant odor out of the box.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> 3 to 40 pounds | Material:<\/strong> Metal, rubber<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Amazon Basics<\/p>\n \n \n If you\u2019re just starting out<\/a> on your weightlifting journey, this set of dumbbells from AmazonBasics has all you need (for now). It comes with 3-pound barbells, four 2.5-pound plates, four 5-pound plates, and four 0.5-pound collars\u2014meaning the weights are adjustable between 7 and 24 pounds total. The plates have threaded collars, so you\u2019ll have to screw them on and off to change the weight. Still, it\u2019s a pretty simple process (even if it\u2019s not the quickest).<\/p>\n \u201cThese weights are perfect for my needs,\u201d one SELF tester says. \u201cI just wanted something to be able to do a little more strength training<\/a> at home, so these are perfect. It\u2019s very easy to change the weight amount, which is key for me also.\u201d Thousands of other Amazon reviewers agree; shoppers say this set is a great value, at around $50, and is great for beginners or occasional lifters. It comes with a plastic carrying case for easy storage and transport, which is a nice bonus feature, although some reviewers say it\u2019s not the most durable.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> 7 to 24 pounds | Material:<\/strong> Steel, plastic<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n SMRTFT<\/p>\n \n \n These adjustable dumbbells come recommended by the experts we spoke with for weight training pros who do some serious training at home. \u201cIf you have the budget and want a bigger selection of weights to choose from, these are a great option,\u201d says Daley. \u201cThey\u2019re great quality, with a sleek design.\u201d Instead of a dial, they have an innovative twist-and-lock selection system that Amazon shoppers say is pretty easy to use.<\/p>\n The range in weight is impressive too\u2014these weights range from 5 to 80 pounds. Reviewers say the knurled handlebars offer superb grip (no slippage here). However, we don\u2019t recommend these for beginners\u2014not only because they\u2019re pretty pricey, but also because they\u2019re heavier than most of our experts suggested for new weightlifters.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> 5 to 80 pounds | Material:<\/strong> Steel, plastic<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n CAP Barbell included everything you need in this set, with ten pairs of dumbbells ranging from 5 to 25 pounds and a vertical weight rack for easy storage and organization. Made with that signature hex shape, the dumbbells are coated in rubber to protect your floors (a key pro, according to Daley) and have grippy, knurled handles for moves like planks.<\/p>\n While lots of Amazon reviewers agree that this set is priced correctly, some note that the weights arrived with an oily coating on them\u2014but they say a quick wipe down with soap and water seems to fix the issue.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> 5 to 25 pounds | Material:<\/strong> Steel, rubber<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Titan Fitness<\/p>\n \n \n As SELF has previously reported, fixed or pre-loaded barbells are shorter than regular barbells and easy to move around, since there\u2019s no chance the plates will slide off either end. This one from Titan Fitness is available in 20-pound to 110-pound options.<\/p>\n Amazon shoppers love that it arrives well-packaged (no in-transit damage here) and \u201clooks expensive,\u201d as one put it. While the downside of a fixed barbell is that it\u2019s, well, fixed\u2014meaning you can\u2019t adjust how much weight you put on it\u2014weights like this one are a great choice for biceps curls or overhead presses. FYI: They aren\u2019t recommended for powerlifting<\/a>, since they\u2019re too short to fit in power racks with safety bars and the plates are on the smaller side.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> 20 to 110 pounds | Material:<\/strong> Steel, rubber<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Nice C<\/p>\n \n \n If you\u2019ve never used a barbell before, this set from Nice C is a good place to start. It comes with multiple bars and plates so you can switch between adjustable dumbbells and barbells (a game-changer if you\u2019re low on funds, space, or both).<\/p>\n The bar itself is super light, at just 0.5 pounds, so you can start small and work your way up as you gain more experience. The coated plates allow you to lift up to 55 pounds total, whether you\u2019re using the dumbbells or the barbell. One thing to note: While we like that the bars are all coated in slip-resistant neoprene, the bars themselves are plastic\u2014not metal.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> 11 to 88 pounds | Material:<\/strong> Neoprene, plastic<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Yes4All<\/p>\n \n \n Simple, sturdy, and loved by shoppers\u2014this barbell has it all, at a decent price. It\u2019s 60 inches long, with a 1-inch diameter, and made of solid alloy steel with a knurled pattern for great grip. The ends are threaded too, so the included collars will stay put while you lift.<\/p>\n Yes4All claims this barbell has a 480-pound weight limit. While we haven\u2019t tested it for ourselves, one Amazon shopper confirms that it can handle up to 400 pounds without bending or breaking. As a heads up, it\u2019s shorter and smaller than most average barbells, so it won\u2019t fit in most squat racks.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> Holds up to 400 pounds | Material:<\/strong> Steel<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Titan Fitness<\/p>\n \n \n Daley recommends bumper plates coated in rubber as opposed to all-metal weight plates because they\u2019re less of a safety risk if you drop them. While bumper plates tend to be more expensive, these from Titan Fitness aren\u2019t too<\/em> pricey. Each one (they\u2019re sold individually) has a cast iron core and a bright, urethane coating that makes it easy to tell different weights apart.<\/p>\n Amazon reviewers describe them as solid and well-made. However, urethane can be a bit slippery, which may make these plates tricky to grip at times.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> 15 kg or 33 pounds | Material:<\/strong> Cast iron, urethane<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n Whether you should invest in a pair of ankle weights depends on your training regimen and goals, says Daley. \u201cThough they aren\u2019t super heavy, they can be extremely challenging and beneficial when it comes to static or isolating movements that trigger small twitch muscle groups,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n We love this Home Fitness Award-winning pair from Bala because they\u2019re easy to throw on during a walk, your favorite workout class, or marathon Sunday resets around the house. Our tester, who\u2019s been using them for years, also likes that they\u2019re cute\u2014they\u2019re \u201can easy way to feel like I\u2019m making my everyday movement \u2018count\u2019 a little more,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> 1, 2, or 3 pounds | Material:<\/strong> Steel, silicone<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n While these weights didn’t make it into our top picks, we still think they’re solid options considering. If you haven’t found your perfect match yet, one of these sets could be the winner.<\/p>\n \n \n \n Certified personal trainer and strength coach Amanda Katz<\/a> recommends this Powerblock set, which is great for beginners or those who prefer to stick to lighter weights for high-rep workouts. These dumbbells range from 3 to 24 pounds, and you can use the included magnetic pin to adjust them in 3-pound increments for more precise training progressions.<\/p>\n Low on space? This set is super compact (it\u2019s only 10 inches long). We also like that it comes in fun colors, like dusty lavender and sky blue. Another bonus: Powerblock sells a barbell attachment<\/a> separately, so you can try new exercises without needing to buy tons of separate pieces.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> 3 to 24 pounds | Material:<\/strong> Steel<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n This set comes with everything beginners need to get started. Your purchase includes three pairs of cast iron dumbbells (in Daley\u2019s favorite hexagonal shape) coated in anti-slip neoprene, plus a foldable plastic rack with a handle. We appreciate the range of weights\u2014with 5-, 8-, and 12-pound dumbbells, this set includes heavier weights than many other beginner options we\u2019ve seen on the market.<\/p>\n Over 13,000 satisfied Amazon shoppers call out the weights\u2019 durability, comfy grip, and great value. While the plastic stand may not be the sturdiest, we still think BalanceFrom is worth the investment for new weightlifters.<\/p>\n Weights available:<\/strong> 5, 8, and 12 pounds | Material:<\/strong> Cast iron, neoprene<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Can you build muscle with weights at home?<\/p>\n<\/div>\nOur top picks<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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How to find the best weights for your home gym<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\n\n\n\n\n\nHow we chose these weights<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Shop the best weights for home<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Best Dumbbells: Bells of Steel Ergo Rubber Hex Dumbbells<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nErgo Rubber Hex Dumbbells<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nBest Adjustable Dumbbells: BowFlex SelectTech 552<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\nBest Budget Dumbbells: Spri<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\nBest Dumbbells for Beginners: Amazon Basics Barbell Dumbbells<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nAdjustable Barbell Lifting Dumbbells Weight Set<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nBest Splurge Dumbbells: SMRTFT Adjustable Dumbbells<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nAdjustable Dumbbells<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nBest Dumbbell Set: CAP Barbell Dumbbell Set<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\nBest Fixed Barbell: Titan Straight Rubber Fixed Barbell<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nStraight Rubber Fixed Barbell<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nBest Barbell for Beginners: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Barbell Set<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nAdjustable Dumbbell Barbell Set<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nBest Budget Barbell: Yes4all Standard Straight Barbell<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nStandard Straight Barbell<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nBest Bumper Plates: Titan Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nUrethane Bumper Plates<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nBest Ankle Weights: Bala Bangles<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\nOther great options<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Powerblock Sport 24<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\nBalanceFrom Dumbbell Set<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\n\nFrequently asked questions about shopping for weights<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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