Guide to Purchasing Dumbbells for Home

I have to say, I'm a total dumbbells-at-home convert. I do like going to the gym, but the time it takes to get there, park, get settled — it really does make it a bit of a time-suck when other things are vying for my attention (and believe me, there are plenty).

What I love about having dumbbells at home is that they're always there. Whether I'm doing Sara's Dumbbells for Midlife class on Mondays and Wednesdays, or squeezing in a quick round of squats after my walk, it's time-efficient — and I finally feel like I have what I actually need to meet my strength goals.

When you're thinking about investing in dumbbells, you might wonder: how much will they cost? Which ones should I choose? What if I buy them and never use them?

All fair questions! I've learned a lot in the past six months, so here's a short guide to help you think it through.

If you're unsure, start with just 2 sets.

One lighter set for upper body, one heavier set for lower body. That's it.

Upper body: If you already have 2s or 3s lying around, great — you'll still use them. But most people can go up to 8s for their light set. If you're pretty strong and don't have shoulder issues, go for the 8s. If you're newer to lifting or want to be cautious, 5s are a solid starting point.

Lower body: You're probably choosing between 10s, 12s, and 15s. Lower body muscles are stronger, and those joints are more stable than shoulders — so this decision feels a little less "risky." We do see knee, hip, and back pain in midlife bodies, but a lot of that can be managed with shallower range of motion and good core engagement. If you're dealing with an injury or just feel not-so-strong right now, go lighter. If you're injury-free and feeling ambitious, go straight to 15s — or heavier if you have lifting experience.

How much should they cost?

A good rule of thumb: around $1/pound for discounted weights. That means a pair of 15s runs about $30. Check Facebook Marketplace, Goodwill, and big box stores when they're running sales. They definitely go up from there, but you don't have to spend a lot to get started.

Can I just use one dumbbell?

Some exercises do use just one — but honestly, it's too limiting to build on. If you happen to have a lone dumbbell lying around, use it! But if you're buying, get pairs. Otherwise you'll hit a ceiling fast.

What about buying a full set?

If you're all-in, this is genuinely the best option. I recently bought a 5-pair set (5–25 lbs, with a rack) for $190. I use all of them — and that's when I knew dumbbells at home were actually going to work for me long-term.

How about adjustable weights?

I did buy some adjustable weights - and long story short, I found them to be awkward. I much prefer traditional dumbbells, which just feel solid - especially hexoganal ones that won't roll away and can be used while doing push-ups to keep your wrists straight. So, I'm won't weigh-in more on adjustable weights.

Where to buy:

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are great for deals in your area. Amazon has competitive prices, but if you're trying to avoid them, Walmart is my recommendation — fast shipping, good prices, and free shipping on orders over $35.

One thing I hear a lot: "I don't even know where to start with weights." That's exactly why I built the dumbbell consultation into StrongHer Now — we send you two sets of dumbbells and our trainer Sara Rollo helps you figure out which weights are right for your body before you even start lifting. If that sounds like what you need, check out StrongHer Now here.