Dumbbells usually seem similar because they're hand weights from which you can add and subtract plates to adjust their heaviness. You might then be wondering just how different they are. Many differences can help you decide the best adjustable dumbbell for you. This core fitness vs Bowflex dumbbells comparison will help you determine a better option for you.
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells and the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells are two options that have become a favorite for many people. This article will learn how they compare when placed side by side.
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These adjustable dumbbells are pretty impressive with the easy adjustment and impressive weight range. They arrive fully assembled and are pretty adjustable; you can adjust the weight with a quick dial turn. The dumbbells' weight ranges from 5-25 pounds for a 2.5 pounds increase and 25-52.5 pounds in 5-pounds increase. The max weight for this adjustable dumbbell set is 52.5 pounds. Therefore, users can enjoy different full-body exercises despite their level of expertise. In addition, with weight adjustability, you can keep progressing your workout over time to achieve better results.
Brief Review of the Core Home Fitness Dumbbells
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Although they don't come assembled like the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, these are also quite impressive. Users can adjust the weight by turning the handle it features. In addition, they offer a 5-pound increase to users, which beginners might find challenging to work with. Assembling this dumbbell is also relatively easy as you don't need any tool to set it up. The design is like a standard dumbbell, as there's no clunky handle to make it too weighty. The Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell features durable construction and is quite great for workouts.
Core Fitness vs Bowflex Dumbells Comparison
This section will compare these dumbbells by looking at their specifications to learn how one differs from the other.
Specifications | Core Fitness | Bowflex Dumbbells |
|---|---|---|
Item Weight | 50 pounds | 105 pounds |
Colors | Black | Black, Red, Grey |
Dimension | 14.5x7.9.7.2 inches | 15.75x8x9 inches |
Warranty | 2 years | 2 Years |
Grip Type | Soft | Ergonomic |
Technology | Twist lock | Dial turn |
Weight Settings | 10 weights | 15 weights |
Style | Adjustable | Adjustable |
Price |
Benefits of Core Home Fitness and Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbell
Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells | Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell |
|---|---|
Easy weight adjustment using the twist lock technology | Durable molding around metal plates for smooth and quieter workouts |
Simple and portable design for easy transportation | Ideal for beginners and advanced users |
Soft grip handle design for secure and comfortable grip | Premium and ergonomic grip to ensure a secure and comfortable feel during use. |
Durable construction using top-quality materials | Easy weight adjustment with the dial feature |
Easy to use and store | Wider weight range for heavy and light exercises |
In-Depth Comparison of Core Fitness vs Bowflex Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells usually feature 10 - 15 pairs of weight within one set. They save space and are an excellent investment. Bowflex and Core Fitness Dumbbells are amongst the leading dumbbells you can find. Although they're similar in many ways, some salient differences set them apart. Without further ado, let's get into it.
Versatility
When it comes to adjusting weight, the smaller increase are usually easier. This is because it's easier to fine-tune your loads before you begin the exercises, and you can also increase them as you get better and stronger or for strength training. For example, the Core Home Fitness dumbbells range from 5 to 50 pounds and feature an increase of 5 pounds. This is a regular occurrence for a regular dumbbell with adjustability features; it allows you to perform a series of exercises with the pair.
The Bowflex adjustable dumbbells offer different weight options as they range from 5 - 52.5 pounds weight increment with an increase of 2.5 pounds till it reaches 25 pounds. From this point, it offers users an increase of 5 pounds in weight setting. The smaller weight changes make it easier to progress in your fitness program, especially as a beginner. It is far easier than jumping from 20 to 25 weight increment. Additionally, the smaller increase allows you to avoid injuries, especially if you're new to lifting weight or just started a home gym. The 2.5 pounds weight increment is challenging enough for some people, making the Bowflex dumbbells a perfect fit.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, both dumbbells offer you high comfort levels. Bowflex feels nice to the touch and features a comfortable and lightweight handle. Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbell features a firm textured handle that improves your grip. This set of dumbbells holds up well throughout any workout intensity. There's no slipperiness or stickiness to worry about with these rubber grips. They're longer than the typical dumbbells because the rods holding the plates comes in a fixed length, and there's a bit of gap between the plates. Therefore, smaller-framed people might feel uncomfortable using the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells for specific movements.
On the other hand, the Core Home Fitness dumbbells come with a metal pole that extends from inside to hold the weight length. Therefore, this dumbbell is shorter than the Bowflex dumbbells at its entire length. It looks even shorter when you use them at a lighter weight. They're pretty sturdy and one of the most comfortable dumbbells you can find due to their compact shape and size. The handle features textures but has lined etched into the rubber material. It is pretty durable and soft, and it will ensure a secure hold while you exercise.
Adjustability
Changing and replacing adjustable weight dumbbells in their tray should be easy for users. We discovered this was the case with the Core Home Fitness dumbbells. By twisting the handle, users can increase or decrease the weight plate. However, the system isn't exactly flawless, and the dumbbell's rod tends to get stuck when you're trying to change weight. Additionally, the plates tend to knock over each other when you're trying to replace the dumbbells.
This isn't a problem users have to worry about with the Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbell set. Despite the space between each plate and the almost-perfect fit of the slots for the weight range, it's very easy to get the dumbbell weights on the tray. The transition from one load to the next is smooth. However, it takes much longer to change the weight because you have to turn a knob on either end to get a balance of plates. The Core Fitness dumbbells take less time to change. However, there's a tendency for your plates to get stuck.
Storage
Most adjustable dumbbells feature a storage tray. This is where users place the complete dumbbells. In addition, it is where the extra weight plate sits when you're using the dumbbell. They're pretty similar in the Core Fitness vs Bowflex Dumbbells comparison category. Both dumbbells use a storage stray, but there are some slight differences we'll be exploring.
The Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbell comes in an attractive storage tray with two wide feet on either end. This allows the tray sit on flat surfaces easily. Additionally, the storage tray comes with deep pockets on either end to hold the weight plates not in use.
The Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell tray is quite similar. There are two silver rods on either end to stabilize the tray on flat surfaces. Additionally, it comes with compartments to hold extra-weight plates, and they're available on both sides. Although they're similar, the Bowflex tray is more stable and holds the weight plate better.
What Are Their Flaws?
Despite their impressive features, these dumbbells have some flaws you should note before choosing from this Core Fitness vs Dumbbells comparison.
Flaws of the Core Fitness Dumbbells
● It doesn't come assembled
● It is not an excellent choice for beginners as it comes in bigger increments
● The plates rattle when using it
Flaws of the Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbell
● It comes with a premium price tag
● It is quite bulky
● There are more durable dumbbells
Health Benefits of Using Dumbbells
You get to enjoy some benefits when you use dumbbells for exercises. However, when you utilize dumbbells for full multi-planar movements, it can benefit body health. This includes cardiorespiratory fitness and many more. To help you along, below are the health benefits of using dumbbells.
It Ensures Muscle Growth
When you use dumbbells, it requires lifting things with your arm muscles. Therefore, the weight of the dumbbell can affect how the muscle works. Therefore, it builds up the arm muscles. There are two types of overload that you enjoy from dumbbells, including mechanic and metabolic.
Contractions due to mechanic overload stimulate the repairing process while increasing the muscle size. On the other hand, metabolic overload is when the working muscle is fatigued. This leads to a cell's muscle adaptation, causing it to store more glycogen and increase muscle size.
It Improves Cardio Health
Another benefit you get to enjoy with dumbbell exercises is better cardio health. Utilizing dumbbells causes a rise in heart rate, improving your overall cardiovascular health. When you start with a lightweight from any adjustable dumbbells, it will improve your cardio stamina. You'll also enjoy a fit cardiovascular organ when you have a stable heart rate.
It Aids Weight Loss
When you use the dumbbells, you get to burn calories. The different aerobic dumbbell exercises help reduce heart disease risk, high blood pressure, and stroke. In addition, working out with dumbbells is an easy way to achieve your desired weight.
Ensures Higher Muscle Activation Levels
Amongst the benefits of using dumbbells is higher muscle activation levels. When you carry out dumbbell exercises, it creates inter/intramuscular coordination that facilitates a higher muscle activation level. As a result, you'll improve your muscle ability in motors and joint motion coordination. In addition, if you use light dumbbell weights for multi-planar movement, it could help to enhance the coordination of various body segments.
It Builds Up Muscle Endurance
Most times, athletes use adjustable dumbbells to build up their muscular endurance in their home gym. Dumbbells can help improve how you use your muscles over time. When playing sports like volleyball, tennis matches, or badminton, using dumbbells can help you develop your muscle strength. It will make you work harder and strong over time.
It Helps to Improve Bone Health
Different weight exercises target the bones to increase their density while minimizing fracture risk. If that's your goal, then dumbbells are the way to go because they help to improve bone health. You can use them while sitting, standing, or even lying down. It also allows you to opt for varying weights based on the person's needs.
Tips For Carrying out Dumbbell Exercises
While you enjoy many benefits with dumbbells, these tips will ensure you use this exercise tool safely.
● Always warm up: Before you begin hard-core exercises in a home gym, you should always warm up. It helps to prevent injuries while exercising. A light cardio exercise like brisk walking or a slow jog would suffice. Stretch lightly after every quick warm-up.
● Begin with lightweight dumbbells: Firstly, you should start with lightweight dumbbells and lift them more than ten times before increasing to heavier weight limit. Beginning with a heavyweight could lead to sprain and muscle strain.
● Proper posture is necessary: You also need to keep the correct posture when exercising with dumbbells. Ensure you learn the appropriate method to use dumbbells before you start. For example, your spine should be erect and relatively straight. Hunching shoulders are wrong for dumbbells.
● Stop If you're uneasy: Lifting weights can cause you pain or lead to injuries in some cases. With the correct posture, you can lift weight repeatedly. However, that's not the case when your posture is incorrect. You might start to feel shoulder or lower back pain. You should stop and figure out the problem before causing yourself an injury in such a case.
Buying Guide
When buying dumbbells, there are some features you need to watch out for. These features help ensure you're picking between Core Fitness vs Bowflex dumbbells.
Ease of Adjustment
This factor is essential and should be one of the significant features you look out for when selecting the right dumbbells. In addition, you need to consider how easy it is to choose different weights with your adjustable dumbbells. Even when purchasing maximum weight adjustable dumbbells, adjustability is essential. Additionally, you should also consider speed when trying to buy maximum weight dumbbells. That's where the Twist-Lock system of the Core Fitness dumbbell comes in handy.
Handle Length
Another factor you should consider is the handle length of your dumbbells. It is essential because it can be quite a distraction for weight lifters. Longer handles can hit your hips when curling, and they can clash above your head when you're pressing.
Additionally, it could also hit the side of your head. Compact designs are usually the best because they provide users with a natural feel like fixed dumbbells.
Durability
Another feature you need to consider is your dumbbells' durability. When you opt for inexpensive adjustable dumbbells, they might not last you for many years. Additionally, knock-off Bowflex dumbbells usually feature a large amount of plastic. Although most dumbbells feature an amount of plastic, inexpensive dumbbells tend to have more. Other materials that adjustable dumbbells feature are steel and cast iron. These materials are more durable than plastic dumbbells. Additionally, you should look out for dumbbells with chrome plates or handles for extra safety.
Other Features
Another feature you should watch for is the total weight set of the dumbbell. An adjustable dumbbell works as a replacement for multiple weight sets. Again, the goal is to save you money while offering more options than a fixed dumbbell. Depending on your body-building goal, you should consider the total weight set of the dumbbells. The weight increment system also matters. Are you using a dial or weight plate system? Is it a 5 pound increment or less? The weight increment determines if it is a good pick for beginners.
Suitable Alternatives to the Core Fitness and Bowflex Dumbells
FAQs
1. Are core fitness dumbbells worth it?
Yes, many users have shared how enjoyable they are. In addition to affordable pricing, these dumbbells are easy to use. They save space for the user and adjusting to a heavier weight only takes the twist of the handle.
2. Are Bowflex adjustable dumbbells worth it?
Bowflex dumbbells are convenient and relatively compact in their designs. This makes them a fantastic option if you're short on space. It comes with ergonomic grip designs, plastic molding, and an easy-to-control dial mechanism. They are worth the investment and will give you the best value for your money.
3. Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?
Adjustable dumbbells help save room for the user, making them ideal for small spaces. Compared with a traditional dumbbell which consumes space and costs more, adjustable dumbbells are worth it.
4. Can you build muscle using the Bowflex dumbbells?
Yes, you can. A Bowflex can build muscle, especially when it comes to beginner weight lifters. The varying weight also allows users to build weight gradually and increase their resistance level using the dumbbells.
5. What is a 50-pounds dumbbell in inches?
A 50-pound dumbbell measures 12 inches long by 5.5. inches width.
6. What is the best dumbbell?
Several dumbbells out there qualify as the best adjustable dumbbell for fitness enthusiasts. Amongst them is the Bowflex SelectTech 550 Dumbbells and the Core Home Fitness Dumbbells.
7. Can adjustable dumbbells break?
Yes, they can. Therefore, you should be careful when dropping them. The metal disc or button controlling the weight selection could damage if dropped carelessly on the ground.