For body-building, resistance training, weight training, and typical workout exercises, dumbbell weights are perfect because they are designed to help develop and strengthen the triceps and biceps along with muscles in the chest, legs, shoulders and abdomen.
Dumbbells with fixed weights they measure anywhere from 10 to 15 inches long and can weigh from one up to more than a hundred pounds, in increments of five. They are not adjustable, so you should be careful in choosing your ideal weight for them since each weight is designed to further strengthen a certain level of strength and endurance.
Kinds of dumbbells
Choose between the solid metal dumbbells and the plastic-coated dumbbells. Solid metal dumbbells are made of 100% cast iron and are commonly used in gyms and professional training. The plastic-coated ones are made of hard plastic shells made of neoprene or vinyl, filled with concrete. These are best for home gyms and lightweight training exercises. At times, plastic-coated dumbbell weights are filled with either sand or water instead of concrete.
Lifting dumbbells correctly
Just like lifting other heavy things, there are proper ways to lift dumbbell weights and avoid severe injury.
Remember to warm up or do stretching exercises to loosen your muscles. Warm-up exercises are designed to prepare your muscles for more strenuous activities. Failure to warm up before lifting weights can cause muscle tearing or strains.
Also make sure that you are comfortable with the weight that you are lifting, especially if you are beginner. Do not strain yourself by lifting 50-pound dumbbells if your body can only endure 10-pound weights. Start at with the lightest and go higher as your strength and muscle tone improves.