What Dumbbells Should You Buy? Top 5 Dumbbells For Building Muscle and Tone

A quick Introduction

When it comes to lifting any type of weight, it’s important to remember that weights are proven to be as good or even a better long term burner of fat, than aerobic exercise. What we actually recommend is that everybody should include a weights program as part of their routine to see the best gains.

There are many reasons why building muscle is hugely beneficial, firstly that your body has to burn more calories just to exist. Even sitting down or sleeping will require more calories if you have a higher muscle mass. Secondly, they allow you to better sculpt parts of your body to how you want them to look, be it arms, legs, bums or tums.

Ask yourself why you want to include a weights’ workout.

I want to build muscle size

Are you a person that wants to increase muscle mass as quick as possible? This means muscle growth and required low reps (typically 6-10) of heavy weights. You would normally reach fatigue after 3-4 sets of lifting these weights to give you an idea of how heavy they should be.

I want to build tone and definition

Many people request the best methods of toning their bodies. This means building muscle thickness or density. It’s important to note that having big muscles doesn’t necessarily mean that you are stronger than a person who appears to have smaller muscles. This is because muscle density also plays a part. To achieve higher muscle density, you should complete more reps of lower weight (typically 15-20 reps). 

So now you have an idea of what you want to achieve, we have given the round-up of the best weights on the market.

Best dumbbells to build muscle size:

Recommended – Opti Cast Iron Bar and Dumbbell set 48.8Kg Review

ProductPrice CheckOriginal PriceDiscounted Price
Opti Cast Iron DumbbellsGTR price checkingWas £100CLICK HERE

On the upper end of the budget scale, this set features a single large bar plus 2 smaller weight bars. This setup gives you the opportunity for a full body workout. It comes complete with 6 x 0.5kg, 6 x 1.25kg, 4 x 2.5kg and 4 x 5kg. Total weight including all bars is 48.8kg.

The cast iron design will give you an almost lifetime of use as long as they are kept indoors and dry. They have a spin lock mechanism, making swapping the weights quick and easy. If you are looking for a first set of weights, you cannot go wrong with this kit.

What’s more, a quick look on Google or YouTube will show you an almost endless number of weight workouts depending on your ability. From simple deadlifts using the large bar to work your back and arms, right through to double bar lunges to really work those quads.

Low Budget – Opti Vinyl Barbell and Dumbbell Set 25kg Review

ProductPrice CheckOriginal PriceDiscounted Price
Opti Vinyl Dumbbell SetGTR price checkingWas £33.50CLICK HERE

In comparison to the above dumbbell set, the Opti vinyl barbell set wight overall is lower, the material is plastic and the build quality is not the same standard. However, it costs less than half of the price! That is simply an amazing deal if you are looking for a budget set of weights.

What we really liked about this kit is traditionally with a set of vinyl dumbbells they would have locked spindles. You would have an Allen key type of lock that you would have to spend time unscrewing to change any of the wrights. This is usually too much messing about, and normally you would just keep whatever weights were on each bar.

With this version they have a spin lock mechanism which means that the weights can be easily transferred between large and small bars. Remember that working out with weights is all about lifting weight to strain your muscles, your body doesn’t know or even care if these are £10 or £500 weights. So if you are looking for the ultimate budget no nonsense weight set, look no further.

Great Quality – Pro Fitness Hex Dumbbell Set Review

ProductPrice CheckOriginal PriceDiscounted Price
Pro Fitness Hex DumbbellsGTR price checkingWas £35CLICK HERE

If you want to build up the ultimate home gym, then we would recommend the Pro Fitness Hex Dumbbell set. Having dumbbells already in various different weights allows you to quickly change between weights without having to remove the spin lock and remove the weights each time.

You also avoid the feeling of the spin lock coming loose, which I have found with almost all weights set I have owned. Plus, they are fantastic quality and can stand being dropped and bumped due to their rubber design. 

However, it will cost you a fair amount of money to build up the required number of weights, plus you will need to add on an Olympic bar and weights plates to have a complete set like one of the two above.


Best dumbbells to build muscle tone and definition:

Best for Starters – Opti Dumbbell Tree Set Review

ProductPrice CheckOriginal PriceDiscounted Price
Opti Dumbbell Tree SetGTR price checkingWas £30CLICK HERE

A really great set of weights that passes on both quality and budget. We really struggled to find anything that came close to what is on offer from Opti on this occasion. Yes, it’s not the same as you would find at the gym, but it just works! 

Included is a stand that rests the weights from smallest to largest, it makes it quick and convenient to swap weights on the fly depending on what workout you are trying to achieve. 

Weights come in a slightly odd set of ranges that are 2 x 1.1Kg, 2 x 2.3Kg and 2 x 4.5Kg. The finish of the weights is a little rough around the edges, but they were more than up to the task during testing, and they were able to withstand being dropped and bumped around a bit.

A great set of weights that would suit any home and not break the bank.

Great Quality – Opti Neoprene Dumbbell Set Review

ProductPrice CheckOriginal PriceDiscounted Price
Opti Neoprene Dumbbell SetGTR price checkingWas £8CLICK HERE

If you are lucky enough to have a bigger budget, then we would recommend the Opti Neoprene Dumbbell sets. They feel beautiful to hold and maintain their grip even if you have a sweat on. They are available in 2 x 1,2,3,4 and 5Kg increments and have to be purchase separately, however you could quite easily buy the 1,3 and 5Kg sets to give you a good balance.

Apart from the great design and build quality, they come in striking colours that make them very pleasing on the eye vs traditional black and silver dumbbell sets.

As a final note, if you are looking for a superb quality of dumbbell for a high intensity session to tone your muscles, then these are a great option.

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A quick IntroductionWhen it comes to lifting any type of weight, it’s important to remember that weights are proven to be as good or even a better long term burner of fat, than aerobic exercise. What we actually recommend is that everybody should include...What Dumbbells Should You Buy? Top 5 Dumbbells For Building Muscle and Tone