How do adjustable dumbbells work

How do adjustable dumbbells work Jun. 10, 2025

When diving into the world of wholesale dumbbells, there’s no shortage of questions, curiosity, and discoveries. This article aims to unpack key insights while offering practical perspectives and fresh thinking.

How do adjustable dumbbells work

1. Knob

The simplest one is where you have a knob on both sides of the handle and add /remove weight plates. Then you secure with by fastening the knob. For each time you want to adjust the weight on the dumbbell, unscrew the knobs and put on the desired numbers of weight plates.

2. Dial

There’s also variants where you turn a knob/wheel on both sides of the dumbbell to adjust the weight. The downside of these models is that they remain the same size, no matter the weight you choose. Meaning that they are more bulky that necessary with when putting on the lower weights.

3. Pin

Another variant has the functionality of a weightlifting machine at the gym, where you manually move a pin to change the weight. The same issue with is applicable for these models as well.

4. Twist and lift – done!

The more high-end adjustable dumbbells come with a rack that holds the dumbbell and all the weight plates. To shift weights, it only takes a smooth twist on the handle, in a one-hand grip.

The chosen weight is clearly visible on the dumbbell and it’s a no-brainer to know which direction to turn for more or less weight.

No more screwing knobs on and off, adding and removing weight plates… Just turn the handle to add or remove weights. For each “turn” on the handle, the mechanism hooks into (or releases) one more weight plate on both sides.

With adjustable dumbbells, there's no time-sucking stop-start to switch weights. With high-end options, you just turn the handle to add or remove weights. For each ""turn"" of the handle, the mechanism hooks into (or releases) one more weight plate on both sides. Easy, fast and safe.

In this video below you'll see how easy it can be to change the weight of an adjustable dumbbell (NÜOBELL 232 in this case).

This is how easy it is to adjust high-end dumbbells

1. Knob

The simplest one is where you have a knob on both sides of the handle and add /remove weight plates. Then you secure with by fastening the knob. For each time you want to adjust the weight on the dumbbell, unscrew the knobs and put on the desired numbers of weight plates.

2. Dial

There’s also variants where you turn a knob/wheel on both sides of the dumbbell to adjust the weight. The downside of these models is that they remain the same size, no matter the weight you choose. Meaning that they are more bulky that necessary with when putting on the lower weights.

3. Pin

Another variant has the functionality of a weightlifting machine at the gym, where you manually move a pin to change the weight. The same issue with is applicable for these models as well.

4. Twist and lift – done!

The more high-end adjustable dumbbells come with a rack that holds the dumbbell and all the weight plates. To shift weights, it only takes a smooth twist on the handle, in a one-hand grip.

The chosen weight is clearly visible on the dumbbell and it’s a no-brainer to know which direction to turn for more or less weight.

No more screwing knobs on and off, adding and removing weight plates… Just turn the handle to add or remove weights. For each “turn” on the handle, the mechanism hooks into (or releases) one more weight plate on both sides.

With adjustable dumbbells, there's no time-sucking stop-start to switch weights. With high-end options, you just turn the handle to add or remove weights. For each ""turn"" of the handle, the mechanism hooks into (or releases) one more weight plate on both sides. Easy, fast and safe.

In this video below you'll see how easy it can be to change the weight of an adjustable dumbbell (NÜOBELL 232 in this case).

This is how easy it is to adjust high-end dumbbells

Save space

As previously mentioned, two adjustable dumbbells require far less space than a fixed dumbbell set. In the world of fixed dumbbells, to have the same weight options as an adjustable model could require as many as 32 psc (16 pairs). Yikes.

Save time

Time is a luxury for most people, meaning that even if you want to work out at the gym, there's not enough time. So you skip the training thinking that next week will be better. It's stressful. But if you can exercise at home, chances are, you'll be far more likely to find the time to train since you don't need to spend precious hours going back and forth to the gym. Voila! Time problem solved.

Save money

Think an adjustable dumbbell is expensive? Compared to what it will cost to buy the same amount of weight options with fixed dumbbells, the fixed option will most likely dig a deeper hole in your wallet.

Complete workout with minimal amount of equipment

With just two adjustable dumbbells, you can get a full-body workout and quickly scale up as you improve and strengthen. And since the increments on the high-end adjustable dumbbells are around 2 kg, they perfectly adapt to your fitness journey. And your progressions will run faster due to having more challenging weights at your fingertips. Don't forget that to build muscles and get stronger, progressive overload is a necessity. And one way to achieve that is to gradually increase the resistance.

Save space

As previously mentioned, two adjustable dumbbells require far less space than a fixed dumbbell set. In the world of fixed dumbbells, to have the same weight options as an adjustable model could require as many as 32 psc (16 pairs). Yikes.

Save time

Time is a luxury for most people, meaning that even if you want to work out at the gym, there's not enough time. So you skip the training thinking that next week will be better. It's stressful. But if you can exercise at home, chances are, you'll be far more likely to find the time to train since you don't need to spend precious hours going back and forth to the gym. Voila! Time problem solved.

Save money

Think an adjustable dumbbell is expensive? Compared to what it will cost to buy the same amount of weight options with fixed dumbbells, the fixed option will most likely dig a deeper hole in your wallet.

Complete workout with minimal amount of equipment

With just two adjustable dumbbells, you can get a full-body workout and quickly scale up as you improve and strengthen. And since the increments on the high-end adjustable dumbbells are around 2 kg, they perfectly adapt to your fitness journey. And your progressions will run faster due to having more challenging weights at your fingertips. Don't forget that to build muscles and get stronger, progressive overload is a necessity. And one way to achieve that is to gradually increase the resistance.

Adjustable dumbbells offer several advantages for individuals looking to incorporate weight training into their fitness routine:

Space-Saving

Adjustable dumbbells save space in your home or gym compared to traditional dumbbells. With adjustable dumbbells, you can easily adjust the weight and use a single set of dumbbells for a wide range of exercises.

Versatility

With adjustable dumbbells, you can adjust the weight according to your fitness level and the exercise you are performing. This versatility allows you to target various muscle groups and perform a wide range of exercises with a single set of dumbbells.

Cost-Effective

Buying a set of adjustable dumbbells is more cost-effective than buying a full set of traditional dumbbells. Instead of purchasing multiple sets of dumbbells of different weights, you can buy a single set of adjustable dumbbells and adjust the weight according to your needs.

Progressive Overload

With adjustable dumbbells, you can quickly increase the weight as you progress in your training. This progressive overload helps you to challenge your muscles and stimulate muscle growth continually.

Convenience

Adjustable dumbbells offer convenience, as you don't need to switch between different sets of dumbbells during your workout. This saves time and makes your workout more efficient.

More variation

Challenge yourself with routines like super sets-, drop sets- and giant sets. Your muscles will thank you!

Overall, adjustable dumbbells are an excellent investment for anyone looking to incorporate weight training into their fitness routine. They offer a range of benefits, including space-saving, versatility, cost-effectiveness, progressive overload, and convenience.

Adjustable dumbbells offer several advantages for individuals looking to incorporate weight training into their fitness routine:

Space-Saving

Adjustable dumbbells save space in your home or gym compared to traditional dumbbells. With adjustable dumbbells, you can easily adjust the weight and use a single set of dumbbells for a wide range of exercises.

Versatility

With adjustable dumbbells, you can adjust the weight according to your fitness level and the exercise you are performing. This versatility allows you to target various muscle groups and perform a wide range of exercises with a single set of dumbbells.

Cost-Effective

Buying a set of adjustable dumbbells is more cost-effective than buying a full set of traditional dumbbells. Instead of purchasing multiple sets of dumbbells of different weights, you can buy a single set of adjustable dumbbells and adjust the weight according to your needs.

Progressive Overload

With adjustable dumbbells, you can quickly increase the weight as you progress in your training. This progressive overload helps you to challenge your muscles and stimulate muscle growth continually.

Convenience

Adjustable dumbbells offer convenience, as you don't need to switch between different sets of dumbbells during your workout. This saves time and makes your workout more efficient.

More variation

Challenge yourself with routines like super sets-, drop sets- and giant sets. Your muscles will thank you!

Overall, adjustable dumbbells are an excellent investment for anyone looking to incorporate weight training into their fitness routine. They offer a range of benefits, including space-saving, versatility, cost-effectiveness, progressive overload, and convenience.

If home training is the thing for you, adjustable dumbbells are one of the most versatile pieces of gym equipment you can have at home.

They offer a lot of flexibility to your training; the adjustable dumbbells can be used for different exercises, and as you get stronger and improve, you still use the same dumbbell; you just change the weight.
You can do everything you can do with fixed dumbbells (except throwing them on the floor), and you can perform many exercises with just one (or two) pieces of equipment.
It offers a wide variety of weights in only one pair of adjustable dumbbells.
Adjustable dumbbells are space-saving and will keep your workout space neat and tidy.
They allow you to change weights lightning-fast.

If home training is the thing for you, adjustable dumbbells are one of the most versatile pieces of gym equipment you can have at home.

They offer a lot of flexibility to your training; the adjustable dumbbells can be used for different exercises, and as you get stronger and improve, you still use the same dumbbell; you just change the weight.
You can do everything you can do with fixed dumbbells (except throwing them on the floor), and you can perform many exercises with just one (or two) pieces of equipment.
It offers a wide variety of weights in only one pair of adjustable dumbbells.
Adjustable dumbbells are space-saving and will keep your workout space neat and tidy.
They allow you to change weights lightning-fast.

The price range of adjustable dumbbells varies quite a lot. The cheapest ones cost roughly 200 EUR while the high-end and most heavy versions cost around EUR for a pair. However, like the smartphone in your pocket, you get what you pay for. When paying less, you must consider that the weight adjustment won't be as smooth and will take longer. Also, the dumbbells might be on the larger side and a bit cumbersome.

If you are prepared to invest in your training, the high-end dumbbells will deliver fast and easy one-hand adjustments, and the shape is suitable for anything you can do with a fixed dumbbell. But, ultimately, what price do you put on staying in the moment?

The price range of adjustable dumbbells varies quite a lot. The cheapest ones cost roughly 200 EUR while the high-end and most heavy versions cost around EUR for a pair. However, like the smartphone in your pocket, you get what you pay for. When paying less, you must consider that the weight adjustment won't be as smooth and will take longer. Also, the dumbbells might be on the larger side and a bit cumbersome.

If you are prepared to invest in your training, the high-end dumbbells will deliver fast and easy one-hand adjustments, and the shape is suitable for anything you can do with a fixed dumbbell. But, ultimately, what price do you put on staying in the moment?

wholesale dumbbell sets can inspire deeper thinking, we hope the ideas shared here sparked your interest and offered a new lens to look through.

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