What Are Single Dumbbells Called

If you’re building a home gym, you might be wondering what are single dumbbells called. Knowing the correct term helps you shop smarter and find the right equipment for your space and goals. These versatile tools are a cornerstone of effective training, allowing for targeted strength work and fixing muscle imbalances.

They offer incredible flexibility. You can use them one at a time or together for different exercises. This makes them perfect for apartments and small home setups where a full rack might not fit.

The direct answer is simple: a single dumbbell is most accurately called a “loose” or “individual” dumbbell. In fitness stores and online, you’ll often see them listed as “single dumbbells” or sold by the “each.” This distinguishes them from sets that come in pairs.

Sometimes, people casually refer to one dumbbell as just a “dumbbell,” but that can be confusing when you’re trying to buy. For clarity, especially when shopping, using “single” or “individual” is your best bet.

Common Types of Individual Dumbbells

Not all single dumbbells are the same. The type you choose impacts your workout, storage, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the most common kinds you’ll find.

Fixed-Weight Dumbbells

These are the classic, solid dumbbells. They are a single piece of cast iron, often coated in rubber or neoprene. The weight is permanent and cannot be changed.

Pros: Extremely durable, ready to use instantly, and often the most affordable option per weight.
Cons: You need to buy a new pair for each increment, which takes up more space and can become expensive over time.
Best for: Beginners who know what weight they need, or for targeting a specific weight that you use constantly.

Adjustable Dumbbells

These are space-saving champions. A single handle allows you to add or remove plates to change the weight.

Pros: One unit replaces an entire rack of fixed weights. They are cost-effective in the long run and perfect for progressive overload.
Cons: The initial investment is higher. Some models can be slow to adjust between exercises.
Best for: Home gym users with limited space who want a wide range of weights available.

Selectorized Dumbbells

These are the high-tech version of adjustable dumbbells. Brands like Bowflex offer dial-a-weight systems where you turn a dial to select the weight you need.

Pros: Incredibly fast weight changes. Very compact and sleek.
Cons: They are the most expensive option. The weight increments are fixed by the model.
Best for: Those who value speed and convenience and have a higher budget.

Why Single Dumbbells Are Essential for Home Workouts

You might ask if you really need them if you have a barbell. The truth is, single dumbbells offer unique advantages that make them indispensable.

Correct Muscle Imbalances: Your dominant side can’t compensate for your weaker side. Each arm must work independently, leading to more balanced strength development.
Greater Range of Motion: They allow for a more natural movement path compared to a barbell, which can be better for your joints.
Space Efficiency: Even a few key weights take up minimal floor space. You can store them under a bed or in a closet.
Exercise Versatility: From presses and rows to lunges and renegade rows, they are used in hundreds of exercises for every muscle group.
Safety for Solo Training: If you fail a rep on a bench press, you can safely drop them to the side—something you cannot do with a barbell without a spotter or racks.

How to Choose the Right Single Dumbbells for You

Picking the right ones involves more than just grabbing the shiniest pair. Follow these steps to make a smart choice.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Strength Level

Think about the exercises you do most. What weight do you use for bicep curls? For shoulder presses? For goblet squats? Choose weights that challenge you for your target rep range (usually 8-12 reps for hypertrophy).

Step 2: Consider Your Future Goals

Are you planning to get significantly stronger? If so, adjustable or selectorized dumbbells that offer a wide weight range will grow with you. If your goals are maintence, a few fixed weights may suffice.

Step 3: Measure Your Available Space

Get a tape measure. Look at the footprint of adjustable dumbbell stands or the space needed for a few fixed pairs. Make sure you have a dedicated spot to use and store them safely.

Step 4: Set Your Budget

Prices vary wildly. Fixed weights are cheaper upfront but cost more to collect. Adjustable sets have a higher initial cost but offer better long-term value. Don’t forget to factor in shipping, as heavy weights are expensive to ship.

Step 5: Test the Grip and Feel

If possible, go to a store and hold different types. Is the grip too thick or too thin? Is the rubber coating secure? The comfort of the grip is crucial for your workouts safety and effectiveness.

Building a Effective Home Workout Plan with Single Dumbbells

You have your dumbbells—now what? Here’s a simple full-body workout structure you can do 2-3 times per week. Always warm up first with some dynamic stretches.

Lower Body: Goblet Squats (3 sets of 10 reps). Hold one dumbbell vertically at your chest.
Upper Body Push: Dumbbell Bench Press (3 sets of 10 reps). Use two individual dumbbells while lying on a bench or floor.
Upper Body Pull: Single-Arm Rows (3 sets of 10 reps per arm). Brace your free hand on a chair.
Shoulders: Seated Dumbbell Press (3 sets of 10 reps).
Core: Weighted Russian Twists (3 sets of 20 total reps). Sit on the floor and hold one dumbbell with both hands.

Rest for 60-90 seconds between sets. Focus on form over weight, especially when starting out. As you get stronger, you can increase the weight or the number of reps.

Maintenance and Safety Tips

Taking care of your equipment ensures it lasts for years and keeps you safe during workouts.

Store Them Properly: Keep them in a dry place. Don’t leave adjustable dumbbell plates loose; secure them with collars.
Clean Regularly: Wipe down rubber or neoprene coatings with a damp cloth to prevent slippage from sweat.
Check for Damage: Before each use, inspect fixed dumbbells for deep cracks in the coating. For adjustable ones, ensure the locking mechanism is secure.
Use a Clear Workout Area: Always make sure you have plenty of space around you to avoid hitting furniture or dropping weights on your feet.
Start Light: If you’re trying a new exercise, begin with a lighter weight to master the movement pattern before adding load.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is a single dumbbell called?

It’s most clearly called an individual or loose dumbbell. In retail, it’s often sold as a “single dumbbell” or by “each.”

Can I just buy one dumbbell?

Absolutely. This is a smart strategy if you’re on a tight budget or are focusing on unilateral (one-arm) training to fix an imbalance. You can always buy the matching one later.

Are adjustable dumbbells worth the money?

For most home gym users, yes. The space savings and versatility they provide usually justify the higher upfront cost compared to buying multiple fixed pairs.

What weights should a beginner buy?

A good starting set for men might include pairs of 10lb, 20lb, and 30lb dumbbells. For women, pairs of 5lb, 12lb, and 20lb are often a solid foundation. Adjustable sets cover this range in one package.

How heavy should my heaviest single dumbbell be?

It depends on your strongest exercise. For most people, a dumbbell heavy enough for goblet squats or lunges will be your heaviest. This could be 50lbs or much higher for advanced lifters.

Choosing the right single dumbbells is a key step in creating a functional home gym. By understanding what they’re called, the types available, and how they fit into your goals, you can invest in equipment that will serve you well for countless workouts to come. Remember, consistency with even a modest weight is far more valuable than having expensive gear you rarely use. Start with what you need, focus on proper form, and build from they’re.