Looking to start or refresh your home gym without spending a fortune? You might be wondering, does 5 below sell dumbbells? The good news is that yes, they often do! This makes them a fantastic spot for finding affordable fitness equipment. Building strength shouldn’t require a huge investment, and stores like Five Below help make that possible.
In this guide, we’ll look at what you can typically find, how to choose the right gear, and other budget-friendly ways to get the equipment you need.
Does 5 Below Sell Dumbbells
Five Below is known for its ever-changing inventory, but fitness items are a regular feature. You can usually find basic, vinyl-coated dumbbells in lighter weights. Think of sets starting at 1-pound pairs and going up to around 10 pounds per dumbbell. These are perfect for beginners, toning exercises, or adding to a collection for higher-rep workouts.
The selection varies by store and season. You’ll often see the best stock in January, as part of New Year’s resolutions, and throughout the spring and summer. It’s always a good idea to call your local store ahead of time to check current availability. They sometimes sell adjustable sets or kettlebell-style weights too.
What Kind of Fitness Gear Does Five Below Carry?
Beyond dumbbells, Five Below is a treasure trove for affordable workout starters. Their inventory supports a wide range of activities. You can often find:
* Resistance Bands: Loop bands and tube bands with handles. Great for leg days, glute activation, and arm workouts.
* Yoga Mats: Basic, colorful mats that provide cushioning for floor exercises, yoga, or pilates.
* Exercise Balls: Also known as stability balls, these are excellent for core work and improving balance.
* Foam Rollers: Crucial for post-workout recovery and easing muscle tightness.
* Jump Ropes: A simple, super effective tool for cardio and coordination.
* Fitness Accessories: Items like grip strengtheners, wrist weights, and pilates rings.
The quality is suited for casual to moderate use. For heavy, daily lifting, you’ll eventually need commercial-grade equipment. But for starting out, these items are more than capable.
How to Choose the Right Dumbbells for Your Goals
Picking the correct weight is key to seeing progress and avoiding injury. A weight that’s to light won’t challenge you, while one that’s to heavy can lead to poor form.
Here’s a simple way to find your starting point:
1. Identify Your Primary Goal. Are you aiming for muscle tone and endurance, or building strength and size?
2. Test for the “Last Rep.” For a given exercise, the weight should feel challenging on the final few reps of a set. If you can do more than 15 reps easily, go heavier.
3. Consider a Range. Having a light, medium, and heavy set allows for more varied workouts. A pair of 5s, 8s, and 10s covers many needs.
For general fitness, having a few different weights is ideal. You’ll use lighter ones for smaller muscles like shoulders, and heavier ones for legs or back.
Building a Full Workout with Light Weights
Don’t underestimate lighter dumbbells! They are incredibly versatile. You can use them for high-rep circuits that build muscular endurance and get your heart rate up. The key is less rest and creative movements.
Try this full-body circuit with 5-10 pound dumbbells:
* Goblet Squats: Hold one dumbbell vertically at your chest. Perform 15 squats.
* Renegade Rows: In a high plank position with hands on the dumbbells, row one weight to your side. Alternate for 10 per side.
* Overhead Press: Press the dumbbells from your shoulders to above your head. Do 12 reps.
* Weighted Glute Bridges: Lie on your back with knees bent, place a dumbbell on your hips, and lift. Perform 15 reps.
* Bicep Curls to Lateral Raises: Do 10 curls, then immediately do 10 lateral raises. That’s one set.
Rest for 60 seconds after completing all exercises. Repeat the circuit 3 times.
Smart Alternatives if Your Local Store is Out
Sometimes, the specific item you want might be sold out. Don’t worry—there are other excellent sources for affordable fitness equipment.
Discount Stores: Places like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross frequently have brand-name fitness gear at reduced prices. You can often find higher weight ranges here.
Online Marketplaces: Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp. People often sell lightly used dumbbell sets for a fraction of the original cost. This is a great way to find heavier weights.
Big-Box Retailers: Walmart, Target, and sporting goods stores have basic lines that are very affordable, especially during sales. Their online inventory is also easy to browse.
DIY Options: For absolute beginners, using household items like water jugs or canned goods can work in a pinch to learn movements.
Maximizing Your Budget Home Gym Setup
Creating an effective workout space is about more than just the weights. Here’s how to build a smart setup on a tight budget.
First, prioritize the essentials. You don’t need everything at once. Start with a comfortable surface (a mat), one set of weights or bands, and a cardio tool (like a jump rope). Add pieces slowly as your routine evolves.
Organization is also crucial. Use a simple storage rack or even just a dedicated corner to keep your gear neat. This makes it easier to stick to your routine when everything has a place. Finally, focus on versatility. Choose equipment that allows for many exercises. Resistance bands and adjustable dumbbells (if you can find them) offer the most exercise variety per dollar.
Safety Tips for Working Out at Home
Training at home means you’re your own coach. Safety has to come first to make sure your fitness journey is a long one.
Always, always warm up for 5-10 minutes with dynamic stretches like arm circles and leg swings. This prepares your muscles and joints. Pay close attention to your form. If you’re unsure about an exercise, look up reputable tutorial videos online. It’s better to use a lighter weight with perfect form than to strain something.
Listen to your body. Soreness is normal, but sharp pain is not. If something hurts, stop the exercise. Finally, keep your workout area clear of clutter to prevent trips and falls, especially when you’re focused on lifting.
Maintaining Your Affordable Fitness Equipment
Taking care of your gear makes it last longer, especially when it’s vinyl-coated or made of foam.
For vinyl dumbbells and kettlebells, wipe them down with a mild disinfectant spray after use to remove sweat and prevent the coating from breaking down. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause the material to crack or fade over time.
For resistance bands, check for nicks or tears before each use. Avoid stretching them past their intended limit. For mats, regular cleaning with soap and water will keep them hygienic and prevent a slippery surface.
When to Consider Upgrading Your Gear
As you get stronger, your needs will change. It might be time to upgrade when:
* Your current weights feel to light for almost every exercise, even for low reps.
* You find yourself needing more precise weight increments (like going from 10lbs to 12.5lbs).
* The equipment shows significant wear, like cracked vinyl or stretched-out bands.
* You’re ready to invest in longer-lasting materials like cast iron or rubber hex dumbbells.
This is a natural part of progress. Your starter set from Five Below will always be useful for warm-ups or accessory work, even after you buy heavier weights.
FAQ: Your Questions on Budget Fitness Equipment
Q: How much do dumbbells usually cost at Five Below?
A: As the name implies, most items are $5 or less. Dumbbell sets are typically priced per pair within this range, sometimes up to $10 for slightly heavier or adjustable sets.
Q: Are Five Below weights good quality for serious training?
A: They are excellent for starting out, high-rep workouts, and accessory exercises. For serious strength training with very heavy loads, you will eventually need to invest in gym-quality equipment. But they are a perfect and safe starting point.
Q: What are the best days to find fitness stock at Five Below?
A: Shipments arrive throughout the week, but weekday mornings are often the best time to check for new inventory before it sells out.
Q: Can I get a full-body workout with just light dumbbells?
A: Absolutely. By adjusting your reps, sets, and rest time, you can build endurance, tone muscle, and even improve strength with lighter weights. Consistency is more important than the weight on the bar.
Q: Where else sells cheap workout equipment besides Five Below?
A: Other great options include discount stores (TJ Maxx), online secondhand markets, big-box retailers during sales, and even dollar stores for items like jump ropes.
Starting your fitness journey doesn’t require a big upfront cost. Stores like Five Below prove that with a little resourcefulness, you can find everything you need to begin building healthier habits today. The most important step is simply to start, and having affordable tools at your fingertips makes that first step much easier.