Does Five Below Sell Dumbbells

Starting a fitness journey doesn’t have to drain your wallet. You might be wondering, does Five Below sell dumbbells? The answer is a great place to begin when looking for affordable fitness gear. This store is known for its budget-friendly prices, and their fitness section can be a smart first stop for beginners or anyone building a home gym on a tight budget.

Let’s look at what you can realistically find and how to make the most of it. We’ll cover the types of fitness equipment Five Below typically carries, smart alternatives if dumbbells aren’t in stock, and how to build a effective workout with what you can get.

The most direct answer is: sometimes, but don’t count on it. Five Below’s inventory changes constantly based on season, trends, and what their buyers can source at a low cost. You are more likely to find them during key fitness seasons.

These times include right after New Year’s (for resolution crowds) and in the early spring. It’s less common to see them in the fall or late summer. The selection is also usually very limited.

What You Might Find Instead of Traditional Dumbbells

Since traditional cast iron or rubber hex dumbbells are often too heavy and costly to fit the $5-$10 price model, Five Below gets creative. Here’s what you’re more likely to find on the shelves:

Lightweight Neoprene Dumbbells: These are the most common. They are usually covered in a soft, colorful coating and range from 1 lb to 5 lbs per dumbbell. Perfect for toning, physical therapy, or beginners.
Water Dumbbells: Empty plastic dumbbells you fill with water to your desired weight. They are adjustable and easy to store.
Ankle/Wrist Weights: Straps with small weighted inserts. Great for adding resistance to walks or leg lifts.
Fitness Gear Kits: Sometimes they sell kits that include a mix of items like a small mat, a resistance band, and light hand weights.

Why This Gear is a Smart Start

Starting light is actually a very safe and effective strategy. Many people make the mistake of buying weights that are to heavy right away. This can lead to poor form and even injury.

Light weights from stores like Five Below allow you to:

Learn exercise movements correctly without strain.
Build the crucial mind-muscle connection.
Focus on higher repetitions for muscular endurance.
See if you enjoy strength training before investing a lot of money.

Building a Full Workout with Budget Finds

You can do a lot more than just bicep curls. With a few key items, you can work your entire body. Here is a simple full-body circuit you can do at home.

Upper Body Exercises

For these, use your light dumbbells or wrist weights.

Overhead Press: Sit or stand tall. Hold weights at shoulder height, palms forward. Press straight up until arms are extended, then lower slowly.
Bent-Over Rows: Hinge at your hips with a flat back. Let the weights hang down, then pull them toward your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades.
Front Raises: Stand holding weights in front of your thighs. With a slight bend in your elbows, raise them straight infront of you to shoulder height.

Lower Body & Core Exercises

For these, ankle weights or just bodyweight can be very effective.

Weighted Squats: Hold one dumbbell at your chest with both hands. Perform a regular squat, keeping your chest up.
Standing Leg Lifts: Use ankle weights. Hold onto a chair for balance. Lift one leg out to the side, then to the front, then to the back for a full workout.
Russian Twists: Sit on the floor, knees bent. Hold one weight with both hands. Lean back slightly and twist your torso to tap the weight on the floor beside each hip.

Where to Look if Five Below is Out

If your local Five Below doesn’t have any fitness gear, don’t worry. Plenty of other places offer great value. You just need to know were to look.

Discount Stores: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross often have name-brand fitness items at big discounts.
Online Marketplaces: Check Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. People often sell barely-used equipment for a fraction of the cost.
Big-Box Retailers: Walmart, Target, and even Amazon Basics have very affordable starter sets.
DIY Options: Use canned goods, water bottles, or a backpack filled with books as makeshift weights.

Making Your Gear Last Longer

Budget gear needs a little care to ensure it stays in good shape. Follow these simple tips.

Store neoprene dumbbells in a dry place to prevent the coating from peeling.
For water weights, empty them completely after each use to avoid mold growth.
Wipe down any equipment with a damp cloth after sweating on it.
Check seams on bands and straps regularly for wear and tear.

Remember, consistency is far more important than having the most expensive equipment. Showing up for your workout is 90% of the battle. The best gear is the gear you actually use regularly.

When to Consider Upgrading Your Gear

There will come a point where light weights no longer provide enough challenge. This is a good sign—it means you’re getting stronger! Here’s how to know when it’s time for an upgrade:

You can easily complete 20-25 reps of an exercise without feeling fatigued.
Your form stays perfect through every rep, and it feels too easy.
You’re ready to focus on building maximum strength, not just endurance.

At that stage, investing in a set of adjustable dumbbells or a membership to a gym with heavier weights becomes a logical next step. The gear from Five Below served its purpose perfectly.

FAQ: Your Questions on Affordable Fitness Gear

Q: Does Five Below usually have exercise equipment?
A: Yes, but it’s seasonal and varies by store. They commonly carry yoga mats, resistance bands, jump ropes, and light weights.

Q: What is the heaviest weight Five Below sells?
A: It’s rare to find anything over 5 lbs per dumbbell. Their model is based on low-cost, accessible items, not heavy lifting gear.

Q: Are Five Below weights good quality?
A: They are good for their intended use: light, beginner-friendly workouts. They aren’t designed for heavy, daily pounding but can last a long time with proper care.

Q: Can I build muscle with 5-pound dumbbells?
A: Absolutely, especially if you’re new to training. You can build muscle tone and endurance. To build significant size (hypertrophy), you will eventually need to increase the weight or resistance.

Q: Where else can I find cheap workout weights?
A: Check thrift stores, garage sales, and discount retailers. Online, look for sales on sites for Dick’s Sporting Goods or Academy Sports.

Starting your fitness journey is the most important step. Stores like Five Below make it easy and low-risk to begin. By knowing what to expect and how to use it, you can build a solid foundation without spending a fortune. Remember to listen to your body and progress at your own pace. The right gear for you is the gear that helps you stay consistent and feel good about your workouts.