You are absolutely right about the dumbbell exercises Aaron. These are my personal favourite too. You can do a lot with adjustable dumbbells. But as you rightfully pointed out, it depends a lot on the program. So its not really that much the equipment but more so the design of the program. Great blog.

Thanks Paramjit. Do you use Powerblocks, Bowflex SeletTech, or some other brand?

"It's true that you can get a full conditioning workout (strength, endurance, agility, and more) using only kettlebells but the same can be said for lots of other pieces of fitness equipment" - finally someone said it! I see very often fitness-fashion is changing, 2009 is a year of kettlebells

Hi Tomasz,
I think it's just too much marketing hype going on in our industry. When you think about it a kettlebell is just another type of weight but some people talk about it like it is The Be-All End-All of fitness.
Thanks for visiting and leaving a reply.

Aaron

Hey Aaron!

I think that my most important fitness product is my trainer. Without a trainer pushing me, it doesn't matter if I have dumbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, stability balls or fancy aerobic equipment...it would just sit there and collect dust. I hope I didn't just make you feel like an object! My second favorite piece of fitness equipment is my i-pod because music is also a big motivator for me.

Oh, so I'm a piece of equipment huh?!?!
Just kidding. Thank you, though. But unfortunately you misspelled dumbbell so I'm going to have to go Jillian on you. Just joking, you know that's never going to be my style.

Hey Aaron!
I like your blog I have to take a look around. I have been working out for a while and I really enjoy working out with weights. Not really machines just weights. I think you can get a good workout that way. Now I have an olympic bar and a curl bar, but I always wanted some dumbbells. I looked around a bit and was wondering what was the best way to go. I looked a those Bowflex ones and they look cool and the powerblocks I know have been around for a while. I just don't know what is better. Sure I would love to have a full set like a Gym, but can't afford that. I was also looking at buying a dumbbell bar so I could use the weights that I have, but am not sure I want to do that.

What would you recommend as the best adjustable dumbbell?

BTW I apologize if you were looking for a Grilled Chicken recipe, but I am glad you took the time to read it enjoy it and leave a comment

Hi Jim,

You can definitely get a great workout with only free weights. I have a gym membership but sometimes I have to do my workouts at home. I have two sets of powerblocks. A set that goes up to 45 pounds in 5 pound increments, and I have a pro set that goes up to 90 pounds each in 2.5 pound increments. I have tried the Bowflex Seletech, but not in an actual workout. The Bowflex requires a platform to keep the unused plates standing so they can be returned to the handle. Also the handle is quite long, even when using the minimum weight.
I think the powerblocks have the advantage based on the size, not requiring a stand or platform and they are very quick to adjust, just seconds to add or remove the weight.
My pick is definitely Powerblocks.
Wow you just gave me an idea for a blog post, thanks!
No problem about the chicken recipe. At first I thought 'blog' after chicken was just an error from copying and pasting. But when I saw 3 tablespoons of Focus I thought, I've never heard of any herb or seasoning called that. Then when I read the rest of the ingredients I realized what was going on.
I'm glad to hear you like my blog. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for commenting. If you ever need any workout advice check back. If it's not on the site just email me and I'll be glad to help.

Hey Aaron!
Thanks I think you sold me on the Powerblocks. I enjoy the workout that I get with weights and I think a nice set of dumbbells would be great. That is one thing I like about the gym, but I enjoy working out at home. Now I am going to go around and check out prices for those.

Thanks!
I'll be back

Jim,

One thing I found out from a local retailer is that the Powerblock company is rigid about what dealers can charge for the dumbbell sets. Everywhere I searched had the exact same price. So if you are going to buy them online the main thing to pay attention to is the freight charge. If possible try to buy them local and save yourself that fee. If you do find that dealers are selling them for different prices let me know.