Kettlebells
Kettlebells are cannonball shaped weights with handles attached and are usually made from cast iron or rubber coated cast iron. Kettlebells come in various different weights and sizes and can be used to help develop core strength, improve grip strength and provide overall muscle development.
When buying kettlebells there are several different types to choose from. Cast Kettlebells, or Cast Iron Kettlbells are the most common and as the name suggests, are Kettlebells formed from cast iron. Sometimes a cast iron kettlebell will be covered in a vinyl cover (except the handle). This makes the kettlebell more aesthetically appealing and the coating helps prevent chaffing of skin and can protect floors from damage. Vinyl coated cast iron kettlebells are available in different colours.
Rubber covered Kettlebells with chrome handles are also available, again these Chrome handle kettlebells look great and are ideal in a commercial gym as well as any hope.
Durable PVC Kettlebells or Cement filled vinyl kettlebells are also available and usually less expensive than other types of kettlebells on the market. The Vinyl coating on the kettlebell is washable and helps protects the floor.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells, or hand weights as they are sometimes known, provide a great range of exercise.
Dumbbell Bars
Dumbbell Bars come in two sizes; 1 inch Standard Bars (approx 25mm) and 2 inch Olympic Bars, (approx 50mm). The 1" and 2" sizes on dumbbell bars relate to the thickness of the bar. As such, you will find certain weight plates go with certain dumbbell bars. If you purchase a bar on its own, you may also need collars to keep the weights on. Traditionally, 1 inch dumbbell bars are sold in pairs, while 2 inch olympic dumbbell bars are sold in both singles and pairs.
Dumbbell Kits
Dumbbells are also sold in sets or dumbbell kits. Dumbbell sets are made up of a selection of weight plates, dumbbell bars and collars.
Adjustable dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells allow you to select your desired weight by turning a dial, meaning you can enjoy the advantages of multiple pairs of dumbbells without the usual cost and space needed.
Fixed dumbbells
Chrome dumbbells are traditionally made from steel with a chrome finish.
There are two different types of hex (or hexagonal) dumbbell. The Hex refers to the dumbbell head or dumbbell end. Hexagonal Dumbbells often come as rubber or cast iron. The hexagonal head of the dumbbell stops it rolling while the rubber on the rubber hex dumbbells helps protect the dumbbell and the floor.
Pro Rubber or Professional Rubber dumbbells are suitable for commercial use as well as home.
Lighter dumbbells, often referred to as studio dumbbells, fitness dumbbells or aerobic dumbbells are used for beginners or for use in aerobic classes.
Resistance bands
Resistance band training has been shown to be a "feasible alternative" to lifting weights when it comes to activating your muscles, according to recent research published in the Journal of Human Kinetics. The study's authors compared muscle activation during upper-body strength training exercises with resistance bands versus free weights and found the the results to be very similar. They believe that the instability created by the bands is what causes muscle fibers to fire even more than with free weights.
Plus, they can improve flexibility, mobility, and strength. And it doesn't even take that long to start seeing the difference. Five weeks of resistance band training was enough to significantly improve hamstring and inner thigh flexibility in subjects that participated in a new study published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine.
Resistance bands are relatively cheap and don't take up much space.