Studies have shown that all exercise or weight loss programs are more effective with the addition of some sort of strength training or weight lifting regimen. If you travel or don’t get to the gym as often as you want dumbbells are the excellent choice to allow anyone the ability to incorporate a strength training program to their cardio efforts The main convenience of a dumbbell centric workout is it can be done virtually anywhere, bedroom, walk-in closet, garage, basement or gym. Besides the standard plate system dumbbell’s there are water filled portable versions called AquaBells Dumbbells that are great for the traveller that would like the convenience and privacy of working out in their own hotel room. There are also aquatic dumbbells available for those recovering from injuries that are involved in aquatic therapy or aquatic aerobic activities.

Dumbbells have an advantage over barbell’s or weight lifting machines in that they can help cure muscular strength imbalances that can be masked when using machines or barbells. When using machines or barbells your dominant or stronger muscles can take over take over to allow you to complete the repetition. This is bad for 2 reasons one it causes you to have bad form which can lead to a pull or injury the other is disproportionate muscle formation (one arm muscle being bigger than another). Another advantage of a dumbbell workout is its inherent ability to work your core muscles. When you are lifting weights independently via dumbbells your core automatically tightens up to stabilize the body thus you are getting a sort of 2 for one type of workout using dumbbells verses traditional barbell or machines.

Versatility of workouts using dumbbells is another plus; you can work out virtually every muscle group with dumbbells that can be done with barbells or machines. You can even make your cardio workouts more intense and cut your workout time in half by using a treadmill and dumbbells at the same time. Like any workout program variation is the key to success and there is no better way to achieve this than by using dumbbells. No additional machines to buy or specific shaped barbells or racks to purchase. All you need is a set of dumbbells and optionally an adjustable incline bench and you are ready to go.