Finding a well-designed, effective workout plan can be hard enough. But once you've found one, you'll also need something else: workout equipment. There are nearly as many pieces of workout equipment as there are workouts, so finding the most effective type can be a challenge. With a little knowledge, though, you'll be well on the way to picking up the best equipment to create your healthy physique.
Kettlebells
At first glance, kettlebells appear to be quite similar to dumbbells. However, kettlebells have several distinct advantages. As Ryan Lee, strength and conditioning specialist and founder of SportSpecific.com, points out, kettlebells have a displaced center of gravity, which adds an extra challenge to your body. In addition, they rotate easily, so you'll have to work hard to stabilize them while lifting the weight.
Strength coach Mike Mahler also points out that kettlebells work your body harder than barbells because they are two separate weights, which force your core to be engaged for balance. The use of one kettlebell for each hand can also help eliminate muscle imbalances.
Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells
You might think that all dumbbells are created equal, but they're not. The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells offer more than your average dumbbell, because you can adjust the resistance quickly and easily. SelectTech dumbbells come in two models, one offering up to 52.5 lbs, and one offering up to 90 lbs of resistance. The ease of adjustment makes this a very convenient set, and one you can take on the road.
PowerBlock
The makers of PowerBlock call the weight set the "world's best dumbbells," and they have a fairly convincing case. PowerBlocks can be adjusted to offer up to 130 lbs of resistance, making them a set that is ideal for any level of fitness. These weights are also quite the upgrade from traditional dumbbells, because they have padded handles and wrist straps for comfort and injury prevention.
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