Standard Dumbbell Handles

Dumbbells are a basic piece of exercise equipment. They are available in many varieties; some are a fixed weight while others are adjustable. Adjustable dumbbells can be Olympic models that take Olympic sized plates; or standard models that can be used with plates with a 1-inch diameter center hole. Even with dumbbells that are intended to take standard sized plates, the handle can be a variety of diameters.

Origin of Dumbbells

Early dumbbells originated as handheld weights known as halteres used by broad jumpers in the ancient Greek Olympics. Later, halteres were used for exercises similar to modern dumbbells in the Roman empire. The term dumbbell first appeared in 1711 as a reference to exercise equipment that resembled the ringer of a church bell that made no noise, hence a dumb-bell, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. Dumbbells reached their current state of popularity with the physical culture movements of the 1800s. The first plate-loaded dumbbell was patented in 1865. At this time, there were no standardized sizes, as each manufacturer used their own designs.

Plate Loaded Dumbbells

In 1902, the Milo Barbell Company began operation, offering a variety of adjustable weight training implements including barbells, kettlebells and dumbbells. Adjustable weights could either be plate loaded similarly to modern equipment, or loaded with lead shot to provide smaller incremental weight increases. In 1932, York Barbell Company began operation, offering plate-loaded barbells and dumbbells. The plate-loaded style of adjustable weights has become the most commonly available. Most weight sets are either specialized for Olympic weightlifting, or the standard set for more general fitness use.

Modern Dumbbell Sizes

Most modern weight equipment is either Olympic or standard sized. Olympic plates have a 2-inch aperture in the center for the bar.They come in increments of 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 25, 35, and 45 lbs. Olympic barbells and dumbbells typically have rotating sleeves on the ends of the bars to facilitate rapid lifts that go through direction changes. Standard plates have a 1-inch opening for the bar, and come in 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 50-lb. sizes. The handles are simple straight bars.

Standard Dumbbell Handle Advantages

Standard dumbbell handles are suited for general fitness goals. They are typically less expensive than their Olympic counterparts and can be used with plates from most major manufacturers. You can load your dumbell handles with 5 to 100 lbs., using the full available range of standard weight plates. Standard dumbbell handles can be used for many different exercises for training your upper and lower body. You can also travel with standard-sized handles and a few plates, taking your training with you.