Let's be real: Gym memberships are overrated. The pandemic shook up everyone's workout routine, making some realize that paying for a gym membership isn't always worth it. Why pay exorbitant prices for workouts you can do at home? Buying the right home exercise equipment doesn't have to be expensive. All you need is the right set of dumbbells or kettlebells and you can do virtually any workout you find on YouTube.
The next question: Where can I find the best set of dumbbells without overpaying? The thought of having to scour the internet to find reasonable priced weights can be overwhelming and turn you off from working out at home completely.
Fortunately, I had the time and figured I'd pay it forward by putting together a regularly updated list of all of the places you can either order or pre-order dumbbells and kettlebells right now.
Read more: Can't Find Dumbbells? Exercise With These Household Objects Instead
Editor’s note, June 10: BowFlex filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year and the brand is now owned by Johnson Health Tech, which also owns Horizon Fitness and Matrix. You can still buy BowFlex products through its website and via retailers such as Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Where to buy dumbbells
Unbranded rubber hex dumbbells available in weights ranging from 2.5 pounds to 125 pounds. If the set you want is sold out, you can get notified when it becomes available again.
This company typically makes grills and fire pits, but now also produces dumbbells. They are sold as a dumbbell weight set, with weights ranging from 5 to 50 pounds.
Vinyl dumbbells available in lighter weight options ranging from 1 pound to 15 pounds. All of the weights besides the 2 pound weights are currently in stock, and they are an inexpensive dumbbell option.
Neoprene dumbbells available in weights ranging from 2 pounds to 10 pounds. These affordable dumbbells are sold as singles, but only the 10 pound weights are currently in stock.
Various new and used options for single dumbbells and dumbbell sets for your strength training and exercise needs.
Rubber hex dumbbells available in weights ranging from 2.5 pounds to 125 pounds. Many of these rubber dumbbell sizes are in stock.
Where to buy adjustable dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are definitely more expensive than a set of fixed-weight dumbbells, but you get a large range of weights for weight training and every workout need. Think of them as a full rack of dumbbells that you typically see in a gym, but in a much more compact size.
Select-A-Weight 55-Pound dumbbell set. Weights adjust from 10 pounds to 55 pounds.
Set of adjustable dumbbells with weight options from adjust from 5 pounds to 50 pounds.
These adjustable dumbbells allow you to change the weight in 5-pound increments. Users can adjust the weight from 5 to 50 lbs.
This is a single 27.5-pound adjustable dumbbell. The weight range adjusts from 5.5 pounds to 27.5 pounds.
Iron kettlebells available in weights ranging from 9 pounds to 203 pounds. All sizes are currently in stock.
Rogue Monster Kettlebells are available only in higher weights from 97 to 203 pounds. All options are currently in stock.
This three-piece set includes a 5-, 10- and 15-pound kettlebell.
The BowFlex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell is an adjustable kettlebell that adjusts from 8 to 40 pounds.
The 80 lb adjustable dumbbells allow users to adjust the weight from 5 pounds to 80 pounds.
Other tips for finding what you need
If you can't find what you need online, there are some ways you can get a little more creative.
If you have a store near you that carries workout equipment, like Dick's Sporting Goods or Walmart, you can search "dumbbells" or "kettlebells" and then filter the results to show only those available to pick up in store. If anything is available, you can immediately purchase them online and then go pick them up in the store whenever they're ready.
Online inventory is often different from in-store inventory, especially in large-box retailers like these. You'll also have less competition trying to snag what you need when you're searching locally, rather than nationally. I got lucky finding a set of dumbbells at my local Dick's Sporting Goods, even though they were sold out online. And with many stores offering a curbside pickup option, you don't even have to get out of your car.
You can also try your luck at local discount stores, like Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods. I have several friends who were able to score both dumbbells and kettlebells for the same everyday fair prices in the last couple of months. You have to be willing to be flexible as far as size and color go, though -- in stores like these, you typically have fewer options.
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