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Getting in a good workout at home doesn’t have to involve costly, space-consuming equipment. A set of hand weights is all you need to start implementing strength training exercises into your daily fitness routine.
Are Hand Weights Effective?
There’s a reason that hand weights, also called free weights, are a staple of nearly every gym. They can be used to strengthen several different upper body muscles, including your pectorals, deltoids, triceps, and biceps. While doing free weight exercises is a workout in its own right, you can also incorporate them into other at-home-friendly fitness regimes, like pilates, CrossFit, yoga, aerobics, and barre. Even a simple walk can be enhanced by taking hand weights along with you.
What Are the Best Hand Weights?
When you’re shopping for the best hand weights, you’ll first decide what weight level best fits your fitness activities and personal strength. For example, two to five-pound hand weights would be ideal if you want to add an extra level of challenge to a pilates or aerobics workout. However, if you want to build power and strength by way of free weight lifting, you may choose a set of weights that increase in their weight level.
The best hand weight set for you will depend on the weight range you’re looking for and how compact you need your weights to be. Some sets come with multiple pairs of hand weights. Others save space by adding or decreasing weight to one pair of hand weights. Both styles are effective; discerning one from the other will depend on your personal preferences and your available storage space.