10 Best Dumbbells in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Fitness Coach

Having a clear goal is important in choosing dumbbells. It is a big investment, and if you do not have a clear plan for what you want to accomplish, all of it will go to waste. You also need to evaluate your training plan or workout schedule. This will assess whether there's a need to buy dumbbells or just go to a gym.

Some exercises benefit from the use of dumbbells. Once you have a workout plan, determine the exercises that will need equipment. If there are alternative exercises that can progress a muscle group in the absence of a dumbbell, it will save you money in the long run.

A good way to determine your capabilities is to check which dumbbell weights you use in the gym for your exercises. Once you have that, include that in your to-buy list and add 2 to 3 sets that are heavier than what you are using. This covers your current strength and future progression once you get stronger.

If you have no access to a gym and just starting out, it might be better to get the lightest set. Then you can get the next 2 to 3 heavier sets if you want to challenge yourself or want variations in your workouts.

If you’ve been to your local gym, there is a good chance that you have seen a fixed dumbbell. It is the most common type of weight found in gyms and is found sitting on a rack with weight labels on them. They are sold in pairs and range from 1 to 100 kilograms in weight.

Fixed dumbbells are easy to use; you just pick them up and do your workouts with no setups needed. The downside is, you may need different sets of weights depending on your strength, the exercise, and the workout or program for the day. If you have enough space for your workout and equipment, then you can get fixed dumbbells, preferably with different sets of weights.

Adjustable dumbbells are perfect for athletes who want a variety of weights while using a smaller space. It also costs cheaper than buying a set of weights, making it attractive for people who are on a budget. If you are a newbie, adjustable weights work wonders, but if you're experienced, you might opt for fixed or dumbbell plate sets.

As they are a combination of different weights, getting an adjustable dumbbell is pretty bulky. If you plan on doing multiple exercises that need different weights, you will need to spend some time adjusting them, unlike fixed dumbbells where you can line up different weights and just use them immediately.

Another limitation is the number of weight adjustments available. If you have built some strength, adjustable dumbbells are capped to a certain weight, which might be too light for some. 

A dumbbell plate set is a barbell but smaller. It consists of a short bar that has extended slots where you can insert plates of varying weights. It saves space as you can stack the plates when not in use while offering a range of weights that you can fine-tune yourself.

The plates are held fast by a spinlock collar. These take longer to adjust than the adjustable dumbbells due to the locking mechanism, but its advantage is they can take more weight while giving you the option to adjust in smaller weight increments. The plates available come in 0.5 kg to 2.5 kg increments, making it easier to progress your strength.

Polyurethane (PU) dumbbells might look like rubber dumbbells, but that’s where the similarities end. They are considered premium as they are much more resistant to damage. As dumbbells are commonly dropped and dragged, those that are made from polyurethane are much more durable. They maintain their aesthetics and weight almost consistently after some time.

PU weights are non-marking as well - they leave no residue when they hit another material. This means that it won’t cause any damage to your floor or furniture. It is also odorless, which is a better choice for those who dislike the smell of rubber.

Rubber is the next choice when it comes to dumbbell material. It is not as durable as PU but is still robust enough to be used in commercial gyms. The rubber used is made from dense and durable materials that can withstand any abuse it experiences from day-to-day workouts.

These dumbbells are a better option than metal ones as they don’t chip any material when they hit them. The rubber provides a softer cushion to the dumbbells. This makes it less prone to damaging floors and furniture and helps reduce the noise created when dumbbells are dropped. 

Rubber can also be formulated to have different colors and designs, unlike polyurethane. It is also much easier to form and mold, making for more readable weight labels and denominations. Local gyms go for a rubber if they want their logos emblazoned on each dumbbell.

The use of a metal dumbbell brings about memories of old, run-down community gyms that value results instead of looks. They have been popular in the past as they are relatively inexpensive to make. They last long with proper care and usage. 

Small gyms still use chrome-plated steel, which is more resistant to rusting. These are chip-resistant. However, it can lose its robustness over time due to the rust produced from all the sweat. 

There are workouts or fitness classes such as spinning, yoga, and pilates that sometimes involve the use of light dumbbells. For the resistance, it is applied with the use of rubber or neoprene-plated dumbbells. They often come in sets and with smaller weight denominations.

Due to their lighter weight, they are usually more affordable. They also come in different colors, indicative of the weight for easier recognition. The plating provides better handling for the user. It protects the inner metal from rust and scratches while protecting your flooring and furniture also.