Best weights for home | Everything for an effective training in-house

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  January 9 2021

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From people who want to build more muscle to people who would like to lose a few pounds of fat, the gym can serve all kinds of different fitness purposes.

Although going to the gym is easy because you have all the materials at your disposal in one place, there are still plenty of reasons for many not to register at the gym.

Maybe the travel time is getting in the way, there isn't a gym near you, or you feel overwhelmed by the number of devices and materials you find in the gym.

Best weights for home

Or maybe you're a complete novice who feels a bit uncomfortable in a room full of fit people, and has no idea what exercises he or she can do best to achieve his or her fitness goals.

Would you like to become fitter, but are there various barriers that prevent you from achieving your dream body?

Fortunately, there are now weights and other fitness materials available so that you can perform your workout at home in your own familiar environment.

Today we're going to discuss the best home weights for the ultimate workout in your own home.

We find the best weights for home this vidaXL Dumbbell Set / Dumbbell Set.

Is your main fitness goal to build muscle mass and strength? And are you looking for fitness materials for strength training?

Then this complete dumbbell set from vidaXL, with a total weight of 30.5 kilos, is a suitable purchase! You can find more about these dumbbells below the table.

Below we will give more great examples of weights and other fitness equipment that you can use safely and at your own convenience at home.

If you want more information about the options available in the table below, read the rest of this article!

Best weights for home Images
Best Complete Dumbbell Set: vidaXL Dumbbells Best Complete Dumbbell Set: vidaXL Dumbbells

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Best Dumbbells: Mountain in Lapland Best Dumbbels: Tunturic

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Best Adjustable Weights: VirtuFit Vinyl Best Adjustable Weights: VirtuFit Vinyl

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Best Weights For Beginners: Adidas Ankle weights / Wrist weights 2 x 1.5 kg Best Weights for Beginners: Adidas Ankle Weights / Wrist Weights 2 x 1.5 kg

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Best Weight Replacement: Force Resistance Resistance Bands Set Best Weight Replacement: Force Resistance Resistance Bands Set

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Best Weight Vest: Focus Fitness Best Weight Vest: Focus Fitness

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Best power bag: Fitness sand bag up to 20 kg Best power bag: Fitness sandbag up to 20 kg

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Best kettlebells: Tunturi PVC Best Kettlebell: Tunturi PVC

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Best chin-up bar: Gym Stick Deluxe Best chin-up bar: Gymstick Deluxe

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Training at home with weights for an effective workout

You soon see that you actually have no excuse not to train effectively at home.

Today there is an innumerable choice of fitness accessories, suitable for different fitness levels and fitness goals.

As a beginner, you can start with resistance bands and wrist and ankle weights, then gradually build up to using dumbbells and kettlebells.

As a more experienced athlete, there are options such as adjustable dumbbell sets to make each workout a little heavier.

In addition to dumbbell sets and kettlebells, there are also power bags to vary your workouts, and for runners and sprinters there are weight vests to intensify their workouts.

If you are more interested in using your own body as a counterweight, the pull-up bar is an indispensable fitness element in your living room.

Best Weights for Home Reviewed

Now we'll take a closer look at our top picks from the table above.

What makes these home weights so good?

Best Complete Dumbbell Set: vidaXL Dumbbells

Best Complete Dumbbell Set: vidaXL Dumbbells

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With this vidaXL Dumbbell Set / Dumbbell Set you are ready almost immediately when it comes to weights for home.

The set consists of a long bar (barbell), two shorter bars (dumbbells) and 12 weight plates with a total weight of 30.5 kg.

There are also 6 weight clamps to keep the discs in place, and the bars have anti-slip handles.

The weight plates have a housing of sturdy polyethylene, and they are easy to change.

This way you can train safely and versatile, always with the right weight. This is definitely our favorite set.

Check the latest prices here

For effective weight lifting, a good fitness bench is essential. look at our top 7 best fitness benches for home.

Best Dumbbels: Tunturic

Best Dumbbels: Tunturic

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With the Tunturi dumbbells you can do dozens of different exercises to strengthen your entire body.

Think exercises like “bicep curls” to strengthen your arms, “shoulder presses” to sculpt your shoulders and “chest presses” to boost your pecs.

This Tunturi dumbbell set comes with 2 yellow dumbbells of 1.5 kg each. They are made of chrome vanadium steel and vinyl.

The rubber top layer gives the dumbbells a pleasant and firm grip and protects the underlying metal. In addition, this makes them easy to clean.

The heads of the dumbbells have an angular shape so that they do not roll away easily and they come in different cheerful recognizable colors per weight.

The dumbbells are available from 0.5 kg for beginners, up to 5 kg for experienced strength trainers.

A workout doesn't have to be boring anymore, so choose your favorite color and weight and go for a cheerful workout!

Check the latest prices here

Best Adjustable Weights: VirtuFit Vinyl

Best Adjustable Weights: VirtuFit Vinyl

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If your fitness goal is primarily getting stronger and building muscle, it's important that you gradually increase the weight you lift each week.

Dumbbells are considered the foundation of strength training, and you can use them for endless exercises for your legs, buttocks, back, shoulders, chest and arms.

If you are new to strength training, it is recommended not to start with dumbbells that are too heavy to avoid straining and injury.

That's why this VirtuFit adjustable dumbbell set is an essential accessory on the way to that ideal body!

These dumbbells from the Dutch fitness brand VirtuFit consist of 8 vinyl weight plates in pairs of 2.5 kg, 1.25 kg and 1 kg.

The fact that you can get the discs on and off the included dumbbell bar means that you don't get bored quickly.

If you've never done strength training before, start with the 1kg plates on each side of the bar, and increase the weight of the dumbbell week after week to increase your muscle strength.

The dumbbell comes with 2 screw closures that keep the weight plates safely and neatly in place.

A big advantage of the vinyl dumbbell is that it is cheaper than most fitness equipment, while you can perform the same exercises with it.

In fact, for some exercises it's even better to use dumbbells because it trains your balance and posture at the same time.

This dumbbell is made of vinyl and concrete. Vinyl feels nice and safe in the hand, and concrete is an inexpensive way to add weight to the discs.

This is the reason that this adjustable dumbbell is cheaper than other dumbbells on the market. All parts of the set have a 2 year warranty.

Check prices and availability here

Best Weights for Beginners: Adidas Ankle Weights / Wrist Weights 2 x 1.5 kg

Best Weights for Beginners: Adidas Ankle Weights / Wrist Weights 2 x 1.5 kg

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These ankle and wrist weights from Adidas are an effective way to challenge yourself!

These Adidas Ankle and Wrist Weights are not only suitable for individuals who are already fit and trained.

They are also perfect to use for beginners, so that they can prepare themselves step by step for really getting started with dumbbells and weights.

They are also handy to take with you and to use in different places, for example when you go on holiday or want to do a workout outside.

These Adidas tire weights are sold in a pack of 2 weights of 1.5 kg each.

They are designed to wrap around both the ankles and wrists, with a large Velcro closure that ensures a snug fit.

The extra few pounds you carry by wrapping the weights around your wrists and/or ankles increases the effort of the exercises you do with them, which in turn improves your fitness and muscle strength.

If you put them around your ankles, you can, for example, make your running training or yoga session a lot more difficult. For the experienced sports enthusiasts, they can also be used, for example, while running or playing football.

When you wrap the weights around your wrists, they mainly stimulate the arms, chest and shoulders.

Check prices and availability here

Best Weight Replacement: Force Resistance Resistance Bands Set

Best Weight Replacement: Force Resistance Resistance Bands Set

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Are you looking for a replacement for weights or do you still feel a bit uncomfortable using dumbbells?

Then resistance bands are a safe and fun way to start!

Resistance bands are used to safely increase the intensity of exercises due to the resistance provided by the elastic bands.

They are ideal for strengthening your leg, buttocks and abs, but can also be used for upper body exercises.

Whether your goal is weight loss or muscle tone, resistance bands serve both purposes!

This set of Force Resistance consists of 5 different resistance bands, each with its own intensity from light to heavy.

The straps are made of 100% natural latex. You will also receive a schedule with exercises, which makes it easier for a beginner to take the step towards a healthier body!

You will probably have to start with the light band at first. As you practice more often and feel more confident using the bands, you can use a heavier band next time.

This way you can gradually increase the intensity of the exercise step by step as your muscle strength improves and your confidence increases.

Some examples of exercises you could do with the resistance bands are "kickbacks" for the buttocks, "squats" for the thighs and "lateral band walks" for the sides of your buttocks.

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Read more about resistance bands here: Your workout to a higher level: the 5 best fitness elastics.

Best Weight Vest: Focus Fitness

Best Weight Vest: Focus Fitness

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An alternative to the ankle and wrist weights is the weight vest.

Are you an avid runner looking for a new way to challenge yourself?

You put this Focus Fitness Weight Vest over your sports clothing to increase your own body weight, so that it significantly increases the intensity of the exercises.

In addition to running, you can also do strength exercises with it (such as squats or jumping exercises).

Several studies have proven that running with a weight vest contributes to building up your fitness faster.

In addition, your heart rate will be higher due to the increased intensity (always good to keep track of it with a heart rate monitor!), so you burn more calories than without a weight vest.

Nowadays you see more and more people running with a weight vest on and it is a very effective way to build up your fitness or perhaps to prepare yourself for a marathon!

The vest is ventilating and with comfortably shaped shoulders so that irritation around the neck and shoulders is prevented.

The weight vest contains separate weight pockets that allow you to make the weight of the vest lighter and heavier by simply removing or inserting the weight pockets.

This weight vest from Focus Fitness is also available in a 20 kg version.

The size is universal and is adjustable from size medium to size extra large. This vest also comes with a standard 1 year warranty.

Check the latest prices here

Best power bag: Fitness sandbag up to 20 kg

Best power bag: Fitness sandbag up to 20 kg

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Are you more interested in a versatile fitness accessory with which you can do both strength and conditioning exercises?

A power bag is a fun way to make your workouts more exciting and varied.

In addition to “back squats” (with the power bag on your shoulders to train your legs) and “shoulder presses” (when you lift the power bag from a standing position from your chest to over your head by stretching your arms), you can also walk, run or sprint.

With a power bag you can increase the weight you carry, which makes the exercises more intense and you can build up more strength and condition in this way.

This khaki-colored power bag is made of extra sturdy 900D polyester and has 8 handles so you can grab it in all kinds of ways.

You can lift, swing or drag the power bag, which means that you can do countless exercises with it. You can't even think of it that crazy!

It comes with 4 inner bags so you can adjust the weight yourself up to 20 kg.

Before you can get started, you must first fill the inner bags with sand and close them with the double Velcro closure.

Then you decide how heavy you want to make the power bag by putting in as many inner bags as you want, and you are all set to get started with your workout!

Check availability here

Best Kettlebell: Tunturi PVC

Best Kettlebell: Tunturi PVC

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A kettlebell is another way to build and train muscles in your body quickly and effectively. In addition to your muscle strength, you can also significantly improve your coordination, flexibility and trunk stability.

The difference with the dumbbell is that a kettlebell can be held with 2 hands.

You can change your grip during the exercises and you can swing with it (for example, if you do "kettlebell swings", where you swing the kettlebell between your legs and back, back and forth).

The kettlebell is also called the “total gym machine” because you can do so many different exercises with it.

The kettlebell is now indispensable in the gym, and is therefore the fitness accessory for an effective home workout!

You will find this 8 kg black kettlebell in the Tunturi range.

The kettlebell is made of PVC and filled with sand, which is cheaper than cast iron.

The material also makes it easier to clean and pleasant to use. Different weights are available from 2 to 24 kg.

Check the latest prices here

We've reviewed even more kettlebells for you: Best kettlebell | The top 6 sets reviewed for men & women.

Best chin-up bar: Gymstick Deluxe

Best chin-up bar: Gymstick Deluxe

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Body strength can not only be built with weights or resistance bands. Another effective way to train your upper body is using a chin-up bar.

A chin-up bar has been specially developed to effectively train the arms, back and abdominal muscles, without the use of weights.

You only use your own body weight. You can do “pull-ups” and “chin-ups” on it by pulling yourself up and up on the bar to train your entire upper body from abs and back muscles to arms.

The chin-up bar is used as the basic material for a sport such as calisthenics, where only the body weight is used.

Nevertheless, a chin-up bar is now a perfect addition to strength training for gym enthusiasts.

This Gymstick chin-up bar is a sturdy steel bar with a chrome finish to prevent rusting.

You install the pull-up bar in a doorway or between two walls with the two supplied fasteners and 10 screws. The pull-up bar is suitable for doorways from 66 cm to 91 cm wide.

After you've installed the chin-up bar, it's time to start your workout!

What makes this exercise so challenging is that you train with your own body weight as a counterweight.

Do you not yet know how to get started with the chin-up bar or how best to make a good workout with it?

Fortunately, you will find a QR code on the packaging of the chin-up bar with which you can download training instructions in the form of a video.

Scan the code with the camera of your smartphone or tablet and you will see that a link opens that takes you to the training videos.

These videos show you a workout of a personal trainer exercising his entire body using the chin-up bar.

The workout lasts about 30 to 40 minutes, so that's enough time for an intensive and entertaining workout!

Check the latest prices here

Looking for even more good pull-up bars? check our review of the best chin-up pull-up bars | From ceiling and wall to freestanding.

Which weights to use for which exercises?

Below we give an overview of the most important exercises and with which weights for home you can perform those exercises.

Squat

The squat is an exercise that works all the muscles in your body. It is a very complete exercise that is important to do.

Squatting stimulates fat burning as well as metabolism. It also improves your posture and prevents back pain.

You can do squats with the dumbbells, adjustable weights, power bag and kettlebell. You can also perform squats with the suspension trainer, resistance bands and the training vest.

Always make sure that you first practice the squat a few times with your own body weight, because the correct posture is very important.

Also read: Best squat rack | The Ultimate Strength Training Tool [Top 4].

Shoulder press

This exercise is good for training your shoulders and mainly targets the front of the three shoulder heads.

You perform the exercise with dumbbells, adjustable weights, power bag or kettlebell.

bicep curl

You see this exercise many men do in the gym to give their biceps a huge boost!

You perform the exercise with dumbbells, adjustable weights, the power bag or kettlebells.

Pull ups/chin ups

You can really only do these exercises with a chin-up bar.

Provided you have mastered this exercise very well, you can also add a weight vest. By adding more weight to your body, the push-up or chin-up will become more difficult and you will challenge yourself a lot!

With these exercises you train your entire upper body, from abdominal and back muscles to arms.

Fitness applications

As mentioned above, you can use ankle and wrist weights to intensify your training, or use them as basic weights for beginners.

When you put the weights on your wrists, you can do shoulder exercises by moving your arms up and down, in front of you but also next to your body.

With the weights around your ankles, you can get on and off something, such as a scooter, and if you don't have one, use a chair or other flat, sturdy object.

You can also move your legs sideways while standing (or lying down) to train your legs and buttocks.

With the suspension trainer you can also do a lot of exercises with your own body weight. Finally, you can add the weight vest to, for example, cardio workouts or push-ups.

What can I use as weights at home?

No weights at home yet and would you like to train?

You can use the following household items as training weights:

  • Gallons of water or milk (water and milk pitchers are great because they have handles that make them easy to grip)
  • Large bottle of detergent
  • Backpack filled with books or cans
  • Pet food bag
  • Standard bag of potatoes
  • heavy book
  • Towel

Can you train with weights at home?

Many strength training exercises can be done in the comfort and privacy of your own home, using only your body weight or inexpensive basic equipment as resistance.

We have discussed the best weights for you at home above. Also think about a good fitness mat, fitness gloves, and for example a squat track.

Which weights to buy for a beginner?

Women generally start with a set of two weights from 5 to 10 pounds, and men start with a set of two weights from 10 to 20 pounds.

Are home workouts effective?

Yes! Provided you're willing to put some time and effort into your workout at home, it can be just as effective as a workout at the gym!

Getting started with the best weights for home

After reading this article, did you also feel like getting started with weights, resistance bands or dumbbells right away?

You don't have to go to the gym to build strength and fitness, and there are several ways to get stronger or fitter step by step.

In short: There is no excuse anymore for not being able to exercise or exercise, because with all these options you simply bring the gym into your home!

Read more: Best Dumbbells Reviewed | Dumbbells for beginner to pro.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of referees.eu is a content marketer, father and loves to write about all kinds of sports, and has also played a lot of sports himself for most of his life. Now since 2016, he and his team have been creating helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with their sports activities.