PowerBlock Personal Adjustable 5 to 45-Pounds per Dumbbell Set

You should always workout with free weights, as they allow you to use the natural free-range of motion, stabilizer muscles, and proper posture.

There is absolutely no reason you should work out on machines unless you are a complete beginner or injured. Machines are great for safety, but not much else.

If you are going to invest in a dumbbell set, get the ones that go to 50 pounds at the minimum. Everything else is just a waste. You will outgrow your old weights as you constantly and consistently work out.

If dumbbell sets are too expensive for you, then consider joining a gym for $20 a month or getting 3 dumbbell weights (10 pounds, 25 pounds, and 50 pounds).

There is no need to even invest in a dumbbell set until your bodyweight exercises and stability exercises become too easy (over 100 push-ups, 20 pull-ups, and 6 minute miles). Until then, use your body weight! It's cheaper, faster, and easier.

If you don't feel the burn after 10 repetitions, you are doing the exercise wrong. In all exercises, it is the eccentric portion of the exercise that builds muscle. Do the exercise in a smooth, controlled fashion with a 3 concentric and 6 eccentric count. Squeeze at the peak of the motion to get that extra pump.

As in all exercises, make sure to keep your wrists straight and check your posture with these seven vital points: feet hips-width apart and pointed straight ahead; knees slightly bent; pelvis at perfect middle, as if you are sitting at a bar stool; stomach tight, but not flexed; chest straight and aligned on top of ribs; shoulders parallel to ribs; and neck straight on top of body

I would highly recommend Powerblocks to anyone who is looking for a compact, convenient, and sturdy adjustable dumbbell set. They are less expensive than Bowflex products, and they have less fine parts that could be damaged. My only concern with the Powerblocks was the setup of having your hands inside the weight chamber. However, that concern has been completely assuaged. They are comfortable and easily used with a range of exercises.

Wanted dumbbells for home use, but not a separate pair for every 5-pound increment (would require more space, have to build a rack for them, out of place in multi-purpose room, etc.). The PowerBlocks give me 5 to 45 lbs. per dumbbell, change easily in seconds, have even weight distribution with padding around wrists, stay securely attached, and are easily stored when not in use. No complaints.

The PowerBlock dumbbell set is great for someone like me who lives in an apartment and has limited space. I get a full range of motion and the pins stay in place very securely so I never worry about having the weights above my head. Sometimes the weights get stuck when lowering them into the unused plates, but if you keep it straight when you lower it there is no problem. I think the carpet allows them to move so I may get the tray or get some kind of hard surface to keep them from tilting. Otherwise a great product that performs perfectly!

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PowerBlock Personal Set Tray

I got my powerblocks in only a few days after ordering with super saver shipping. I started using them and right away I could see they were solidly built and I would not have the same issue with weights falling off with other selector dumbbells I heard horror stories about.
I did notice a small crack in the selector pin that was mainly a cosmetic issue. I called the support number and was quickly greeted by a support agent. After confirming the issue, he said there was a new pin on the way and sure enough there it was about two days later.
Overall great product and service experience.