Dumbbells are one of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment you will come across. They are a staple in every gym, and one of the first pieces of equipment avid workout enthusiasts add to their home gym collection. A solid pair of dumbbells opens up the doors for a wide range of exercises, which is one of the many reasons they are utilized in almost every gym. But have you ever wondered how dumbbells are actually made? In this post we will take a look at the manufacturing process of everyone’s favorite piece of exercise equipment.
What Is a Dumbbell?
A dumbbell is a short bar with a weight on each end that is used for exercise. It’s a type of free weight usually used in pairs, with one in each hand.
What are the Different Types of Dumbbells?
The most common types of dumbbells you will come across are standard or fixed weight dumbbells. These are usually made of cast iron and sometimes have rubber or neoprene coating or weights. They are called fixed weight because the weight is not changeable
Another common kind of dumbbell that you may come across is adjustable dumbbells. These are dumbbells where you add weights onto the side and secure them with collars or clips.
Lastly there are selectorized dumbbells. These are adjustable weight dumbbells where you change the weight by turning a dial and dismounting the dumbbells from the rack. These are not as common, and you won’t see them in many gyms.
When Were Dumbbells Invented?
Dumbbells have existed for over 2000 years, and there us dates back to Ancient Greece. The Ancient Greeks weight trained with what is called a halteres which is an early version of the dumbbell. Over time the shape and composition of dumbbells has changed many times to the more modern versions we use today.
What are Dumbbells Made Of?
Modern dumbbells are made from a wide variety of things. Each brand is different. You will commonly see dumbbells made of cast iron, solid steel, chrome, and plastic. You may also see rubber encased ends and neoprene coating. There is wide variability from brand to brand.
How Dumbbells are Made
Ultimately it depends on the manufacturer and the material for the production process of the dumbbells. Some manufacturers use lasers to cut the steel and may make tiny welds before applying a powder coating to the finished product. Other dumbbells manufacturers may produce the cast iron bar first and then use a machine to apply the rubber encased ends. Since there are so many different kinds of dumbbells there are many different production processes.
Conclusion
Dumbbells are one of the most popular kinds of exercise equipment you will come across. Almost every gym has them. They have existed for thousands of years in one form or another, but the modern dumbbells you see today are much different from the weights that the Ancient Greeks used. Modern dumbbells include three different kinds, there are adjustable dumbbells, fixed weight dumbbells, and selectorized dumbbells. Dumbbells can be made from a wide variety of materials and the production process is a little different for each one.