History of Dumbbells

The first type of dumbbell were probably nals from India, club shaped equipment that, like today's dumbbells, were usually in pairs. Nals were used for more than 1,000 years. Modern dumbbells were derived from 16th century churches in England, when men realized that pulling the weighted ropes that rang church bells resulted in larger muscles. The wealthy started installing these pulleys and weighted ropes in their homes. The pulleys and weighted ropes were called "bells." But because there were no real bells attached to the ropes, they began to be called "dumb-bells," as the bells were always silent. By the early 19th century, this equipment came to resemble the dumbbells of today. The pulley and ropes had disappeared, leaving only the weights.

Advantages of Dumbbells

Using dumbbells can improve balance and posture.

You do not have to climb on and off machines when you use dumbbells.

Dumbbells can take up less space than resistance machines or barbells, a real advantage if you work out at home and have a limited space.

You will have a great range of movement when working out with dumbbells than when working out with barbells.

Dumbbells can be safer than barbells when combining weight training and cardio training. If you loose your balance, it can be much safer to drop dumbbells than it is to drop barbells.

Adding dumbbells to you exercise routine on days that alternate with barbells will help prevent boredom.

Dumbbells are easy to incorporate into a cardio routine.

Using dumbbells allows you to work on one limb at a time rather than both of your arms or legs, simultaneously.

Dumbbells can be used to work out the entire body