Are Powerblock dumbbells worth it?
A few months ago I started a new workout program called Athlean-X.
When I was in my late teens and early twenties I was intensely involved in weight training for sports. I did power cleans, squats, dead lifts, bench press, plyometrics, etc.
But, after I graduated from chiropractic school and started having kids, I needed to have a workout system that I could do at home.
I was no longer involved in sports the same way I was, and I had a lot on my plate.
At that point I started doing Matt Furey’s bodyweight exercises known as Combat Conditioning.
I really enjoyed the workouts, but after several years of following his program, I had the urge to start using some weight again. Absolutely nothing against his programs, but it’s nice to change things up from time to time.
Since I prefer working out at home right when I wake up, I needed not only a great program to follow (Athlean-X), but I also needed an excellent set of dumbbells.
I was used to the traditional dumbbells, but the Athlean-X program recommended the Powerblock dumbbells.
I have to admit, I was skeptical at first.
How would they feel in my hand? I couldn’t imagine them feeling good since they started at 5 pounds and went up over 100 pounds. I didn’t think they could get the weight balance correct.
Would the dumbbells be sturdy? Would the selector pin hold up over time?
I had always thought of these types of equipment as fads and gimmicks.
These were all questions that I had, but I was very intrigued by the Powerblock Dumbbells. After all, if they worked it would not only save me money, but it would save a ton of space in my basement.
So, I went down to the local sporting goods store and tried them out.
I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised. I couldn’t believe how good they felt in my hands. And the weight distribution was excellent.
I picked up a similar sized regular dumbbell, and I can say that I actually preferred the Powerblock Dumbbell.
The Powerblock Dumbbell was well worth it.
I can’t remember the exact price I paid, but it was somewhere around $250. I bought the urethane model that went from 5 pounds to 50 pounds.
For the program I was using and the rep range I was starting at, this was all I needed. However, there are upgrade kits that allow you to expand up to over 100 pounds.
And now, I can’t imagine NOT having a pair of Powerblock Dumbbells.
I wish I had purchased them a long time ago. They are so versatile, and have definitely taken my training to a new level.
And as for Athlean-X, I would definitely recommend it also.
Jeff Cavalierre has put together an excellent program if you are looking for that lean, ripped athletic look. And the best part about it for me is that it takes only 20-40 minutes per day.
This was something I needed since I have 3 kids and a lot of responsibilities in a day.
All in all I would say that the Powerblock Dumbbells are well worth the price.