Dumbbells (DBs) are a great way to get a cardio workout at home (or anyplace else you want to take them, for that matter). A few sets of mult-joint movements like squats, rows, or the like not only will help you build muscle, but also get you huffing and puffing better than any cardio workout. Do some full-body exercises like clean & press, snatch, or swing, and you’ve upped the ante just that much more.
And by looking around classifieds, craigslist, ebay, garage sales, or even buying them new, you can get plates for adjustable DB handles for super cheap. It’s the best of two worlds – great benefits at a great price!
However, the “spin-lock” handles you often often (the kind that have threaded ends with a star-like collar that spin onto the end like a giant nut on a bolt) can be kind of “iffy”. They come loose easily, and can often be dangerous. And the handles themselves are often cheaply made – they can bend, or the grip in the center of the handle will move around or get torn up.
Because of all this, I recommend just building your own. It’s easier than you think, takes only a few minutes, will cost you less than $10, and best of all, when you’re done, you’ll have a super safe set of DB handles.
First, go to Lowes, Home Depot, or someplace similar. Go to the plumbing dept, and buy two length of galvanized tubing, each one being roughly 14-16″ long. The diameter of the tubing will be roughly one inch. Hint – take a small weight plate with you to test fit the tubing into the hole of the weight plate so you know what you’re getting will work.
After getting your tubing, you’ll need to also purchase 8 hose clamps (like you’d put on rubber hose or tubing). If you don’t have any sort of industrial strength brush-on glue or epoxy, pick up some of that, too. Then, on you way home, stop by a pharmacy or department store and pick up some athletic tape. You now have all you need.
When you get home, take one of the pieces of tubing, and mark the very center, length-wise. From here, measure out 2.5-3 inches each direction and make a mark. Place hose clamps on these marks – these will be your inner “collars” (you’ll be gripping the handle between these clamps). Brush some epoxy on the clamps and let dry. Repeat with the other piece of tubing. When you’re done, you should have 4 hose clamps left over.
After the epoxy has dried, wrap athletic tape around the center of your handle where your hand will go. Wrap until comfortable. Hint – the thicker you make the handle, the more of a grip workout you’ll get.
You’re now ready to use your DB handles. Load weight plates onto each side evenly, and slide one collar onto each side. Tighten with a screwdriver, and repeat with the other handle.
You’re now ready to get into kickass shape, it cost you hardly anything, and took hardly no time!