Top 8 Best Adjustable Dumbbells for P90X and P90X3

The P90X system is an intense home DVD exercise program that combines aerobic and anaerobic exercise with yoga, core exercises, and stretching, saying that it can give you a lean, ripped body in 90 days. P90X3 program is similar to the P90X program, while the P90X3 program has a “Cold Start” workout that you can choose to use before each workout.

Apart from the program fees, you needn’t spend money on gym membership costs or invest in expensive home gym equipment when you’ve made up your mind to include p90x and p90x3 in your daily fitness routine.

This is one of the foremost reasons why the p90x system has become extremely popular among individuals. With a pair of dumbbells or resistance bands, you are on your road to achieving a well-toned physique and a healthy body.

This article will help you select the right P90x dumbbells and tell you why using dumbbells is better than resistance bands when performing the P90X workout.

In a hurry? Here are my top picks of the best adjustable dumbbells for P90x and P90x3:

• Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
• Ironmaster 75 lb Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System
• PowerBlock Personal Trainer Adjustable 5 to 50-Pounds per Dumbbell Set
• Weider Core 100-Pound Adjustable Select-A-Weight Set
• Bayou Fitness Pair of Adjustable Dumbbells
• Merax Deluxe 71.5 Pounds Adjustable Dial Dumbbell with Weight Plate for Home Gym
• Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set
• ProForm Adjustable Dumbbell Set

See the overview, pros & cons below.

Why Are Using Dumbbells Better Than Resistance Bands When Performing the P90X Workout?

Dumbbells are the most common choice for performing the P90X workouts, and many gyms claim so.

Although dumbbells or resistance bands with the same weight/resistance are equally powerful and similar in helping you build and tone your muscles, accuracy is the major advantage of using dumbbells for P90X or P90X3 programs.

With dumbbells, you know how much exactly you are lifting, enabling you to track your progress much more easily and accurately compared with resistance bands. Moreover, if your goal is to build muscle mass, using free weights instead of resistance bands is a wiser and smarter choice.

If you compare them in terms of movement, they both offer a free range of movements without any restriction. The primary difference between dumbbells and resistance bands is that when you lift dumbbells, you against gravity. In the case of resistance bands, you lift them against tension.

You might feel a resistance band be better suited for travel purposes as they fit easily and are lightweight comparatively. In contrast, dumbbells are multi-fold times better in terms of durability and robustness.

If you ponder upon the long-lastingness of resistance bands, in logical terms too, you would understand that being made of materials such as latex and rubber, the bands are prone to easy wear and tear over time.

Hence, it is recommended that you choose what’s long-lasting and durable when you will invest in a piece of equipment that will stay with you for years.

How Heavy Your Dumbbells Should Be?

Rather than purchasing a pair of dumbbells with a fixed weight, it is better to procure a pair of adjustable dumbbells that do the trick in improving your fitness levels.

As per the P90X Fitness Guide suggestion, you are recommended to use dumbbells starting from as low as 5 pounds and going as high as 70 pounds.

This is mainly because you would not be restricting yourself to one or two exercises but push yourself harder doing numerous workouts that benefit your body—it is ideal to use lightweight resistance for exercises such as triceps kickbacks. In contrast, many others, such as heavy pants, require heavy resistance to bring about pronounced benefits.

Fixed vs. Adjustable Dumbbells—Which Are Better?

Your choice of fixed or adjustable dumbbells mainly depends on your availability of space, budget, and requirements. Still, most people prefer to use adjustable dumbbells as they offer more value for money.

If you have optimal space in your home to set up a full-fledged home gym for use, you might choose the fixed dumbbells. But if your choice is for fixed dumbbells, you need an entire rack dedicated to stocking dumbbells of different weights (from 5-60 lbs.).

Fixed dumbbells also prevent the need to pause your video during the P90X session and adjust the weights as you can quickly grab what’s required from your rack.

If your choice is for the adjustable variety, you will save ample space and a good amount of money. Also, many adjustable dumbbells are technical-rich. For instance, the SelectTech 560 model by Bowflex includes Bluetooth connectivity using which you can sync and record sets, reps, and the weights used.

Top 8 Best Adjustable Dumbbells for P90x and P90x3

To help you choose the best adjustable dumbbells for using them in your daily P90X program, I’ve made a concise list of the top 8 best adjustable dumbbells.

#1. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

Bowflex is a well-known brand to each of us interested in fitness and looking forward to setting up a professional home gym in our place.

The SelectTech 552 dumbbell should be your go-to choice of dumbbell if you love hi-tech equipment fitted with the latest features.

Choose your preferred weight simply by turning the dial instead of switching over between different dumbbells that comprise different weights. The equipment is equivalent to replacing 15 sets of weights.

You can easily adjust your weights from 5 lbs to 52.2 lbs in increments of 2.5 lbs. Don’t worry about changing the weights as they are user-friendly and can be done in a jiffy.

Change between workouts by swiftly changing the resistance levels in your dumbbell, thereby increasing your strength levels too.

Perform a wide range of exercises heavy exercises such as lunges and shrugs and light activities such as curls and raises using the SelectTech 552 dumbbells. Achieving a total-body workout becomes practical and simple.

Use Bowflex’s adjustable dumbbells to save ample space in your workstation and avoid the elaborate spread of ample dumbbell pairs.

The equipment comprises durable molding around metal plates, making it easier for you to lift it off the floor and perform your exercises.

The material used promises a quieter workout session as there are no metal plates that can otherwise create a noise every time you take it for use.

Above all, the company provides you the option to download the Bowflex SelectTech App for free. Here, you can follow trainer-lead workouts, make a note of your workouts, and build custom workouts too.

#2. Ironmaster 75 lb Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System

The Ironmaster 75 lb Quick Lock adjustable dumbbells are the flagship product of the Ironmaster brand, and it is one of the world’s strongest adjustable dumbbells.

So, if you are looking for a premium-quality product that promises durability and unmatched performance, this is what you need.

The company has incorporated its patented quick lock technology, which helps you adjust the dumbbell’s weight from 5-75 lbs in 2.5 lbs increments. This, the manufacturer promises in less than 15 seconds.

Adjustable dumbbells are greatly subjected to easy wear and tear as their weights are consistently changed every time while exercising. Also, they are mostly made with cheap plastic, which causes breakage and non-functioning in due course of use.

As the name suggests, Ironmaster has taken care to build their dumbbells from solid iron and steel, which guarantees to last forever despite using them regularly every day.

Size-wise too, the equipment is smartly made as compact as possible so that you can hold the dumbbell any way that you like for doing any exercise.

Dumbbells are weight-related equipment and hence, must ensure safety to help you avoid injuries. The design, which comprises square plates, prevents the dumbbells from rolling away on the floor/rack when placed.

If you have been using traditional dumbbells for a long period and hesitate to switch over to adjustable ones, I assure you that this equipment looks, feels, and functions like your fixed-weight dumbbells.

So, get going and purchase your pair of Ironmaster 75 lbs dumbbells to strengthen your body and enjoy befitting health benefits.

#3. PowerBlock Personal Trainer Adjustable 5 to 50-Pounds per Dumbbell Set

PowerBlock is a brand that’s best in offering all products and accessories to set up your home gym.

The Personal Trainer Adjustable dumbbell set is a classic product from this brand that can be paired with any other home gym equipment from this brand to achieve the utmost performance and health benefits.

If you are looking for a pair of adjustable dumbbells or looking to reinvent your home gym space to replace your numerous pairs of traditional dumbbells with one rock-solid dumbbell pair, don’t look beyond the PowerBlock dumbbells.

You can replace 16 pairs of dumbbells or 825 lbs of free weights with just a pair of PoweBlock adjustable dumbbells. The weight increments achieved include 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, 40, 42.5, 45, 47.5, and 50 lbs per hand.

The primary advantage of this dumbbell pair is that you needn’t fret over changing weights in between your exercise session. The selector pin helps you change weights swiftly, just like how you do it with the weight stacks at your commercial gym.

So, while offering the same weight ranges and benefits as your traditional dumbbells, this equipment goes a step further, also being more compact and balanced compared to them.

The construction of these dumbbells is superb as they comprise welded steel construction with powder-coated paint. There are also color bands that help you easily identify different weights to set them quickly.

#4. Weider Core 100-Pound Adjustable Select-A-Weight Set

Build endurance, stir up your strength levels, and achieve a total body workout using great-quality Weider Core adjustable dumbbells.

This equipment makes use of the sophisticated Weider Core technology to offer you the best weight ranges and adjustment settings possible in this category.

Every dumbbell has a clip and pin, which helps you decide upon the number of weighted discs that go on. Don’t worry about the unused discs, as they stay firm and tight on the base.

You can adjust every dumbbell from 10-50 pounds in a 5-pound increment depending on your exercise (lightweight or intense exercise).

That means you get to enjoy the benefits of using nine different pairs of fixed dumbbells in the form of one adjustable dumbbell that does the job.

The company has also taken care to provide you with a custom tray to place your dumbbell. This way, you needn’t strain yourself to reach the floor and lift them. Do your bicep sets and drop weights for your reps.

Operating the dumbbells is extremely easy. All you must do is adjust the selector to your desired weight, lock it, and lift it off the stand to start performing.

#5. Bayou Fitness Pair of Adjustable Dumbbells

The Bayou adjustable dumbbells are cleverly designed and perfectly implemented to provide you with the perfect pair of dumbbells that are ideal for home gym use.

Each dumbbell comes with a storage tray, which is extremely useful to secure each weight to adjust resistance levels as per your exercise needs.

The dumbbell weights can be adjusted from 10 lbs. to 50 lbs. simply by sliding the metal locking pin along the central track.

The position of the locking pin can identify the number of weight pins that remain on each dumbbell when you take it off the storage tray.

When you move the pins closer to the dumbbell, it holds more plates, and moving the pin closer to the handle results in fewer plates.

If you don’t want to use any plate for an exercise, you can safely leave them on the storage tray. Your dumbbells can be placed snugly into the tray once you are done with the workout.

The dumbbells look hard and sturdy. Performance-wise too, they guarantee durability and sturdiness as the company has used heavy-duty chrome-plated steel material to construct the dumbbell.

You might wonder if the handles offer optimal grip as they come without any rubber coating.

The diameter of the bar and the textured knurling compensate for this by providing optimal grip and comfort levels to hold the dumbbell.

Perform 30+ exercises including standing curls, incline bench curls, triceps kickbacks, hammer curls, incline chest press, flat chest press, deadlift, wide rows, ab crunch, reverse crunch, calf raises, leg raises, lunges, and more using this one pair of Bayou adjustable dumbbells—tone your physique and shape your arms, chest, shoulders, back, abs, and legs.

#6. Merax Deluxe 71.5 Pounds Adjustable Dial Dumbbell with Weight Plate for Home Gym

The foremost thing that’s noticeable when you pick a pair of Merax dumbbells is its weight. With a maximum weight of 71.5 lbs. per dumbbell, you are sure to be impressed with its performance and solidness.

The company has designed the dumbbells keeping in mind the requirements of athletes, and hence, the weights start at 5 kg and go up to 32.5 kg per dumbbell.

You get the privilege of adjusting weights in 5.5 lb increments helping you choose from 12 different weight settings.

So, get away with your numerous fixed-weight dumbbells and make way for the Merax deluxe dumbbells, which help keep your home gym space decluttered.

Switching between various weights is a simple task with this dumbbell, as it is designed with an adjustable dial system. Turn the knob, set the dumbbell to your desired weight range, and perform your exercises to gain total-body fitness benefits.

There is no need to make way for some space in your home gym for the dumbbell pair as the company has provided a convenient weight tray exclusively for the equipment. This way, you can store the unit safely without any chances of rolling over.

#7. Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set

The Core Fitness adjustable dumbbells come neatly packed as a set of two along with two cradles for placing them intact after use.

You even get an exercise guide that helps you perform various workouts and achieve a versatile fitness routine.

The maximum weight of each dumbbell is 50 lbs, and the weight adjustments are possible from 5 lbs. to 50 lbs.

Even if you choose to perform multiple workouts in quick succession, the Twist Lock technology used by Core Fitness dumbbells helps you switch between weights with one hand easily.

All you need to do is place the dumbbell in the cradle, twist the handle, and get the weights changed in seconds.

The company has taken ultimate care to design the handles with utmost grip. They are contoured, textured, and have a soft finish that offers you a comfortable and secure grip.

The only precaution that must be followed is refining from using abrasive cleaners or petroleum-based solvents to clean the equipment.

#8. ProForm Adjustable Dumbbell Set

If you search for reasonable-priced adjustable dumbbells for your home gym use, don’t hesitate to consider the ProForm adjustable dumbbell set. This adjustable dumbbell is great for beginner/intermediate trainers for doing P90X workouts or using it for therapy.

The dumbbells are manufactured by ProForm, a widely known company for its exercise bikes, treadmills, and other home gym equipment.

Compared to other dumbbells mentioned above, the maximum weight range is not great, though. It maxes out at 25 lbs. per dumbbell with a 2.5 lb. increment possible.

Still, you can perform various exercises, including forwarding lunge bicep curl, squat thruster, deadlift, and more, benefitting your total body health.

Dumbbells are always at a high risk of rolling away, but you needn’t worry about it when you are using the ProForm adjustable dumbbells.

With rounded weight plates and “knurled grip” handles, you would always have a sturdy hold on the equipment keeping your mind free and at peace.

Store the dumbbell pair using the tray provided by the company and adjust the weights using the knob adjustment provided.

Final Words

If you are looking to purchase a pair of adjustable dumbbells for the P90X program and want to replace your wide range of traditional dumbbell pairs, the guide given above provides you with a clear idea of what’s latest in the market.

Besides being space-saving and compact, adjustable dumbbells also help you swiftly shift between exercises.

Choose a model that promises smooth handling of the equipment, guarantees a durable construction, and provides you with small weight increments. This way, you are guaranteed great performance and long-lastingness of the dumbbell.

Read Also:

• Make Dumbbell Heavier: 9 Ways to Make Your Workout More Efficient
• Top 8 Best Adjustable Dumbbells for CrossFit
• Top 7 Best Portable Home Gyms – Read Before You Buy
• Best Compact Exercise Equipment for Small Spaces and Apartments