Starting strength training at home? A pair of 5 kg hex dumbbells is a fair first step

Most home workouts start the same way. A video online, a resolution, and the realisation that you do not own a single weight. A pair of light dumbbells is a low-cost way to find out whether the habit sticks.

This Lifelong pair is two 5 kg dumbbells with a PVC coating and a hex shape, sold with a 6 month warranty.

Why hex matters in a small flat

Round dumbbells roll. Put one down on a slightly sloping floor and it heads for the furniture. Hex-shaped heads stay where you put them, which is a small but real advantage in a living room workout.

The PVC coating also protects floors a little better than bare metal, and it is quieter when you set the weights down.

Is 5 kg the right weight?

For many beginners, a pair of 5 kg dumbbells is a useful starting point for exercises like curls, shoulder presses, rows and lunges. Some people will find it light for leg exercises quite quickly.

The day 5 kg feels easy is good news. It means it is time to add weight.

If you suspect you will keep going, think about adjustable dumbbells from the start. They cost more upfront but grow with you.

A few practical notes

• PVC can smell when new. Air the dumbbells out for a day or two when they arrive.
• The warranty is short. Six months is not long, so check the coating and welds when they arrive.
• Learn the form first. Start with a few simple moves and good technique before adding weight. If you have an injury or a health condition, check with a doctor or a qualified trainer.

Our take

A cheap, practical starter pair. If they end up as door stops, you have not lost much. If you keep training, they will soon be your warm-up weights, and that is a good problem to have.