dumbbell: Definition, Synonyms and Much More from Answers.com

For other meanings, see dumbbell (disambiguation).

A dumbbell is a piece of equipment used in weight training, and are considered a type of free weight. It is a weight that is usually held in one hand. Hence, dumbbells normally come in pairs. The forerunner of the dumbbell was used in India for more than a millennium, shaped like a club - so named Indian club. The design of the "Nal" as the equipment was referred to can be seen as a halfway point between a barbell and a dumbbell. It was generally used in pairs, in workouts by wrestlers, bodybuilders, sports players, and others wishing to increase strength and muscle size.

"Dumbbells" as a word originated in Tudor England— strongmen used hand-held church bells to develop the upper body and arms. These bells range in weight from a few ounces to many pounds. The bells were flourished in various ways. Obviously this would have a made racket so the strongmen would take out the clappers (the thing inside the bell which hits the sides of the bell and makes the noise) so they could practice quietly; hence the name "dumb" as in "no sound" and "bell" - dumbell. When strongmen started to make their own equipment they kept the name, even though the shape changed. Kettles were also available in various sizes ranging up to those holding several gallons. Filled with sand or water these too could be used for training. When strongmen started making purpose-built equipment, they also kept the name.

By the early 19th Century, the familiar shape of the dumbbell, with two equal weights attached to a handle, had appeared. There are currently two main types of dumbbell:

• Adjustable dumbbells consist of 14 inch (35 centimetre) long steel bars that are one inch (2.5 centimetres) in diameter. They look like miniature barbells. The centre portion is engraved with a crosshatch pattern (knurling) to help users get a good grip. 1–40 kg of cast iron weight disks (plates) are slid onto the outer portions of the dumbbell to obtain the desired total weight. These weights are secured with clips or collars. A "spinlock" dumbbell's outer portions are threaded, and the collars are large nuts that screw on and secure the plates through friction.

• Fixed-weight dumbbells are weights created in a dumbbell shape. Expensive varieties consist of cast iron coated with rubber for safety. Cheaper versions consist of a rigid plastic shell that is filled with concrete.

Due to their flexibility, dumbbells can be used in all types of resistance weight training, but the most popular dumbbell exercises remain the Bench press and the Biceps curl. Using dumbbells (especially adjustable dumbbells) often without wearing weightlifting gloves causes calluses on the palm of the hand. They are not detrimental to weight training, but some users dislike them and prefer to use weight training gloves.

The word "dumbbell" is used in the United Kingdom and the United States as an insulting term for a person considered to be stupid or unintelligent.

See also

• Barbell
• Kettlebell
• Weights