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15 best hand weights to buy for 2023, from £5.99
Because they're legit the most versatile piece of kit out there.
Hand weights are a handy (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves) way of getting the gains. These useful pieces of kit are the bread and butter of resistance training and strength training, and, besides the health benefits this comes with, there are a few other reasons we love ‘em so much: they don’t take up too much space at home, they’re versatile (honestly, the list of hand weight exercises is endless) and, as fit kit goes, they're often really reasonably priced, too.
Not sure where to start? We rounded up the best deals on hand weights, plus everything you need to know about how and why to use them.
Best hand weights
What are the different types of hand weights?
There are so many kinds of hand weights, so it’s hardly surprising that an average of 8,100 of you search for info on them every month. Have a gander at the main types below, as shared by PT and Foundry Fit coach Saima Husain:
- Fixed dumbbells (i.e. you can’t change the weight)
- Adjustable dumbbells (you can make them lighter or heavier)
- Kettlebells
- Wrist weights (like bangles)
- Mini plates
Hand weight sets include various sizes and weights. A set of dumbbell hand weights, for example, might include a 2kg, a 5kg, and a 10kg dumbbell.
What are the benefits of hand weights?
There’s a lot of crossover between hand weight benefits and the benefits of strength training. According to Saima, these are the most significant advantages that come from training with hand weights:
- Improve grip strength
- Improve tempo training (you can speed up without being restricted like you are with a fixed machine)
- Improve imbalances (you can use them for isometric exercises to strengthen your weaker side)
- Build strength
- Build muscle mass
- Improve endurance
When should I start using hand weights?
Hand weights are a solid choice for both beginner and experienced lifters. ‘If you’re just starting out, you can challenge yourself by upping your load as you progress through your training,’ Saima tells WH. The same applies to seasoned weightlifters – you’re free to choose lighter loads on recovery days, or pile on the pounds (50kg hand weights aren’t uncommon) when you want to push yourself.
Saima adds that hand weights are also useful for newbies who might find gym machines or barbells intimidating (or just downright confusing).
How heavy should my hand weights be?
As with pretty much everything in the world of fitness, think of form first, always. ‘When choosing the right weight, you need to make sure you can perform the desired repetitions with good form,’ Saima explains. ‘Form is key when executing any movement, but with hand weights there can be the temptation to use momentum. If you find you have one limb weaker than the other, stick with the lighter weight until you gradually can progress to then next weight up.’ You heard her.
How can I use hand weights in my workouts?
We meant it when we said hand weights are versatile. ‘They can be used for an entire workout, as part of warm up sets and accessory movements,’ says Saima. ‘All lifts can be performed with hand weights, from compound exercises such as bench press and deadlifts to accessory movements such as tricep extensions and single arm rows.’ Told ya so.
Are hand weights effective?
If you can't already tell, we're a big fan of hand weights at Women's Health, and think they're a great piece of kit to keep your home workouts fun and versatile. If you're interested in picking up a pair for yourself, here's our round up of the 15 best hand weights in the UK for 2023.
Weight: 4kg
Quantity: 1 set of 2
UMI is one of the most well-known fit kit brands of all time, and their expertise is evident in all of their hand weights. This 4kg pair is created with anti-roll technology, a neoprene coating that’s built to last, an anti-slip grip (no sweat – see what we did there?) and an easy clean surface. Winning.
Weight: 5kg
Quantity: 1 set of 2
Nyamba’s set of two 5kg dumbbells is the perfect middle ground for anyone wanting to cement their hand weight finesse. The brand has paid extra attention to the grip for a comfortable hold, while each one has a non-roll design.
Weight: 0.5kg
Quantity: 1 set of 2
Are you a big fan of a hot girl walk but have wondered if there's any way you could up the intensity a little bit?
If you've spent much time on TikTok you'd be well aware of the Bala Bangle, but for the uninitiated the Bangle is a stylish looking weight designed to be used on your wrists or ankles.
Wearing the weights on your wrists while you walk can help to make it a little harder for your arms, adding some fire to your workout. You can also use them for low-intensity pilates workouts and strength workouts.
Weight: 10kg
Quantity: 1 set of 2
MiraFit offer dumbbell hand weights in practically every weight you could ask for, and a pair of two 10kg weights is also up for grabs. They’ll set you back £57.99 so, granted, they’re not the cheapest, but if you’re already lifting 10kg weights, chances are you’re doing it frequently and these ones will last. Promise.
Weight: 2.5kg - 12kg
Quantity: 1
Adjustable hand weights are especially useful for those completing a broad range of exercises at home (because the many weight options allow you to increase and decrease load as need be) and those with limited storage space.
This particular weight doesn't come cheap, but it's great value for money if you consider yourself an at-home workout enthusiast.
Weight: 1.5kg
Quantity: 1 set of 2
Looking for your first set of dumbbells? Look no further than this colourful set. Is has an easy-grip neoprene coating (great for working out when you've worked up a sweat), and the hexagonal shape means there's no risk of them rolling away.
Weight: 12kg
Quantity: 1 kettlebell
If you're keen to up the intensity of your workouts, a heavy kettlebell may be worth considering. This one weighs 12kg, so it's great for goblet squats, deadlifts, lunges, swings, and rows, and is made of 100% cast iron, so it's super durable.
Weight: 4kg
Quantity: 1 kettlebell
With 33% off the original price, this 4kg kettlebell is a steal – and that's not the only thing it's got going for it. It's made of cast iron, so it's sturdy and durable, and it has a non-slip neoprene coating to help prevent any scratching of your floors. This weight is ideal for many upper body movements, including presses and rows, but heavier kettlebells are available if you'd like to add more load.
Weight: 0.5kg each
Quantity: 1 set of 2
Spice up your at-home workouts with a set of ankle weights. These ones have an adjustable fit, for comfort, and are filled with 100% iron beads for an even weight distribution.
Weight: 1.1kg, 2.3kg and 4.5kg
Quantity: 3 sets of 2
These are fixed dumbbells, so you can’t change the weight, but you’ll bag yourself three pairs for just £30. That’s £10 per pair, making this a big bargain, if you ask us. What’s more, 92% of customers rave about it and it has an average rating of 4.5 stars. We rest our case.
Weight: 1.35 – 20kg
Quantity: 1 set of 2 adjustable dumbbells
Number of weight variations: 3
At £60 and with three weight variations available, this adjustable dumbbell set is great for those who are trying their hand at resistance training and would like the ability to adjust the load.
Weight: 6kg
Quantity: 1
If the exercises you’re into are better suited to a kettlebell, Phoenix Fitness has your back. Their 6kg buy is just £15.49 and is Amazon’s number 1 best-selling kettlebell. Need we say more?
Weight: 2kg
Quantity: 1 set of 2
Attach these weights to your wrists (or ankles) for added resistance during workouts where you might need your hands (think ab moves like the plank, or full body exercises like walk-outs). They’re rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Decathlon, with customers hailing them for comfort, flexibility and maintenance (they’re easily hand-washable).
Weight: 1.5kg
Quantity: 1 set of 2
Nyamba’s much loved 5kg set of hand weights also come in 1.5kg (along with other variations), so if you’re just starting out, choose these for a lighter load.
Weight: 1kg
Quantity: 1 set of 2
Besides all you beginners out there, 1kg weights can come in seriously useful for times when you want to tackle tempo but still want a little resistance. This set is the cheapest of our individual pairs, but it will absolutely go the distance.
Bridie is Fitness Editor at Women's Health UK. She spends her days sweating over new workouts, fitness launches and the best home gym kit so you have all that you need to get fit done. Her work has been published in Stylist, Glamour, Cosmopolitan and more. She’s also a part-time yoga teacher with a habit of nodding off mid savasana (not when she’s teaching, promise).
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