Dumbbells - Smart Choice For Fitness

Lifting weights is good for you. Not only does building muscle increase your metabolism and help strengthen your bones, but it also means you can rearrange your furniture with minimal help from your husband. Whether you're looking to kick-start your fitness routine or kick it up a notch, dumbbells are a great addition to your home workout gear.

If you're new to using dumbbells, get started with some information and exercises in Smart Girls Do Dumbbells (about $11). Pick up a pair of these basic Champion Hex Dumbbells with ergonomic grip in a 5 pound size ($4 each) and start pumping some iron with free weights you can use at home.

If you really get into it, ask Santa for this Cap Barbell Tone Fitness 20- pound Hourglass Dumbbell Set ($28). It comes with neoprene-coated weights in 2-, 3- and 5-pounds, as well as a compact rack for storing them. It's so bright and cheery. Even though it's not my No. 1 Motivation To Exercise, it's almost enough to make me want to work out.

The serious weightlifter needs serious dumbbells. This Pro-Style Black Plate Chrome Endcap Dumbbell Set comes with a hefty price tag ($2,249) but it also comes with 10 pairs of dumbbells ranging from 55 to 100 pounds. Sets are also available in 5-50 pound weights and 105-150 pounds.
Just make sure you have the room and the reinforced floors to hold them!

If you want a complete home-gym setup but don't have the space for racks and racks of weights, these LifeSmart Corebell Adjustable Dumbbells with Rack ($400) are an excellent choice. Two dumbbells and one rack are all you need. Each dumbbell can be adjusted from 2.5 pounds to 55 pounds. A simple slide-lock mechanism makes it easy to increase or decrease the weight and keeps plates from shifting.

More on AOL: Cute Workout Clothes
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: AOL Shopping
Sign up for the AOL Shopping newsletter