Norm Morrison Jan 13, 2025 10:02:40 AM 4 min read

More Musings on Dumbbell Sizing.

We've had a few good articles about dumbbells. And all of this data is in the longer Science of Dumbbells blog. 
 
But it's worth stating again that there are huge differences in every part of the fitness equipment world that most people just aren't aware of. And this is true in dumbbells as well. 
 
In general, a dumbbell is a lever. And the longer the dumbbell, the more stress it puts on the wrist and the elbow.  Because the longer the lever, the more torque it produces.
(Literally.  Torque calculated as product of force and perpendicular distance from axis of rotation
Formula: T=F∗r∗sin(θ)
T = torque
F = applied force
r= lever arm length
θ = angle between force vector and lever arm)
 
Also, a longer dumbbell is going to give you a shorter range of motion in any converging motion like a chest press or a shoulder press, and will also cause a lot more impedance in a lot of other motions. 
1000012848-1
This is especially important with smaller people. Smaller people with smaller wrists and smaller hands are even more disadvantaged by the larger, Mass market dumbbells. Believe it or not, these are all 15 lbs dumbbells.
 
We sell a ton of our gummi bells to our clients because they frankly fit smaller people better. It's nice to be able to size the dumbbell to the person. 
Especially when a much larger dumbbell will literally cause a lot more stress on the wrist and other joints. 
 
Also, when you're going through major motions with larger dumbbells this becoms critical. 1000012850-1This difference in length becomes more and more pronounced as the dumbbells get bigger. You can see I have a 60 lb Hudson pro style dumbbell next to a 60 lb hex dumbbell, and there are literally inches of difference here.  And inches of torque, T=F∗r∗sin(θ)

 

avatar

Norm Morrison

Norm has a long history of building partnerships between Health and Wellness companies and meshing technology creators with manufacturers and vendors. He helped build the largest fitness equipment dealership from the ground up and has worked with nearly all of the major manufacturers in the industry. The top brands in the market come to him for advice about developing and improving their product. Norm has helped dozens of companies bring products to market and has an inside track on what’s new and what’s next in both the legacy and connected fitness industries.

COMMENTS