Dumbbells can be pricey if you’re looking to start incorporating some at-home workouts. However, they are worth the investment if you are already consistent in your workouts and just looking to move them to home for convenience.
Instead of spending hundreds on dumbbell sets, you could incorporate using common household items into your workout as a cost-efficient solution. Things within your home have different weights that can help you kickstart your fitness journey.
Do your research and avoid using certain things that can be harmful or unsafe to use.
Common Items You Can Use as a Dumbbell
There are common household items that you can use in case you don’t want to get a gym or don’t want to invest in dumbbells just yet. The perfect replica dumbbell can be made with items found in most homes.
Here are some common items to use instead of buying dumbbells:
- 1 Gallon Milk Jugs
- Ankle weights
- Laundry Detergent
- Paint Cans
- Bag of Potatoes
- Dog food
These are just a few options to help you get creative when looking to make an at-home dumbbell. But, of course, the best thing to do is to try to find items that are easy to have a good grip on and the weight is equally distributed.
Is it a Good Long-Term Solution?
Most dumbbells can cost anywhere between $1-2 per pound, so the more weight you need, the higher the cost. That’s why it’s smart to utilize household items to get a little workout in if you’re just getting started.
By utilizing household items, you can kickstart your fitness journey, have the accessibility of working out from home, and have a cost-efficient solution.
Once you start to increase weights above 20 pounds and are looking for a long-term solution, it is recommended to invest in buying dumbbell sets.
With dumbbells, the weights are evenly distributed, giving you a better workout and a great first addition to starting your at-home gym.
Is Buying Dumbbells Still Better?
Using things around your house can be a great solution if you are just starting your fitness journey or don’t have much time to make it to the gym. Items like your laundry detergent or a water jug are heavy items with handles that can help you with your home workout.
Buying dumbbells is a great investment to start an at-home gym. With gym memberships, although you’ll be getting a variety of equipment and amenities, you will continually have to pay the monthly membership fee even if you don’t use it every day.
Whereas with dumbbells, you will have them and the ability to use them whenever you want. So even if you go out of town for a holiday or get injured and can’t work out, you’re not wasting your money on days you don’t work out like when you pay for a gym membership.
Can You Make Your Own Dumbbells?
There are many ways that you can get creative and create your own dumbbells at home. Using some of your household items with a little bit of creativity can make you some great free weights for your at-home workout.
One great way to make your own dumbbells is to take grocery bags and fill them with weighted produce or canned foods. Try to distribute the weight evenly if you are trying to make two dumbbells to get the most out of your home equipment.
Another great option is to get duct tape and tape water bottles together. It’s also possible to create a strap with duct tape to have a better hold and a more balanced weight.
Things You Should Not Use instead of Dumbbells.
Avoid using any power tools or sharp objects that could harm you. Some people have suggested using things like cutlery and other dangerous items that could potentially result in injury if you aren’t careful.
Some of the options that you should avoid are included in the following:
- Grocery Cart
- Picnic Table
- Power Tools
Avoid things that are hard and awkward to grab. You could risk potentially hurting yourself if you are handling items that are unsafe.
There are many household items you could use but try using items that you wouldn’t be hurt by if you were unable to move the weight or accidentally drop it.
Final Thoughts on What Weighs 20 Pounds at Home
Investing in dumbbells can be pricey if you are at the beginning of your fitness journey. Suppose you don’t have the space or money to invest in purchasing dumbbells.
Utilizing items that are easy to grab and have handles like milk or water jugs can be great alternatives to dumbbells.
For a long-term solution, buying a few sets of dumbbells can be pricey in the beginning, but overall a great investment.
In addition, it is a convenient alternative to having workout equipment in the comfort of your own home. You also don’t lose the value of your money if you don’t use the equipment like at a gym membership.