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Dumbbells can be useful pieces of home workout equipment. PowerBlock dumbbells may be particularly beneficial for those who work out at home because they are adjustable, so they can take the place of several pairs of traditional dumbbells.

Muscle-strengthening activities, such as lifting weights, are important for building and maintaining the strength of the muscles and bones, as well as boosting metabolism and providing psychological benefits. However, there is a risk of injury, so people should take care when performing these exercises at home.

In this article, we discuss PowerBlock in more detail, including its reputation and the dumbbells it sells. We also look at how muscle-strengthening exercises can positively affect health.

Carl Towley founded PowerBlock in 1993 in Minnesota. The company aims to manufacture dumbbells that take up less space and allow people to adjust the weight easily to reach their health and fitness goals.

PowerBlock dumbbells are adjustable, which means that instead of purchasing sets of dumbbells of different weights, people can purchase one pair of dumbbells that they can change as necessary.

The company states that its products are suitable for those who wish to work out at home.

In addition to adjustable dumbbells, the company provides:

  • adjustable kettlebells
  • weight stands
  • benches
  • accessories, such as a curl bar or chin-up attachment

At the time of publishing, reviewers on Trustpilot give PowerBlock a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5.

Positive reviewers state that the adjustable dumbbells are durable and easy to use. Several customers say that the dumbbells save space and that it is easy to change the weights. Other reviewers state that PowerBlock’s customer service is friendly and helpful, with the company prompt in processing returns and refunds.

Negative reviews mention that the dumbbells can be difficult to use for two-handed exercises due to the bar that connects the adjustable weights. Other customers state that the handle weighs more than 5 pounds (lb), making it difficult for them to plan how much weight they should put on the dumbbell.

Powerblock does not currently have accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). At the time of publishing, the BBB gives this company an F grade. The two reviews on BBB award the company a rating of 1 star out of 5, saying that they could not contact the customer service team to discuss defective or missing equipment.

PowerBlock offers three dumbbell models. All the models are rectangular and have nested weight stacks that a U-shaped pin holds in place.

All PowerBlock dumbbells are available in pairs and come with a 5-year limited warranty.

Please note that the writer has not tested these products. All information is research-based.

Pro Series

The Pro Series adjustable dumbbell has a range of 5–50 lb per hand, and users can change the weight by adding or removing 2.5 lb of chrome ballast weight at a time. Both the handle, which has a rubber grip, and the side rails show the selected weight.

People can change the weight of a dumbbell quickly by moving the selector pin, meaning that they do not have to interrupt their workout. The weights have an auto-locking mechanism to secure all micro-adjustments. Individuals can purchase add-on kits or expansions to increase the amount of weight that these dumbbells can hold to 70–90 lb.

The company states that the range of weights available means that the Pro Series can replace 28 pairs of traditional dumbbells.

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Sport Series

The Sport Series adjustable dumbbells come with up to 50 lb per dumbbell. The company makes this product with welded solid steel with a powder-coated finish. The dumbbells have the same handles, side rails, auto-lock, and selector pin features as the Pro Series dumbbells.

Individuals can expand the weight of the dumbbells using two additional kits, each of which adds 20 lb. The Stage 2 kit can hold up to 70 lb per hand, and the Stage 3 can hold up to 90 lb.

The company states that the Sport Series dumbbells can replace 16 pairs of standard dumbbells.

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USA Elite Series

The USA Elite Series adjustable dumbbells come with 5–50 lb of weight. This product also comes in welded solid steel with a powder-coated finish and comfortable rubber grips.

The dumbbells have the same side rails, auto-lock, and selector pin features as PowerBlock’s other dumbbell models.

Individuals can purchase add-on kits if they want to lift heavier weights. A Stage 2 kit will increase the weight by 50–70 lb, and a Stage 3 kit will add 70–90 lb. The magnetic selector pin maxes out at 500 lb total weight.

The company states that the USA Elite Series dumbbells can replace 16 pairs of traditional dumbbells.

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People looking to purchase adjustable dumbbells may also wish to consider other products, such as:

Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells

This product is available in 45-lb and 75-lb sets and can hold a maximum of 165 lb. Users can adjust the dumbbell weight in 2.5-lb increments. The company says that its unique technology lets users make these changes in less than 15 seconds. Add-on kits take the maximum weight up to 120 lb or 165 lb. These adjustable dumbbells come with a weight stand.

Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells

Bowflex states that one pair of these adjustable dumbbells can replace 15 sets of traditional dumbbells. Users can change the weight using a selection dial. The 552 model offers users a weight range of 5–52.5 lb, which is adjustable in 2.5-lb increments for the first 25 lb. The 1090 model has a range from 10–90 lb, which a person can adjust in 5 lb increments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that to get the health benefits of physical activity, people should do muscle-strengthening activities on 2 days of the week, as well as engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise.

A person who is physically active may experience a range of health benefits. These include:

Research notes that individuals who partake in muscle-strengthening activities may experience further health benefits, including:

However, all physical activities can potentially result in injuries. Possible injuries include muscle sprains and strains, joint and tendon injuries, and fractures or dislocation. If a person sustains an injury, they should stop exercising immediately.

Many injuries resolve after an individual rests and reduces their physical activity. However, if an injury persists for a week or more, it is important to seek medical advice.

Muscle-strengthening exercises can preserve and promote both physical and mental health. Individuals may experience various health benefits, such as building muscle, reversing muscle loss, boosting metabolism, and preventing chronic diseases.

Dumbbells can be a convenient way for people to do muscle-strengthening exercises. Adjustable dumbbells, such as PowerBlock dumbbells, can save space for people who exercise at home.

Exercising increases the risk of sustaining an injury. People should take care to use the proper form when lifting weights to try to prevent injuries. While many injuries resolve without medical treatment, it is important to stop exercising if any pain occurs.