For the majority of muscle-building aficionados, the humble dumbbell has been with us since the start of our journey into lifting. No matter if you first curled your biceps in front of the bedroom mirror as a kid or made your dumbbell debut with your reflection obstructed by a hulking specimen at the local gym later on, these weight-room staples are an integral part of countless fitness routines.
So, given the fact that many have developed a comfortable familiarity with the trusty dumbbell, the idea of changing them up might seem borderline blasphemous. That is until you see what PowerBlock has done with its new Pro 100 EXP adjustable dumbbell.
This all-in-one dumbbell can go as low as five pounds and as high as 100 pounds, providing you with a range of workout options that can’t be beaten with a single piece of equipment. It’s also compact enough to fit in bedrooms, home offices, or basements without taking up much precious real estate.
To run down all the new features, BarBend teamed up with PowerBlock for a comprehensive breakdown of the Pro 100 EXP below.
PowerBlock's Pro 100 EXP Adjustable Dumbbells offer a durable, versatile, and compact alternative to traditional dumbbells. They're perfect for anyone looking to save space and money on their home gym.
How Do Adjustable Dumbbells Work?
The idea behind adjustable dumbbells is simple: You take the basic dumbbell but add in the ability to raise and lower the weights all on the same piece of equipment. This is usually done through weight plates that can be increased or decreased in five-pound increments, as seen in PowerBlock’s original line of products. Users can adjust the weight load using a magnetic pin mechanism, much like that of traditional exercise machines.
And in terms of those weight plates, the Pro 100 EXP dumbbells allow you to pick and choose how much weight you want to start with. You can begin with the base weight set that goes up to 40 pounds and work your way up by purchasing additional expansion kits that top out at 100 pounds total. This means you don’t have to pay for weights you won’t use, but you can also add heavier plates as you progress and get stronger. This allows your adjustable dumbbells to grow with you as your experience level and training style evolve over time.
There are a whole host of other features to benefit from here, including:
- Compact Design: You won’t need a bulky dumbbell rack with dozens of weights in order to meet your needs. Instead, the Pro 100 EXP is a single piece of equipment that houses nearly countless exercise possibilities while also being compact enough to fit in a closet once you’re done with it.
- Durability: Thanks to PowerBlock’s high-quality construction, the Pro 100 EXP dumbbells are built to withstand the most intense workout routines for as long as you need them. This isn’t the typical gym equipment that you’ll have to replace after a few months of use — with these dumbbells, you’ll never have to buy another pair.
- Simplicity: Fortunately, this new technology doesn’t require much (if any) practice to get your head around it. In fact, switching between weights can be done in the time it takes to exhale after a great set.
- Versatility: The weight range and compact design help the Pro 100 EXP cater to gymgoers of all experience levels and training styles, from powerlifting to circuit training. This makes it ideal for families to share amongst themselves.
PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP at a Glance
With adjustable plates and optional cylindrical inner weights, users can cycle through their chosen loads on the PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP in a multitude of increments, from five to 100 pounds. This is an increase over the PowerBlock Pro EXP, which has a ceiling of 90 pounds.
In essence, the PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP replaces 30 dumbbells, offering a huge saving on your floor space (and wallet). But what’s the trade-off here? Well, experienced lifters may notice that there is often a difference in the weight distribution between traditional free-weight dumbbells and their adjustable counterparts. However, the Pro 100 EXP mitigates much of this issue with newly designed weight plates that offer improved balance.
In terms of performance, the Pro 100 EXP really comes into its own on tasks such as drop sets and supersets, allowing you to move between weights in a flash. And because the weights on the dumbbells can reach up to 100 pounds, you can push yourself on heavier exercises like the bench press without having to sacrifice your PRs. (And that’s good news since there’s evidence that dumbbells offer greater chest muscle activation on the bench press when compared to barbells.) (1)
Then there’s the Pro 100 EXP’s sturdy urethane-coated steel construction, along with a TPR grip that provides better control while lifting. All told, this adds up to a level of durability built to handle rigorous workouts of all intensities.
And if you’re considering purchasing a set for multiple lifters, the Commercial Pro 100 comes with all the features of the Pro 100 EXP, plus a stainless-steel knurled grip for increased control.
PowerBlock's Pro 100 EXP Adjustable Dumbbells offer a durable, versatile, and compact alternative to traditional dumbbells. They're perfect for anyone looking to save space and money on their home gym.
Adjust Your Workouts for the Better
With the Pro 100 EXP adjustable dumbbells, you’ll save time, space, and money without sacrificing quality training sessions. To find out more about the PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP, head here.
References
- Farias, Déborah & Willardson, Jeffrey & Paz, Gabriel & Bezerra, Ewertton & Miranda, Humberto. (2016). Maximal Strength Performance and Muscle Activation for the Bench Press and Triceps Extension Exercises Adopting Dumbbell, Barbell, and Machine Modalities Over Multiple Sets. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 31. 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001651.
