About a year ago, I changed some of my eating habits and started exercising. Happily, I noticed results rather quickly. But when I REALLY started noticing change is when I picked up some dumbbells and started a strength training routine. Within a month I could feel myself getting stronger, not to mention I was actually seeing some definition in my arms, stomach, and legs.
Using dumbbells made in the USA as part of your strength training is an excellent way to care for your body.
Benefits of Strength Training
Using dumbbells for strength training will not make you look like a bodybuilder unless you intentionally train to be a bodybuilder. For most people, the goal of strength training simply is to make muscles stronger. Stronger muscles allow for better life functioning; you're able to lift a child, carry groceries, or move things without hurting your body. Consider just a few of the many benefits of using dumbbells for strength training:
- Better bone density. Bone strength coincides with muscle strength, descreasing injury to your body if you fall. As we age, bone density diminishes, which increases the risk of osteoporosis. Strength training keeps bones healthy.
- Happier mood. Strength training helps release mood-boosting endorphins that increase joy and decrease anxiety.
- Enhanced range of motion. Need to reach behind your head to grab something? How about extending your arm far to the side to catch something falling? Strength training increases your ability to reach farther without hurting yourself.
- Faster metabolism. Want to burn more calories? Muscle mass burns more calories than fat.
- Decreased abdominal fat. Fat around the waistline greatly increases a number of health-related risks, including diabetes and fatty liver. Decreasing stomach fat through strength training and exercise definitely helps in this area!
Looking for workout wear? Check out our list of Made in the USA Activewear!
Combining Strength Training with Cardiovascular Exercise
Sure, it's easier just to jump on the treadmill or other cardio equipment and take off walking, running, spinning, or stepping, but when you combine aerobic exercise with using dumbbells for strengthening your muscles, the benefits increase exponentially! Your heart gets healthy and stronger, your cognitive functioning improves, and so much more!
PLEASE NOTE: Before beginning any exercise program, consult your physician for what's best for you. USA Love List does not replace any professional medical authority, and the information on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Why Buy Dumbbells Made in The USA?
We're constantly touting the economic, social, and employment benefits of buying American-made products, not to mention you're getting a better end product. There are some special reasons for buying dumbbells made in the USA.
Most notably, you get real people to help you choose what's best for you. Case in point: As I was doing research for this article, I met Mike Reed, founder and owner of Micro Gainz. We had a nice long chat about why he started his company, where he sources his metal, and he answered general questions about the industry. He also made comments such as, “Ask me anything. I have nothing to hide,” and “If you need anything from me, my email address is….” Customer service is a huge win when it comes to buying dumbbells.
Another reason for buying American-made dumbbells is because many of the people who purchase them from other countries complain a) the dumbbells emit a strong industrial odor they can't get rid of; b) if something goes wrong, they have a very difficult time getting the problem resolved. When you buy USA-made dumbbells, you typically receive better products and better warranties.
It's time to don your workout apparel and get curling, pressing, and extending for a healthier YOU!
Dumbbells Made in the USA
Black Iron Strength
Black Iron Strength makes solid steel, USA-manufactured free weights from the highest grade materials they can find. Although this company markets primarily to the university, medical, and commercial markets, we're including it on our list because they make dumbbells with EPA-registered CuLEAN antimicrobial copper gripping surfaces by CuVerro. This product is proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria in two hours or less.
FitFighter Steelhose
FitFighter Steelhose is made from steel hose firefighters use and steel shot. Originally designed for those in the fire service, these steelhose can be used as dumbbells, kettle balls, and more. The weights begin at a 5-pound pair.
Goldens' Cast Iron
Goldens' Cast Iron sells dumbbells made from—you guessed it!—cast iron, beginning at $20 for a pair of 5-pound weights. They ship within 10-15 business days. These weights are part of Goldens' Foundry and Machine Company, founded in Georgia in 1882. It is a family-run business.
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Grom Design
Hailing from Illinois, Grom Design engineers, designs, and makes its stainless steel dumbbells. Although the company services gyms, the dumbbells are more reasonably priced for home users than other commercial companies on our list; they come in pairs, and the weight increments increase from 2.5 pounds to 5 pounds. These dumbbells feature easy-to-grip handles.
Intek Strength
Intek Strength makes two dumbbell lines in the USA. The Delta series is made from stainless steel. You can purchase pairs or entire sets. The Kräft Steel Raw set, made in Illinois, can only be purchased in sets. Both lines are made with no welds or bolts that weaken the construction. All other sets Intek Strength sells are not USA-made.
Iron Grip
With manufacturing facilities in Texas and California, Iron Grip serves the commercial market. The company oversees the entire production process from start to finish. Their dumbbells are urethane-encased Their motto is, "Not just made in the U.S. Made by US." If you're looking for commercial-grade dumbbells that are 100% American made, consider Iron Grip.
Micro Gainz
Mike Reed founded Micro Gainz in 2016 to fill the gap in weight increases less than five pound increments. He created factional weight plates beginning at 1.25 pounds. The plates come in a two-pack and simply slide and lock onto a dumbbell or a loadable dumbbell handle (which Micro Gainz also makes). The weight plates are made in Pennsylvania from Pennsylvania steel. Reed is very accommodating to customers' needs and thoroughly answers questions you might have.
MUTT Dumbbells
Mutt just might be the newest kid on the block as the company began in 2020, but these USA-made dumbbells are ergonomically designed in such a way to inhibit excess rolling or slipping. They're made from cast iron and are sold in pairs, beginning at 10 pounds.
PowerBlock
PowerBlock makes its USA Elite line specifically for the home. These are adjustable dumbbells that are nestled together. Choose your weight plate, attach it to a single handle, or bar, and secure it with a U-shaped pin. The weight plates are easy to switch, and they take up very little space. These are made in Minnesota. Note: The USA Elite line is the only dumbbell series made in the USA by PowerBlock. Their other series are made elsewhere.
Rogue Fitness
Rogue Fitness has been around for a number of years. They make loadable dumbbells in Columbus, Ohio, which you purchase individually (they are not sold in pairs). Buy the dumbbell bar, the weight plate that connects, and the collar to hold the weight plate in place. Like several other companies on our list, Rogue Fitness' prices reflect their commercial market.
Wright
Wright makes its Octo dumbbells in Alabama. They are sold in pairs, beginning at 20 pounds, and increase in 10 pound increments. The dumbbells have a rubber coating to protect floors and decrease noise. The company also manufactures other weightlifting products. They have been in business since the early 2000s.
Interested in more information about exercise equipment made in the USA? Check out our USA-made Treadmills and Cardio Equipment Made in the USA!
Have you visited our Made in USA Shopping District? It is the place to start your shopping when you want to find the best of American-made.
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SAD… I cannot find rubber dumbbells ‘made in the USA in 3 lb. increments. I really DO NOT want to by foreign made products, but I am just starting out and 5 lbs is still too much for my at my age. This is the only website that might work > https://www.intekstrength.com/Rubber-Hexagon-Dumbbells.html
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