Powerblocks are a new tool that’s really packing a punch, not just for the home gym, but for fitness enthusiasts everywhere!  Don’t believe it?  Check it out for yourself!

The idea behind powerblocks is simple, and because of the valuable space-saving and convenient qualities of these tools, it was only a matter of time before someone put them on the market.

What I’m talking about is a set of ‘adjustable dumbbells’.  Powerblocks replace a set of fixed-weight dumbbells, the kind you see in long, stacked tiers in a gym, with a set of parts-oriented free weights, where the user simply changes the overall weight by adding or subtracting pieces.

So how great are these for your home gym?  Let’s start with why dumbbells are so often found in gyms in the first place.  It’s not because managers enjoy setting them up in cabinets, cleaning them all off, or keeping track of them in storage…it’s because free weights are the most direct path to resistance training!

Resistance training is basically the idea that you need weight to make muscle, that instead of just gliding through air, your muscles should be pushing against something.  Over the centuries of human existence (and the decades where humans began to replace natural physical labor with fitness activities) there have been a whole boatload of tools and accessories developed to do just this, but none of them put the original dumbbell set out of business, because they’re just the easiest, simplest way to go for some activities!

But obviously, free weights are a pain in terms of storage and accessibility.  Power blocks changes all that.  A power block set can be contained in one easy set case or small cabinet.  Also, the fact that the set of free weights is modular frees up designers to work on incorporating neat design choices, rather than just have a factory cranking out boring, unappealing simple lead or metal pieces in various weight categories.

Other design features incorporate balance and compact weight positioning.  In short, power blocks are a key to an easy free weight training session that develops your muscles as they were meant to be developed, gradually, with incremental changes in resistance that won’t have you running all over the gym, looking for your weights somewhere in a stack of sized dumbbells.

What do you do with powerblocks?  The same things you would do with free weights: arm curls, two-handed ‘butterfly’ strokes and chest press or lateral options are some popular activities.  You need to practice the same caution that you would with traditional dumbbells in regard to balance, avoid overcompensating or over-reaching (that can strain muscles) and, in general, not rough-housing or throwing the weight around.  You can get a controlled, natural-feeling workout with powerblocks, and cut down your training time!  So ask your local gym if they will consider getting these items into their weight rooms – or get your own home gym set and see why these “new dumbbells” are so popular!

By Justin Stoltz, FitnessFuture correspondent