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Because they're legit the most versatile piece of kit out there.

Hand weights are a handy (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves) way of getting the gains. These useful pieces of kit are the bread and butter of resistance training, and, besides the health benefits this comes with, there are a few other reasons we love ‘em so much: hand weights are affordable, they don’t take up too much space at home and they’re versatile (honestly, the list of hand weight exercises is endless).

In short, whether you’re resistance training on the reg or are just starting out, hand weights – sometimes known as free weights) – are a no-brainer. If you’re in the market for your own or are keen to know if you’re using them the right way, here’s the 411.

There are so many kinds of hand weights, so it’s hardly surprising that an average of 8,100 of you search for info on them every month. Have a gander at the main types below, as shared by PT and Foundry Fit coach Saima Husain:

Hand weight sets include various sizes and weights. A set of dumbbell hand weights, for example, might include a 2kg, a 5kg, and a 10kg dumbbell.

There’s a lot of crossover between hand weight benefits and the benefits of strength training. According to Saima, these are the most significant advantages that come from training with hand weights:

Hand weights are a solid choice for both beginner and experienced lifters. ‘If you’re just starting out, you can challenge yourself by upping your load as you progress through your training,’ Saima tells WH. The same applies to seasoned weightlifters – you’re free to choose lighter loads on recovery days, or pile on the pounds (50kg hand weights aren’t uncommon) when you want to push yourself.

Saima adds that hand weights are also useful for newbies who might find gym machines or barbells intimidating (or just downright confusing).

As with pretty much everything in the world of fitness, think of form first, always. ‘When choosing the right weight, you need to make sure you can perform the desired repetitions with good form,’ Saima explains. ‘Form is key when executing any movement, but with hand weights there can be the temptation to use momentum. If you find you have one limb weaker than the other, stick with the lighter weight until you gradually can progress to then next weight up.’ You heard her.

We meant it when we said hand weights are versatile. ‘They can be used for an entire workout, as part of warm up sets and accessory movements,’ says Saima. ‘All lifts can be performed with hand weights, from compound exercises such as bench press and deadlifts to accessory movements such as tricep extensions and single arm rows.’ Told ya so.

Weight: 1.1kg, 2.3kg and 4.5kg

These are fixed dumbbells, so you can’t change the weight, but you’ll bag yourself three pairs for just £12.49. That’s roughly £4 per pair, making this the biggest bargain on our edit. What’s more, 92% of customers rave about it and it has an average rating of 4.5 stars. We rest our case.

Quantity: 1 set of 2 adjustable dumbbells

At only £39.99 and with three weight variations available, this adjustable dumbbell set is great for someone who isn’t down to invest in a super expensive set just yet.

It's also a good option for those who are trying their hand at resistance training and would like the ability to adjust the load.

MiraFit offer dumbbell hand weights in practically every weight you could ask for, and a pair of two 10kg weights is also up for grabs. They’ll set you back £57.95, so granted they’re not the cheapest, but if you’re already lifting 10kg weights, chances are you’re doing it frequently and these ones will last. Promise. 

If the exercises you’re into are better suited to a kettlebell, Phoenix Fitness has your back. Their 6kg buy is just £14.98 and is Amazon’s number 1 best-selling kettlebell. Need we say more?

Nyamba’s set of two 5kg dumbbells is the perfect middle ground for anyone wanting to cement their hand weight finesse. The brand has paid extra attention to the grip for a comfortable hold, while each one has a non-roll design.

UMI is one of the most well-known fit kit brands of all time, and their expertise is evident in all of their hand weights. This 4kg pair is created with anti-roll technology, a neoprene coating that’s built to last, an anti-slip grip (no sweat – see what we did there?) and an easy clean surface. Winning.

WH cover star Davina McCall designed this gorgeous teal pair of dumbbells, and she’s thought about literally everything: they have a finish that won’t scratch your floor, a triangle design that will prevent them from rolling away, a non-slip grip barrier and a soft touch to keep callouses at bay.

Attach these weights to your wrists (or ankles) for added resistance during workouts where you might need your hands (think ab moves like the plank, or full body exercises like walk-outs). They’re rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Decathlon, with customers hailing them for comfort, flexibility and maintenance (they’re easily hand-washable).

Nyamba’s much loved 5kg set of hand weights also come in 1.5kg (along with other variations), so if you’re just starting out, choose these for a lighter load.

Besides all you beginners out there, 1kg weights can come in seriously useful for times when you want to tackle tempo but still want a little resistance. This set is the cheapest of our individual pairs, but it will absolutely go the distance.