Why Dumbbell Shape Matters in Your Workouts
While dumbbells may seem simple at first glance, their shape can make a surprising difference in your training experience. Two of the most common types are hex dumbbells and round dumbbells. Both can help you build strength, improve endurance, and boost your overall fitness—but choosing the right one can come down to how you train and what you need from your equipment.
At KEFL, our Dumbbells collection includes both hex and round styles, making it easy for you to find what suits your space, goals, and routine best.
What Are Hex Dumbbells?
The Advantages of the Hex Design
Hex dumbbells are easily recognisable by their six-sided shape. This design keeps them from rolling away when placed on the floor, making them ideal for exercises like renegade rows, push-up to rows, or any movement that involves transitioning from floor to standing.
Key benefits of hex dumbbells:
- Stability: They stay put when you set them down—perfect for floor-based or circuit training.
- Safety: Less rolling means fewer trip hazards and more control.
- Convenience: Easier to store on flat surfaces or stack temporarily between sets.
Many of our customers love hex dumbbells for home workouts, as they offer practical benefits when space is limited and surfaces aren’t perfectly level.
What to Consider
Hex dumbbells may not always be as comfortable for exercises where the dumbbells rest on your body, like certain chest or shoulder movements, due to their more angular shape. However, this rarely affects performance for most users.
What About Round Dumbbells?
Smooth, Classic, and Often Used in Commercial Gyms
Round dumbbells have a traditional appearance and are often seen in commercial gym environments. They usually feature a rubber or urethane coating and are sometimes mounted on dumbbell racks for quick access.
Benefits of round dumbbells:
- Comfort: Their curved edges can feel more natural in certain positions, particularly during seated or lying exercises.
- Consistency: Their symmetrical shape makes them easy to handle, especially for beginners.
However, round dumbbells can roll away on uneven floors and are less practical for floor-based exercises unless placed in holders or racks. That’s where our Dumbbell Racks and Gym Storage solutions can make a difference in keeping your workout area tidy and safe.
Which Dumbbell Shape Is Right for You?
The best choice depends on how you train:
- Choose hex dumbbells if you’re doing functional training, HIIT, or home workouts where stability matters.
- Choose round dumbbells for a traditional feel and comfort during controlled strength exercises.
At KEFL, we offer both types, allowing you to build a personalised dumbbell setup based on your space, training style, and preferences.
