PowerBlocks

[Anonymous]

Are PowerBlocks worth the cost?

I work out at home regularly and have for 20+ years, so my concern is not that I won't use them or won't stick to a new resolution to work out. I'm wondering if the cost is worth the convenience of quickly changing weights and get rid of individual dumbbells and/or plates. The quick change aspect is my primary interest and having multiple weight options in a compact, contained unit. I have a relatively compact weight set that I don't use because it's time consuming to change the amount of weight.

Also, I wonder if the PowerBlocks are too bulky. I would want the non-expandable Pro50 or the expandable Pro100 (only buy Stage 1 up to 40 pounds initially but have the option to add more). The Pro32 and Sport24 are less bulky but wouldn't allow me to increase weights much beyond what I'm already using with dumbbells.

[Anonymous]

Any pros/cons on these?

[Anonymous]

I just worked out with my power block. They’re great for saving the space that individual dumbbells would take up. My only issue with them is if you need a range of weights for a particular workout, you’ll be spending a lot of time adjusting the weights after each exercise. That can be a huge time waster, and it’s just irritating to have to do constantly. I have ADHD, and it’s hard enough to focus on exercising as it is, so I’m leaning towards buying a set of multiple dumbbells in various sizes that will allow me to just pick the weight I need for each exercise, just like I do at the gym.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just worked out with my power block. They’re great for saving the space that individual dumbbells would take up. My only issue with them is if you need a range of weights for a particular workout, you’ll be spending a lot of time adjusting the weights after each exercise. That can be a huge time waster, and it’s just irritating to have to do constantly. I have ADHD, and it’s hard enough to focus on exercising as it is, so I’m leaning towards buying a set of multiple dumbbells in various sizes that will allow me to just pick the weight I need for each exercise, just like I do at the gym.

It takes less than 5 seconds to change the weight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just worked out with my power block. They’re great for saving the space that individual dumbbells would take up. My only issue with them is if you need a range of weights for a particular workout, you’ll be spending a lot of time adjusting the weights after each exercise. That can be a huge time waster, and it’s just irritating to have to do constantly. I have ADHD, and it’s hard enough to focus on exercising as it is, so I’m leaning towards buying a set of multiple dumbbells in various sizes that will allow me to just pick the weight I need for each exercise, just like I do at the gym.

That's interesting, because the quick change aspect is one of the reasons I was considering them.

[Anonymous]

NP who has also thought about these. They look pretty unweildy-is that an issue?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just worked out with my power block. They’re great for saving the space that individual dumbbells would take up. My only issue with them is if you need a range of weights for a particular workout, you’ll be spending a lot of time adjusting the weights after each exercise. That can be a huge time waster, and it’s just irritating to have to do constantly. I have ADHD, and it’s hard enough to focus on exercising as it is, so I’m leaning towards buying a set of multiple dumbbells in various sizes that will allow me to just pick the weight I need for each exercise, just like I do at the gym.

That's interesting, because the quick change aspect is one of the reasons I was considering them.

I'm the PP. While another poster says that they can adjust the weights in 5 seconds, that has not been my experience. Remember that you have to change two weights each time, not just one, so it definitely takes longer than 5 seconds. I am be slower and clumsier than that PP so YMMV. I first saw Power Blocks on Fitness Blender videos on Youtube years ago and purchased them because that what was being used by the fitness instructors. I would use them while working out with FB videos but would get frustrated when I had to stop and adjust the weights frequently as the exercises changed. Sometimes I would have to change several times for one set as I tried to figure out the best weight for that set. I don't love to exercise so anything that interrupts my progress getting through a workout makes me less inclined to work out.

Now I use my Power Blocks in conjunction with dumbbells to cut down on interruptions to my workout. Ideally I would have a set up at home like I have at my personal training gym--a wall of dumbbells and other types of weights you can choose from easily and quickly. One more thing to consider--the weights don't feel as solid in your hand as a traditional dumbbell (the grip is different and there may be a little shifting if you don't secure the weights properly) but that is a minor point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP who has also thought about these. They look pretty unweildy-is that an issue?

They are a little more awkward than dumbbells.
The bowflex adjustable weights are another option and more like a standard dumbbell. Just have to be careful not to drop the bowflex ones as they can easily break if dropped.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just worked out with my power block. They’re great for saving the space that individual dumbbells would take up. My only issue with them is if you need a range of weights for a particular workout, you’ll be spending a lot of time adjusting the weights after each exercise. That can be a huge time waster, and it’s just irritating to have to do constantly. I have ADHD, and it’s hard enough to focus on exercising as it is, so I’m leaning towards buying a set of multiple dumbbells in various sizes that will allow me to just pick the weight I need for each exercise, just like I do at the gym.

That's interesting, because the quick change aspect is one of the reasons I was considering them.

Watch a video on how quick and easy it is. Not sure what the other poster is doing but I just grab the black plastic piece, pull it out and slide it right back in at the weight I want. It literally takes 2 seconds

[Anonymous]

I had no idea what these were so I looked them up. They look a bit awkward to me. I've got adjustable dumbbells that work great but are a bit bulky too. I would look for adjustable dumbbells with the lowest profile you can find.

Also, I agree with the PP. The downside with these adjustable dumbbells is that you have to be a bit more careful because they will break more easily. It isn't a big deal but you just have to be aware.