Ever gone to a gym or scrolled through an enormous online retailer's website with strength-training equipment, and as you start choosing, you wonder why there are so many different types of weights? Dumbbells, barbells, plates, machines … it's a lot — especially when you’re just trying to work out consistently and get stronger.
The reality is, the overwhelming majority of consumers never use all those options anyway. What's really important is getting to know the various types of weights and what they’re typically used for, as well as how those types fit into actual training situations — say if you're training at home or working out after work or lifting without a spotter. When that clicks, then choosing the right weights is way less of a jumble.
Different Types of Weights
There are multiple types of weights commonly used in strength training. Each serves a slightly different purpose, depending on how you like to train and what results you're working toward. Knowing the options allows you to select equipment that is appropriate for your goals, space, and routine.
The main types of weights include:
Let's take a deep look at what makes each one unique.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells tend to be the first weights that most people lift — and for good reason. They're very versatile, user-friendly for beginners, and even help correct muscle imbalances while also working each arm independently to enhance coordination.
For everything from your classic bicep curl to shoulder press, lateral raise, chest press, and even weighted step-ups, a pair of dumbbells will get the job done. One of the great things about dumbbells is how simple it is to switch things up: superset curls with overhead presses, insert a row in between sets, or do unilateral exercises (like single-arm presses, single-leg deadlifts).
If you're working out at home, adjustable dumbbells are a godsend — they occupy very little real estate and cater to a variety of weights ranges. For instance, a 25 lb dumbbell in each hand is ideal for beginners lunging and doing dumbbell presses, but an advanced lifter could work up to 50–60 lbs per hand on the same movements for more challenging presses, goblet squats, or renegade rows.
Barbells
Once you have a good handle on dumbbells, the barbell is an excellent next step. These barbell bars allow you to lift heavy weights and are great for big, full-body movements like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and overhead presses. They're so helpful for developing real strength fast.
Barbells also enable easy progressive overloading. You can begin with no plates and work up slowly as you become stronger. For a home setup, you'll be able to do most workouts with an Olympic barbell (45 lb) and some plates—say 2 x 25 lb and 2 x 10 lb. Even novices can begin with more modest loads, such as a 50–70 lb barbell scheme, and build from there.
Tips for home barbell training:
- You always need to focus on good form first, then add the weight.
- Secure plates with clips or collars.
- Mix in dumbbells or bodyweight moves to work those smaller stabilizing muscles.
Barbells require a bit more practice than dumbbells, but are an incredibly useful tool for developing serious strength once you've got the hang of them.
Weight Plates
Weight plates might look simple, but they are one of the most effective tools to get stronger. Sliding on and off barbells or plate-loaded machines, these discs gradually increase the weight you're lifting as you get stronger.
Plates are available in a variety of materials—cast iron, rubber-coated, and bumper plates—and sizes, ranging from 2.5 lbs to 45 lbs. A good selection allows you to make small, conservative jumps in weight without overdoing it.
For the home gym, a smaller weight plate set, like 2×10 lbs, 2×25 lbs, and 2×45, will cover most beginner exercises. If you can comfortably press a 45 lb dumbbell, then adding a 45 lb plate to the barbell is an effective way to continue getting stronger while still making progress.
Kettlebells
With their oversized cannonball shape and swingable handle, kettlebells don't look like much of anything, which is part of what makes them so versatile. Their offset handle unloads the weight from the center of gravity, making movements like swings, goblet squats, and Turkish get-ups feel so different from their dumbbell cousins. That load imbalance requires more muscles — particularly the core and stabilizers — to work simultaneously.
They're particularly popular for routines that combine strength and cardio. A novice might use a 15–25 lb kettlebell for swings and squats, while other movements, like full-body circuits, often feature weights in the 40–50 lb area or even larger. Kettlebells, being super compact, are the perfect solution if you want a hard-hitting workout that doesn't take up much room.
Medicine Balls
Where kettlebells are for controlled movement, the medicine ball is for power and explosiveness. These weighted balls are built to be thrown, slams or rotated (among other things), so they're perfect for functional training and core work. Requiring no special space and only a medicine ball, this workout offers a short, total-body circuit that can deliver the results you're after with a natural movement exercise.
In real life, this might involve performing ball slams to blow off steam after a long day at work or rotational throws for better athletic play. Medicine balls are most commonly used in the 6–20 lb range, depending on the exercise. They're small and don't take up much space, and a single ball can introduce some variety to strength routines that may feel repetitive.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are deceivingly simple-looking, but they're among the most versatile training tools out there. Whereas weights rely on gravity, bands provide constant tension throughout exercise. It means that muscles work harder at both the beginning and end of a given exercise.
They are particularly good for warm-ups, rehab, and at-home workouts. For instance, you can use a band to increase glute activation in squats or go light for better shoulder mobility before pressing exercises. When you're ready to work out, resistance bands are an incredibly convenient option because they are lightweight and portable, making it easy to use them at home or while traveling or in a small living space where traditional weights simply won't fly.
Machine Weights
Machine weights are included in most gyms and have specific paths you follow to target specific muscles. They can be a good option for beginners or anyone dealing with an injury, as the movement is guided, which makes it easier to stay in correct form and reduce potential for error.
Well, generally you'll find leg presses, chest presses, and lat pulldowns. They’re fantastic for isolating muscles, although they don't involve stabilizer muscles nearly as much as free weights do. Machines in that context can make good sense too, as they allow you to push yourself hard while being safe and focusing on the muscle you want to work.
For instance, a hack squat leg press machine allows you to safely target your quads and glutes without concern for balance. A compact power rack with an integrated cable system can serve as the equivalent of multiple machines and allow you a wide variety of exercises in a compact space — so you can get a full-body workout at home without taking up too much room.
Free Weights vs Machine Weights
One of the biggest decisions in strength training is choosing between free weights and machine weights. Here's a clear breakdown of how they compare:
| Feature | Free Weights | Machine Weights |
|---|---|---|
| What they include | Dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, weight plates | Selectorised machines, plate-loaded machines |
| Movement style | You control the weight from start to finish | The machine guides the movement for you |
| Stability required | High – stabilising muscles work in the background | Low – balance is mostly taken care of |
| Muscle engagement | Works multiple muscles at once, including stabilisers | Focuses more on specific, isolated muscles |
| Learning curve | Takes a bit more practice to master technique | Easier to pick up, especially for beginners |
| Real-life carryover | Very strong – movements translate well to daily tasks | More limited, as movement paths are fixed |
| Flexibility & variety | Extremely versatile with countless exercise options | More limited to the machine’s design |
| Space needed (home gym) | Compact and space-efficient | Often bulkier and less flexible |
| Best for | Building overall strength, coordination, and confidence | Beginners, rehab, or isolating muscles safely |
What Type of Weights Should You Buy?
The best type of weights genuinely depends on three things: your training goals, the space of room you'll have with them, and what's left in your bank account. There is no single "perfect" option — just the one that corresponds to how you will actually use it.
For those who are just beginning to lift weights, adjustable dumbbells are one of the simplest ways to ease into strength training. They're easy to use, take up little space, and allow you to increase weight incrementally as you grow stronger. For many, that is sufficient to form a solid base.
If your focus is building strength and muscle, it's hard to beat a barbell paired with weight plates. This configuration will enable you to perform big compound lifts such as squats, deadlifts, and bench press — movements that contribute toward long-term progress and general strength.
When you're building a home gym, versatility matters more than having lots of equipment. A setup that works well for most people includes:
- Adjustable dumbbells
- A barbell with weight plates
- A compact rack or adjustable bench
Together, these cover nearly every major movement pattern without encroaching on your space or locking you into one style of training.
FAQs About Types of Weights
1. What are the 3 big weights?
Most strength training comes down to three basics: dumbbells, barbells, and weight plates. You can find them in almost every gym because they cover a wide range of exercises, from light isolation work to heavy compound lifts.
2. Will 20-pound weights build muscle?
Yes, they can—especially if you're just starting out. Muscle grows when it's challenged, not just when the weight feels heavy. With 20-pound weights, you can still build muscle by doing more reps, slowing your movements, or focusing on one side at a time.
3. What weights are the most versatile?
For most people, adjustable dumbbells are the most versatile. They're user-friendly, don't require much room, and work for almost every exercise. Pair them with a barbell and plates, and you can cover everything from isolation work to heavy compound lifts.
4. How to choose your starting weight?
Choose a weight you can lift for 8–12 reps with proper form. Your final few reps should be challenging, but you should be able to maintain control. If it feels too easy, do this with a heavier weight. If your form begins to disintegrate, do less weight.
5. Are dumbbells or kettlebells better?
It really depends on how you train. Dumbbells are great for straightforward strength training and are easier for beginners. Kettlebells are better for more dynamic, full-body workouts. A lot of people use dumbbells as their main tool and add kettlebells for variety.
Conclusion
There's no one "best" type of weight for everyone. It actually is more about how you train and what your goals are. Dumbbells give you flexibility and control, barbells help you build serious strength, weight plates let you progress over time, and machines add structure and convenience when you need it.
At Major Fitness, we believe your setup should work for your lifestyle, your space, and your goals. Whether you're training at home or hitting the gym, knowing your weight options helps you make smarter choices and crush every workout. Start with the basics, stay consistent, and level up your equipment as your strength grows—your future self will thank you.
References
1. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) – Resistance Training for Health and Fitness: This official ACSM resource explains that resistance training can be accomplished using body weight, resistance bands, free weights, weight machines, or medicine balls, and highlights how different tools serve various levels of fitness and goals.
2. PMC – Effect of Free-Weight vs. Machine-Based Strength Training on Strength and Hypertrophy: This research review looked at studies comparing free weights (like dumbbells and barbells) with machine weights. The results showed that both types of weights can build strength and muscle effectively when training is done consistently.
