Why Should You Care About Non Toxic Dumbbells?
If you’re like us, you’re committed to a healthier lifestyle, and that includes a home workout routine. But have you ever considered the materials your strength training equipment is made from?
Dumbbells and other gym equipment contain potentially harmful ingredients like phthalates. Choosing non-toxic dumbbells is a healthier, more environmentally conscious way of working out.
The bad news is non-toxic dumbbells and weights for your home are difficult to find. The good news is we have done the heavy lifting for you! We spent hours researching the options, contacting companies for clarification, and compiling a list of the best non-toxic dumbbells.
Keep reading to explore the importance of non-toxic materials, the different types of dumbbells and weights like natural rubber, cast iron, and even stylish wooden options, and see our top picks for your home gym.
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What Makes Dumbbells Non-Toxic?
Non-toxic dumbbells are made from materials that are generally considered safe and eco-friendly. Unlike traditional dumbbells that are more likely to contain toxic materials, non-toxic varieties are crafted from cast iron, silicone, wood, steel, natural rubber or chrome. These materials avoid the use of chemicals that can be harmful to both your health and the environment.
What Makes Dumbbells Toxic?
Potentially Toxic Materials:
Traditional dumbbells made from synthetic rubber, neoprene, plastic, vinyl, or PVC are most likely to contain toxic chemicals.
A primary concern is the use of phthalates, like Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), often found in the plasticizers used to soften rubber, vinyl, plastic, and PVC. Phthalates can leach out over time, posing health risks.
Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and can cause health issues such as reproductive problems, birth defects, asthma, and cancer.1
Concerns have been raised about chloroprene, a toxic chemical used in the manufacturing process of neoprene. However, using neoprene products is unlikely to cause exposure to chloroprene because the levels in the final product are very low.2
Toxic Off-Gassing:
Dumbbell materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on dumbbell heads, can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially when new. This off-gassing can contribute to indoor air pollution and pose health risks, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.3
Production and Disposal
The production and disposal of toxic materials used in dumbbells pose a threat not only to human health but also to the environment. The manufacturing process of these materials often involves toxic emissions, while their disposal can lead to environmental contamination. This, in turn, furthers their negative effects on human health.
Toxic materials, though cheaper, can degrade faster, leading to shorter product lifespans, more waste, and a larger carbon footprint than non-toxic alternatives.
Help me get started!
Do you want to live a less-toxic, more eco-friendly lifestyle but have no idea where to begin? Here’s our “Non-Toxic 101” guide to get you started today!
What Does the Prop 65 Label on Dumbbells Mean?
Proposition 65, a California law, requires manufacturers to disclose if their products contain any Prop 65 listed chemicals that exceed safe levels.4 When this warning label appears on dumbbells, it indicates potential exposure to these harmful substances.
California Proposition 65, known formally as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, lists over 900 chemicals, both naturally occurring and synthetic, that can cause cancer, birth defects, or other harm. As new materials are considered hazardous, the list is updated.5
It’s important to recognize that the presence of the chemicals listed does not necessarily mean they are toxic. It’s only considered toxic if the level exceeds what’s considered safe for that specific chemical.
How Can Prop 65 Help Me If I Don’t Live in California?
The beauty of the Prop 65 regulations is its searchability. If you find a product and want to know if the ingredients are potentially toxic, you can run a search.6 If it’s toxic, you can then reach out to the company for clarification, asking if the chemical level in their product exceeds safe levels requiring a Prop 65 warning. Keep in mind that companies with fewer than 10 employees are exempt from the Prop 65 regulations.
Are Rubber Dumbbells Toxic?
The toxicity of rubber dumbbells depends on their composition. Natural rubber, sourced from rubber trees, is generally non-toxic and used in various safe products. However, synthetic rubber, derived from petroleum or natural rubber mixed with harmful additives like phthalates, may pose health risks as these chemicals can leach out over time.
Are PVC Dumbbells Safe?
PVC dumbbells, often containing additives like phthalates for flexibility, may pose health risks, including hormone disruption. Generally safe for brief use, their long-term or frequent use, especially among those with sensitivities, can be concerning. Safer alternatives include steel, chrome, or cast iron dumbbells.
What is The Best Material For Dumbbells?
The best material for dumbbells is:
- Steel
- Chrome
- Cast Iron
- Silicone
- Wood
- Natural Rubber
The Best Non-Toxic Dumbbells & Weights for Small Gyms
1. North Deer Dumbbells
North Deer Dumbbells are a uniquely designed adjustable dumbbell set made from steel. They adjust from 5-50 lbs for a full-body workout. Remove or add plates by simply screwing one high-quality plate onto the next. The dumbbell handle is foam-wrapped for a comfortable, nonslip grip. These are an excellent choice if you’re short on dumbbell storage space. No Prop 65 warning.
2. Sunny 33 LBS Chrome Dumbbell Set
The Sunny adjustable dumbbell set ranges from 2.75 to 33 pounds. A star lock collar secures the chrome plates, and the bar is solid steel. This set has no Prop 65 warning and is perfect for in-home training where space is limited.
3. Kenko Wood Dumbbells
These beautiful Kenko dumbbells are made from Canadian Maple, brass, and steel. They range in weight from 1 to 4 pounds. They’re excellent for a quick arm workout with dumbbells at home.
4. Gain Neoprene Dumbbells
While these are neoprene, the chemical composition is considered safe, with no chemicals exceeding the safe levels set by Prop 65. They have a solid cast iron core and are available in 3 to 15 pounds. No Prop 65 warning.
5. Bala Bars Silicone Dumbbells
Bala bars are 3lb bar-shaped hand weights for exercise classes of all fitness levels. These phthalate-free dumbbells are made of stainless steel wrapped in silicone. They are perfect for a quick at home dumbbell arm workout. Bala Bars are available in five different colors. No Prop 65 warning.
6. Bala Bangles
Bala bangles are wrist and ankle weights made of safe, high-quality material. The inner weight is recycled stainless steel and it’s wrapped in soft silicone. The weights are adjustable for a comfortable fit and are available in four colors.
They are suitable for a wide range of exercise, including yoga, aerobics, boxing, pilates, walking, home workouts, exercise balls, core training, and rehabilitation. The set includes two 1-pound bangles. No Prop 65 warning.
​7. Theraband Resistance Bands
These resistance bands are made from natural rubber latex. They’re easy to use for a variety of exercises and are so small they can be stored in a drawer. They have long been a physical therapy staple for their ability to provide positive and negative resistance to joints and muscles.
The bands are 5 feet long, and each color provides a different resistance: Yellow-3-4.3 lbs.; Red-3.7-5.5 lbs.; Green-4.6-6.7 lbs. No Prop 65 warning.
8. Fitness Avenue Virgin Rubber Hex Dumbbells HIDE UNTIL ON AMAZON-company is AMSTAFF. Rouge also says their rubber doesnt have prop 65 but not sure.
What To Use Instead of Dumbbells?
If you’re looking to diversify your workout routine without using dumbbells, consider these alternatives:
- Resistance Bands: Offer a range of resistances, are portable, and can target multiple muscle groups.
- Kettlebells: Great for strength and cardio workouts, providing a different grip and motion range than dumbbells.
- Medicine Balls: Useful for core workouts, balance training, and strength exercises.
- Water Bottles, Cans or Rice Bags: Handy for light resistance training; easy to hold and available at home.
- Body Weight Exercises: Utilize push-ups, squats, and other movements for strength training without equipment.
Final Thoughts on Non-Toxic Dumbbells & Weights
By choosing equipment made from non-toxic materials, you’re taking a significant step towards safeguarding your health and the environment from harmful chemicals. Our carefully researched guide to the 8 Best Non-Toxic Dumbbells & Weights for Home Workouts offers peace of mind, allowing you to focus on achieving your fitness goals with quality equipment.
Did we miss your favorite non-toxic dumbbells, weights, resistance bands or other workout equipment? Let us know in the comments.
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Sources:
- National Institute of Health, WebMD, and Environmental Defense Fund ↩︎
- Prop 65 Neoprene Fact Sheet ↩︎
- Environmental Protection Agency ↩︎
- Prop 65 ↩︎
- Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 Regulations ↩︎
- Prop 65 Search ↩︎
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