All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
If you want strength that shows up in everyday life — carrying shopping, lifting toddlers, or powering through a long walk — free weights are your best friends. They force your body to stabilise, recruit more muscles, and build practical strength the way machines rarely do. Think of free weights as the Swiss Army knife of fitness: small, versatile, and able to handle almost any job you throw at them.
Looking for free weights in the UK? You’ll find a mix of specialist and general retailers that stock everything from neoprene dumbbells to heavy cast-iron kettlebells. In this section I’ll run through notable sellers — including the RunningXpert products shown in the reference data — and explain what each type of shop typically offers so you can choose where to buy with confidence.
RunningXpert is a specialist fitness retailer that lists items like the Endurance dumbbell and an Endurance kettlebell. The kettlebell shown in the data is listed at about 13.2 lbs (roughly equivalent to 6 kilograms) — a great starting weight for many beginners and useful for conditioning circuits. RunningXpert often focuses on practical, entry-to-mid level kit that works well in home gyms.
Decathlon is a go-to for anyone who wants solid value. They stock neoprene, cast-iron and vinyl-coated dumbbells and kettlebells in a wide range of weights. Expect items that are wallet-friendly and reliable for light to moderate lifting. If you’re setting up a first home gym, Decathlon’s mix of low prices and decent quality makes it very tempting.
Argos combines convenience and variety, selling basic free weights and starter sets that fit small budgets. They’re ideal if you want to pick something up quickly and don’t need specialist brands. Argos often has promotions that make it easy to grab adjustable or fixed-weight dumbbells without breaking the bank.
Sports Direct is another widely recognized UK retailer that offers a broad selection of fitness gear. You’ll find cast-iron weights, adjustable dumbbells, and branded items aimed at mainstream fitness fans. If you want a balance between price and a well-known sports retail environment, Sports Direct is worth checking.
If you’re after heavy-duty cast-iron, competition-grade kettlebells, or pro-level dumbbells, specialist shops like Rogue Fitness UK or dedicated strength stores are ideal. These outlets are where you go when you’re ready to invest in durable, long-lasting kit that stands up to frequent use. Expect premium materials and greater selection in heavier weights measured in pounds (lbs).
Amazon and other marketplaces offer staggering choice and delivery options. The upside is variety and often competitive pricing; the downside is variable quality. Always read reviews and double-check weight markings in lbs — photos and customer feedback will tell you whether a product feels solid or like a cheap prop.
Both have their merits. Dumbbells are ideal for controlled strength progressions and isolated movements like bicep curls and presses. Kettlebells excel at dynamic, whole-body moves like swings and Turkish get-ups that build power and conditioning simultaneously. If you can only pick one, ask yourself whether your priority is raw strength and steady progression (dumbbells) or functional, cardio-strength work (kettlebells).
If you’re just beginning, pick a kettlebell or dumbbell that allows you to do 8–12 clean reps with good form. For many women that might be 8–15 lbs; for many men, 15–35 lbs — but everyone is different. The 13.2 lb (6 kg) kettlebell from RunningXpert is a perfect example of a beginner-friendly choice to learn swings, squats, and presses safely.
Don’t jump too fast. Aim to increase the weight in steps of around 5–10% once you can comfortably complete your desired reps and sets. Adjustable dumbbells are a smart investment if your space or budget prevents buying many pairs in different weights.
Free weights come in several materials: cast iron, rubber-coated, neoprene-coated, and chrome-finished. Each has pros and cons, and the right pick depends on how you plan to use them.
Cast-iron plates and kettlebells last decades if you look after them. They’re compact for their weight, which is great for space-limited homes. The trade-off? They can scuff floors if dropped, so place a rubber mat underneath.
Rubber or neoprene options are kinder to floors and are often coated to reduce noise. Neoprene dumbbells are ideal for light cardio-strength circuits and beginner workouts. For heavier training, rubber-coated cast-iron is the sweet spot: forgiving on hardwood but still long-lasting.
One big reason people avoid free weights is fear of clutter. The good news is there are clever options to keep your space tidy without losing training quality.
Adjustable dumbbells combine many pairs into a single unit. They free up floor space and usually adjust in small increments measured in lbs. They’re perfect for progressive overload without filling your living room with metal.
A few kettlebells of progressively heavier weights take up far less room than a rack of dumbbells. If your workouts include swings, goblet squats, and presses, a set of three kettlebells (light, medium, heavy) can cover a lot of ground without a lot of space.
Not all weights are created equal, and where you spend matters. For items that take the most abuse — like heavy kettlebells and competition plates — spending more on durability pays off. For light dumbbells used in toning or cardio circuits, you can save without major penalties.
Handles that don’t irritate your hands and weights with clear markings in lbs are worth the extra few pounds. This makes training smoother and helps you track progress accurately.
Pretty finishes are nice, but what you really want is a secure handle grip, uniform weight increments, and a finish that won’t peel after a few drops. Opt for functional quality first, cosmetic features second.
Free weights last a long time if you take simple care steps. Here’s how to protect your gear and keep your training safe.
Always place heavy weights on a rubber mat or dedicated weight floor to protect wooden floors and avoid noise. Compact vertical racks or wall-mounted storage are perfect for small spaces and keep weights clear of walkways.
Wipe down cast-iron and chrome handles after sweaty sessions to prevent rust. A light coating of oil on raw metal can keep things moving smoothly, especially in humid environments. If you buy second-hand, inspect for cracks and worn handles before lifting heavy.
Not sure how to use your new kit? Here are a few simple, effective workouts you can do with dumbbells or kettlebells — all designed for performance in limited space.
Try: 3 rounds of 10 goblet squats, 10 single-arm rows per side, 10 shoulder presses per side, 12 Romanian deadlifts, and 20 walking lunges total. Choose a dumbbell weight that challenges you by the last reps but doesn’t wreck form. Rest 60–90 seconds between rounds.
Try: 5 rounds of 12 kettlebell swings, 6 single-arm presses per side, and 8 goblet squats. Use a kettlebell around the 13.2 lb mark to learn the swings, then progress to heavier bells as your hip drive improves. The kettlebell trains power, grip, and cardio in one tidy package.
Price-check across specialist retailers, general sports stores, and marketplaces to find the best bargain. RunningXpert lists some solid mid-range options like Endurance gear, while Decathlon, Argos, Sports Direct, and specialist strength shops offer a wider range depending on your budget. Compare items by weight in lbs, material, and user reviews to make a smart purchase.
Second-hand markets can be goldmines for heavy cast-iron plates and older kettlebells. Inspect the item for structural integrity and ensure handles aren’t cracked or excessively worn. You can often pick up heavier plates for a fraction of new prices, which is ideal if you’re chasing strength gains on a budget.
Measure your available space, decide on a budget, and prioritise handle quality and clear weight markings in lbs. If you’re new, get a lighter kettlebell (around 13.2 lbs is a great starting point) and a modest pair of dumbbells or an adjustable set. Want to grow into strength? Plan for incremental purchases so you don’t overspend at the start.
Free weights are one of the most effective, flexible, and space-efficient ways to build real strength at home. With the right choices — whether from RunningXpert, Decathlon, Argos, Sports Direct, Rogue Fitness UK or online marketplaces — you can assemble a setup that fits your space, budget, and goals.
Now that you know where to look and what to consider, which piece of equipment will you choose first: a pair of dumbbells for steady progress, or a kettlebell for power and conditioning?
Happy lifting — and remember: consistency beats perfection. A small set of well-chosen weights used regularly will do more for your fitness than the fanciest kit left to gather dust.
| Free Weights | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance Dumbbell For Home Training - Enhance Strength And Fitness In Pearl Grey | £ 7,50 | |
| Endurance 6kg Kettlebell For Effective Home Training And Strength Building | £ 19,50 |
