When it comes to adjustable dumbbells (or any dumbbells for that matter) it can be hard to really shake things up. Apart from changing their appearance, or increasing the weight range, what else can you really do to make them more innovative? Enter the Technogym Connected Dumbbells.
These AI-powered dumbbells not only track your performance (such as your reps, the weight used and hitting personal bests), they then use this data to offer personalised weight prescriptions and programs for your individual fitness goals. Basically, it’s like having your own personal trainer.
It’s an exciting concept, especially for those who find gym environments slightly intimidating and prefer training from home. But, are they worth the big price tag and, more importantly, do they actually work? I headed down to Technogym’s boutique store in Piccadilly to find out.
Technogym Connected Dumbbells Review
Technogym Connected Dumbbell review: price and availability
The Technogym Connected Dumbbells are available to buy now from Technogym UK for the recommended retail price of £1,410. This price also includes a free two-month Technogym membership and installation. After the two-month trial is up, a Technogym membership will cost you £7.99 a month.
If you want to purchase the Connected Dumbbells+, which includes the dumbbells, the stand, a foam roller, training mat and three loop resistance bands– this will cost £2,530.
The Connected Dumbbells will be available in the US and Australia in 2025.
Technogym Connected Dumbbell review: Design and build quality
Whether you’re a Technogym fan or not, there’s no denying the brand always excels at designing beautiful-looking workout equipment, and these dumbbells are no exception. They’re smart, and minimalist and would look good in the majority of people's homes.
They’re not the heaviest adjustable dumbbells on the market that’s for sure. They can be adjusted from 2-24kg, in 2-kilo increments (BrainGain’s adjustable dumbbells go up to 40kg each). However, 24kg still offers plenty of scope for a range of full-body exercises, especially for beginners.
These dumbbells use the popular ‘twist handle’ method when it comes to adjusting their weight. I found it effortlessly smooth and there’s a satisfying ‘click’ once it’s moved up/down in weight. There’s also a small subtle dial at either end of each dumbbell handle, that tells you what weight it’s on and the knurled metal handle offers good grip.
The stand or ‘strength corner’ as Technogym calls it, which you can purchase the dumbbells with, surprisingly, doesn't take up as much space as you’d think. It has a device holder, where you can pop a phone or iPad to easily follow workouts, an area to place the docking stations, and a felt draw where you can store your exercise mat, foam roller, and resistance bands (which come included). Some adjustable dumbbell stands are pretty ugly, but this one has a polished, modern finish and keeps all your workout equipment neatly together.
Technogym Connected Dumbbells review: workout performance
I was not only pleasantly surprised by how well the dumbbells worked, but by how effective the workout was too. I completed a 25-minute full-body workout, which I followed along via the Technogym app and, as someone who does strength training four times a week doing heavy squats and deadlifts, I was left sweating by the end of it!
You have to give the dumbbells a little shake to connect them to the Technogym app, then you just choose the workout you want to do, hit start and you’re off!
The dumbbells did, quite literally, track my every rep and the weight I used throughout the workout, removing the stress of needing to jot this down or making a mental note. For every shoulder press, renegade row and squat thruster I performed– there were a lot more exercises than this by the way– the number of reps would shoot up accurately on the screen. Plus, every time I’d hit a new personal best the app would make a celebratory chime noise to congratulate me, which was very satisfying and a nice confidence boost.
There were a couple of occasions during the breaks where I struggled to slot the dumbbells back in their docking station and I wasn’t able to change the weight in time. I did get better at this as I got further into the workout, so clearly practice makes perfect. Once they were in, selecting the weight was smooth like butter. I was also really impressed by the weight of the dumbbells themselves. I mentioned they only go up to 24kg, but even 10kg felt solid and I didn’t go higher than this for the entire workout.
My biggest gripe was that reps for bodyweight exercises aren’t tracked. It makes sense because you aren’t using the dumbbells and this is what has the built-in sensor. However, it got me thinking, if I were to repeat the workout, how would I know how many reps I had done in my previous session? It would be nice if there was an option to input this number into the Technogym app, so that these exercises can be considered in the personalised load prescriptions, as there are plenty of ways you can make a bodyweight exercise more challenging, whether that’s adding in a tempo or increasing the reps.
Obviously you don’t have to purchase the dumbbells with the stand and extra bits of equipment, but I think those looking for a complete training set-up will really appreciate it. It was so nice to just be able to open the draw and reach for whatever bit of equipment the instructor would tell me I’d need. It removes an element of stress and hassle because you’ve got everything you need right in front of you.
Technogym Connected Dumbbells review: Verdict
I think Technogym’s Connected Dumbbells are a great piece of home gym equipment for beginners looking to build their strength, but struggle with motivation and need some guidance. These smart dumbbells not only make it easy to track your progress but help you reach your goals, thanks to Techogym’s AI Coach which will suggest workouts and weight load based on the data collected by the dumbbells.
They have a solid construction, an aesthetically pleasing design and, despite being tech and data-driven, are very easy to use. The weight range may not be massive, but 24 kilos is more than heavy enough for those looking to get started on their strength training journey. However, more experienced lifters would probably benefit from looking at either BranGain’s adjustable dumbbells or Primal Strength’s, for a wider weight variety.
In comparison to other adjustable dumbbells on the market, they are a lot more expensive, it is Technogym though. However, these do replace 12 sets of dumbbells and 12 pairs of Technogym’s free weight dumbbells come to over £2,000, so you are saving money.
