The History of Dumbbells

Did you know that dumbbells have been around since ancient times? The ancient Greeks used halteres to help them gain momentum in jumping competitions. In the Middle East, wrestlers and bodybuilders often trained with a nal, a weight that was shorter than a barbell but longer than a modern dumbbell. British colonists eventually encountered these weights while in India and brought them back to the West. The term “dumbbell” arose in 16^th century England, where athletes used handheld bells with the clappers removed to train. Eventually, these “dumb” bells were replaced with iron weights, but the name stuck. Today, there are many different types of dumbbells on the market and their benefits are enjoyed by fitness enthusiasts everywhere.