The Best Eco Friendly Dumbbells Sets
Adjustable Set
Offering sets from 40-200 lbs, this adjustable dumbbell set from Amazon is the most cost-effective, non toxic option. It is made of 100% cast iron with an enamel coating and free of any harmful chemicals or proposition 65 warning. This set should last you a lifetime.
Single Set
Looking for just a single set of toxin-free dumbbells? This single set from Amazon is made of cast iron and steel, available in weights from 5-120lbs. It’s free from harmful chemicals and has no proposition 65 warning.
Bala Bars
Bala offers a range of non toxic silicone-coated steel exercise equipment including this set of 3lb weights. They come in six colors and include a color-matched carrying case. They’re great for HIIT, strength training, and aerobics!
NOHRD dumbbell rack is top notch non toxic quality. Their dumbbells are made from sustainably sourced wood with nickel-plated steel accents. This dumbbell option is the most pure & safest material on the list, but by far the most expensive.
Looking for the best eco friendly dumbbells that’s free of harmful chemicals?
We got you covered.
I always hated working out with dumbbells that had a toxic smell to them. And once I found out how toxic some of the most common materials in dumbbells are, I made the switch as soon as I could.
The safest and most sustainable dumbbells are crafted from materials like steel, cast iron, silicone or wood—each recyclable and non-toxic.
We’ve done a lot of research into toxic free exercise equipment, and in this list, we’ve got the 4 best dumbbell options on the market.
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Toxic Materials In Dumbbells to Avoid
Many dumbbells out there are either made with cheap materials or toxic chemicals that aren’t good for you or the environment. Here are the most common:
Vinyl (PVC)
- A synthetic material, often infused with phthalates, which is toxic to us and the environment.
Neoprene
- A type of synthetic rubber that isn’t eco-friendly at all.
- Contains chloroprene, a chemical listed on proposition 65’s website.
Chrome-Plated
- The chrome plating process involves harmful chemicals and produces toxic byproducts, like hexavalent chromium which isn’t good for the environment or your health.
Most Rubber
- Most rubber dumbbells are made with phthalates and synthetic rubber that’s treated with other toxic chemicals that can off gas.
- Even other rubber labeled “virgin rubber” can be treated with phthalates, a chemical you want to stay away from.
- For rubber products, they should have some type of statement about non toxicity or third party certifications, and no rubber dumbbells we found have this.
Urethane
- While the exposure level from a dumbbell might be minimal, urethane is technically a toxic material.
- With more eco-friendly options available, it’s wiser to avoid it.
Now let’s talk about which materials you should look for in the best non toxic dumbbells.
Materials to Look For
Steel
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Top-recycled material globally, surpassing even plastic and paper.
Cast Iron
- Simple and 100% recyclable.
- Toxin free and safe
- No smell
Wood
- Known as “luxury dumbbells” due to their high price.
- Crafted from high-quality wood, steel, and sometimes nickel.
- Doesn’t off-gas and is extremely durable.
- Top-notch sustainable and environmentally friendly dumbbells
Now, knowing the best non toxic dumbbell materials and those to avoid, let’s dive into the best eco friendly dumbbells on the market.
*Also, these are dumbbells without prop 65 warning.
The Best Eco Friendly Dumbbells
Adjustable Dumbbell Set– Best Overall
This adjustable set from Amazon is the best non toxic dumbbell option as it’s 100% cast iron- which means no other toxic chemicals. It’s adjustable aspect makes it the most cost-effective and sustainable option, saving you from buying multiple sets. The reviews are great and it should last you a lifetime.
Highlights:
- Price: $45.99-269.99
- Most cost-effective option
- 100% Cast Iron with enamel coating- no toxic materials
- No proposition 65 warning
- Sets from 40lbs-200lbs
- Highly durable and versatile
- Downside: Some slight chipping of coating may occur if very rough
Cast Iron Dumbbells
If you just want a single set, these dumbbells from Amazon are the way to go. They feature heads made from ASTM A48 Class 20 grey iron for durability and a solid steel handle for strength, all finished with an enamel coating to resist wear and corrosion.
They have options from 5-120 lb. Thinking about getting multiple sets? The option above this one is more cost-effective.
Highlights:
- Made of cast iron and steel
- Available in a wide range of weights: 5, 8, 10, 12, 15 up to 120 lb.
- Perfect for all fitness levels: beginners to experts.
- Hex-shaped heads to prevent rolling.
- Dumbbells without prop 65 warning
- Price: $29.43-404.79
Bala Bars
While these silicone dumbbells from Bala are pretty lightweight (3lbs each), they’re a great non toxic option for the functional fitness folks. Made from stainless steel wrapped in silicone, they contain no toxic chemicals. They also offer a range of other eco friendly gear, from jump ropes to ankle weights.
Highlights:
- Versatile: Suitable for walking, HIIT, boxing, strength training, and aerobics.
- Non-toxic material: Steel core with soft silicone wrap.
- Includes 2x 3 LB Bars set and color-matched carrying case.
- Available in six colors.
- Range of non-toxic silicone-coated equipment available.
- Price: $59
NOHRD
NOHRD is non-toxic dumbbells at its highest quality. They offer a dumbbell rack set that is made from sustainably sourced wood with nickel-plated steel. It comes with 9 sets of dumbbells ranging from 11-55 lbs. Unfortunately, they don’t sell single dumbbell sets, only the complete set you see in the picture. Oh, and if you guessed that the price tag is VERY steep, you are correct.
Product Highlights:
- Price: $7,499
- Materials: Made from sustainably sourced wood and nickel-plated steel
- Comes in cherry, walnut, oak, or black wood
- Includes: Dumbell rack and 9 sets of dumbbells from 11-55 lbs
- Downside: Doesn’t sell single dumbbell sets and price tag is very steep
FAQ
Most rubber dumbbells are toxic as they usually include synthetic rubber material, phthalates, or both.
Neoprene dumbbells will expose you to chloroprene, a toxic chemical, but the levels are low enough that it isn’t considered unsafe. However, neoprene is toxic to the environment.
While urethane is considered a probable carcinogen and can cause minor off-gassing, the amount in dumbbells should not harm you. However, they are toxic to the environment.
Only dumbbells crafted from steel, iron, wood, or rubber are typically 100% recyclable.
