Dumbbells for rugby strength training

Why dumbbells complement the barbell

With dumbbells, each arm and leg works independently. The strong side can no longer compensate for the weak side, which reveals and corrects imbalances, common among players who always tackle with the same shoulder. The range of motion is also greater than with the bar: during presses, the hands can drop lower and rotate freely, reducing strain on the shoulder joint. The stabiliser muscles, engaged to control two separate loads, work harder, a valuable quality for shoulder stability in contact.

Other equipment

Weight training also includes:

• Weight benches.
• Weight machines.
• Cages and racks.
• Bars and weights.
• Kettlebells.
• Medicine Balls.
• Weight training accessories.

All weight training equipment can be found on the weight training page.

Hexagonal, vinyl, neoprene or adjustable set

The hexagonal dumbbell Softee doesn't roll: you can place it on the floor between sets or use it for push-ups and plank rows. The pairs weighing one kilogram in vinyl, Leader Fit and Sporti, are used for shoulder warm-ups and rotator cuff rehabilitation exercises. The HMS cast iron dumbbell coated in neoprene features a closed grip, shaped like a knuckle duster, that wraps around the fingers and prevents slipping during quick movements. The HMS set combines short bars and discs to create various weights: a compact solution when space is tight.

From light weights to heavy lunges

The Fit & Rack dumbbell weighing thirty-two and a half kilos is aimed at advanced players: loaded lunges and Bulgarian squats, heavy one-arm rows, inclined bench presses. At these weights, a strict execution is maintained, and the dumbbell is placed back on the floor rather than dropped. On the other end of the range, the children's dumbbell Fit & Rack, lightweight and designed for small hands, allows young ones to discover the movements under the watchful eye of a coach. Between the two, progress is made by first adding a few repetitions, then increasing the load when the last set remains clean until the end.

Good deals

Great finds can be discovered in the good deals, promotions, clearance sales, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a steady order: Black Friday in late autumn, year-end holidays, winter sales, French Days in spring, then summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

What weight of dumbbells should I choose to start?

A pair weighing four to eight kilos is suitable for shoulders and arms, and loads of ten to twenty kilos for lunges and rows in adults. Choose a weight that allows for ten clean repetitions, with one or two left in reserve.

Adjustable or fixed dumbbells?

Adjustable ones replace several pairs and take up little space, but changing plates slows down circuits. Fixed ones, ready to use, are better when chaining exercises or when several players train together.

Dumbbells or kettlebell for rugby?

Both complement each other. The dumbbell is suitable for presses, rows, and lunges, with a load well centred in the hand. The kettlebell, with its weight offset under the handle, is better suited for ballistic movements like the swing.

What exercises with dumbbells to protect the shoulders?

External rotations lying on the side, Y and T raises on an incline bench, and neutral grip presses strengthen the rotator cuff. These are practiced with light weights, from one to three kilos.

How to store and maintain dumbbells?

A stand on the floor or a wall rack prevents falls and protects the flooring. Cast iron models should be kept dry to avoid rust, and a damp cloth is enough to clean the vinyl and neoprene after the session.