Movement

Centr Team

A guide to choosing the best dumbbell workout app

Centr Hex Dumbbells with convenient A-frame storage can turn even the tiniest apartment into a home gym.

What makes a good workout app?

With so many apps claiming to transform your fitness journey, it can be hard to know where to start. But the best dumbbell workout apps share some key features that help you crush your goals.

Here’s what to look for:

• Workouts tailored to your goals: Whether you want to build muscle, tone up, or improve overall strength, a great app offers dumbbell routines designed to meet your individual needs – from general fitness to specific goals like improving posture or strengthening your back.
• Variety of training styles: Avoid boredom with an app that includes strength training, functional fitness, HIIT and even stretching. A versatile app evolves alongside your goals.
• Adaptability to your workout space: Whether you’re working out at home or at the gym, the app should fit your environment. Follow along with a trainer on your TV at home, or use exercise-by-exercise guidance at the gym.
• Tools for building good habits: Features like daily planners, progress trackers, and reminders help you stay consistent, even on busy days. A good app removes the guesswork, showing you exactly what to do next.
• Nutrition support: Training is just one piece of the puzzle – nutrition is just as important. Look for apps that provide meal plans, shopping lists, and evidence-based nutrition advice to simplify healthy eating.
• Community and support: Accountability is key. Apps with active communities and responsive support can keep you motivated and connected with like-minded people.
• Workouts for all levels: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned lifter, the app should grow with you, offering scalable routines and detailed guidance.
• Mind-body connection: Some apps also include tools for guided meditations or visualizations, helping you focus and reduce stress to maximize your performance.

Finally, be cautious of apps promising quick-fix results. If it sounds too good to be true – like six-pack abs in a week – it probably is.

How to choose the right dumbbell workout app

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to find the app that fits your unique goals and lifestyle. Here’s how to narrow your options:

1. Define your goals
What do you want to achieve with your dumbbell workouts? Whether it’s building strength, toning up, or preparing for a milestone event, your app should align with your objectives and evolve as they do.

Look for programs that support a range of goals – from muscle-building to functional fitness – and provide the flexibility to adjust your plan as needed.

2. Consider your budget
Great results don’t have to come with a huge price tag, but it’s worth thinking about what fits your budget. Beyond subscription fees, check if the app requires extra equipment or upgrades.

Choose a payment plan – monthly, quarterly, or annually – that works for you. Investing in your fitness can be as simple as skipping a few streaming services or takeout coffees to make room for a health-focused app.

3. Read reviews

Before committing, check app store ratings and read user feedback to see if the app delivers on its promises. Trusted recommendations from fitness publications like Men’s Health or Women’s Fitness can also point you in the right direction.

4. Try a free trial
Most apps offer free trials, giving you a chance to test out the features and see if it fits seamlessly into your routine.

If it feels like the right fit, commit to a subscription. If it doesn’t click, you can cancel before the trial ends – no strings attached.

Our first Centr Power transformation, courtesy of Centr member Erik.

What results can you get using the Centr app?

Dumbbells were a core part of Centr member Erik’s muscle-building transformation. After emerging from lockdown in New York City, Erik felt pretty much the same as everyone else: physically and mentally drained, and far from his best.

But when Luke Zocchi (Chris Hemsworth’s personal trainer) challenged Erik to test the new muscle-building program Centr Power – inspired by Chris’s training routine for Thor: Love and Thunder – there was only one possible outcome: transformation time.

With expertly crafted workouts and a focus on consistency, Erik rebuilt his strength and packed on serious muscle, rediscovering his best self.

Another member, Abimael, turned to Centr Power after a long break from the gym. The program’s adaptable structure helped him regain his strength and break through his former training plateaus.

“I really trusted the process, and the results are showing,” says Abimael.

“I hope I can be an incentive for someone else, who maybe started Centr but is not feeling confident. Believe it! Run after it and get it done!”

Your dumbbell fitness app FAQ

Can I use a dumbbell app for both home and gym workouts?
Yes, most dumbbell workout apps are designed to be flexible, offering programs for both home and gym settings.

These apps typically include exercises that require minimal space and basic equipment for home workouts, as well as routines that incorporate gym facilities like benches or racks. Whether you’re training in your living room or at the gym, the app provides scalable options to suit your environment and equipment.

Can I use a dumbbell workout app as a beginner?
Absolutely! Many dumbbell workout apps are beginner-friendly, with tutorials to teach proper form and step-by-step guidance to help you progress safely. These apps often include beginner-focused routines with lighter weights and personalized plans that adapt as you gain strength and confidence. Starting with a dumbbell app is a practical way to build a solid fitness foundation and develop consistency.

What is the most effective dumbbell exercise?
There’s no single “best” dumbbell exercise, as it depends on your goals. That being said, here are some of our favorites.

Dumbbell bench presses are great for building upper-body strength, goblet squats help you target the lower body and renegade rows help round out your back and core.

For full-body engagement, dumbbell thrusters (a squat-to-press movement) stand out. The most effective exercise is one that aligns with your goals and is performed with proper technique.

Can I build muscle with dumbbells only?
Yes, dumbbells alone can help you build significant muscle. They allow for a variety of compound and isolation exercises that target all major muscle groups while also engaging stabiliser muscles for improved balance and overall strength. Combined with proper nutrition, progressive overload and consistent effort, dumbbell training can effectively support muscle growth.

Can a dumbbell app help me lose weight?
Yes, a fitness app with dumbbell workouts can support weight loss by combining strength training with calorie-burning exercises in a structured routine. Strength training helps build lean muscle, which boosts metabolism and supports fat loss.

Many apps also offer nutrition guidance to help you maintain a calorie deficit. By staying consistent and tracking progress, a dumbbell app can be a valuable tool for managing your weight.