For workout enthusiasts, dumbbells and hand weights are an everyday part of life. Whether you’re working out at the gym or in front of the TV at home, hand weights are a great way to build muscle and improve overall health.
But there’s something that your weights may be hiding: chemicals and plasticizers that could be potentially toxic to your system… the same system you’re aiming to keep healthy!
Read on to discover safer, more sustainable, and non-toxic dumbbells and other exercise equipment.
What this guide covers:
- What!? Now dumbbells can be toxic?
- Before I go further: Why is there a Prop 65 Warning on my dumbbells?
- What are the chemicals listed in Prop 65?
- How California’s Proposition 65 can help you find non-toxic weights
- Non-Toxic Dumbbells, Hand Weights, & Other Equipment Workouts
- Non-Toxic Exercise Ball
- Non-Toxic Exercise Mats
- Even More Non-Toxic Exercise Equipment & Accessories
- Ideas for what to use instead of dumbbells
- Wrapping it up
This guide contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase (though not all links are affiliate!). As always, we only make recommendations that are genuine.
What!? Now dumbbells can be toxic?
You’ve likely heard about tons of products out there that contain toxins, from plug-in air fresheners to laundry detergent to personal care products even to non-toxic workout clothes.
If you’ve already done your due diligence and switched to natural products in those respects, that’s a win! But if you’re ready to up-level your low-tox workout routine even more, then you might want to swap out your weights for plastic-free (or low-plastic) options made from more natural materials.
What are dumbbells usually made of?
Typically, hand weights and dumbbells have an inner core and an outer casing. The material of the inner core of a dumbbell will depend on the manufacturer but typically contain:
- Cast iron
- Steel
- Concrete
- Plastic
The outer portion of a dumbbell can either be the same as the inner portion or coated in an additional material such as:
- Rubber (synthetic or natural)
- Neoprene (synthetic rubber)
- Plastic
- Vinyl
- PVC
- Chrome
Derived from the liquid sap of certain types of trees and plants, natural rubber is a safe dumbbell coating to look for. At its core, natural rubber is a safe material. (The exception being if you’re allergic to latex!)
But then there’s synthetic rubber, which is basically just a type of plastic. To make this fossil fuel-based material more pliable, companies may add endocrine-disrupting phthalates to make the material softer and more flexible.
Phthalates are a huge problem. Not only are they very prevalent in today’s society, but they can contribute to various health effects, from asthma and hormone disruption to infertility and cancer.
If possible, you’ll also want to avoid or minimize other types of plastic as well, including PVC/vinyl (which is one of the most toxic types of plastic!).
What is a safer, non-toxic dumbbell material?
Instead of using weights that have been made with synthetic rubber or plastic, consider using weights made up of natural materials like:
- stainless steel
- cast iron
- wood
- marble
- silicone
- natural rubber
Before I go further: Why is there a Prop 65 Warning on my dumbbells?
Proposition 65 is a law in California that requires businesses and manufacturers to disclose any chemicals that can potentially cause “cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm.”
Since Prop 65 became law, you’ve probably repeatedly raised your eyebrows when you see warning labels on hand weights and other products.
Since dumbbells and hand weights can contain phthalates and other concerning chemicals, some weights have warranted the warning.
What are the chemicals listed in Prop 65?
Currently, there are 900 chemicals that warrant a Prop 65 label. You can view and download the entire list on the OEHHA website.
If your dumbbells or other workout equipment has a Prop 65 warning label on it, that means it probably contains something like:
- phthalate(s), which are used to make plastics softer
- BPA or other bisphenols, which are used to make plastics harder
- lead
- formaldehyde (mostly in engineered wood products)
- toluene and/or benzene (which are carcinogenic)
CA law states that Prop 65 labels are supposed to list at least one of the specific chemicals the product contains, but theoretically, your exercise equipment could contain multiple of these.
How California’s Proposition 65 can help you find non-toxic weights
Since Prop 65 offers a degree of transparency when it comes to how household items are made, you can choose to purchase dumbbells and hand weights that don’t come with the warning. The label can be helpful to you as a thoughtful consumer shopping for safe weights.
When it comes to certain things, like organic food or mattresses, there are lots of third-party certifications that can give shoppers peace of mind that what they’re buying is safe. When it comes to buy non-toxic dumbbells and hand weights, however, those certifications aren’t really available.
Since most products ship all over the U.S., not just to California, it’s easy for companies to put the Prop 65 label on all product packaging. This benefits the rest of us non-Californians whose states haven’t made any moves or statements towards toxic chemicals.
Non-Toxic Dumbbells, Hand Weights, & Other Equipment Workouts
Bala
Types: Hand weights, bangles (ankle/wrist weights), bars, & other workout equipment
Price range: $59-$119
Bala is switching up the fitness industry to include more playfulness, more inclusivity, and less boundaries with multi-functional workout tools that are simple and easy to use.
It all started with Bala Bangles, wrist and ankle weights, that contain a steel core and soft silicone exterior. Bangles come in 1 lb, 2 lb, or 3 lb options with several colors.
Other Bala products I recommend include:
- Bala Beam (a barbel that comes in 15, 25, or 35 lbs)
- Bala Bars (3lb dumbbells/hand weights)
- Power Ring (10 lb)
- Jumprope
These are all made out of a steel interior and a silicone exterior and are free from Prop 65 labels.
I don’t necessarily recommend all of Bala’s exercise equipment, though. For example, the Pilates Ball is made from PVC (don’t recommend), the mats uses a PU top coat (click here for better exercise mat options), and their blocks & rollers are made from an unspecified foam.
Equipt
Types: Ubarre weight (4, 8, 12, or 16 lbs)
Price range: $149-$179
These plastic-free weights from Equipt are made out of steel and come in several different (beautiful!) colors.
They’ve got on ergonomic u-shape, which is not only designed for comfort and utility but allows for a wide range of exercises, from leg lifts and squats, to crunches, and more.
Equipt also carries weighted wraps for your ankles/wrists, but those are made out of vegan leather (aka plastic), so I don’t recommend those as much.
Zoogamo
Type: Adjustable dumbbells / barbells
Price range: $130-$240
Made out of stainless steel and cast iron, these non-toxic free weights can transition from dumbbells to barbells and back again.
They’re mostly plastic-free, but they do come with a plastic case and one of the handles is plastic too, unfortunately.
But these are a still a good option for affordable dumbbells without Prop 65 warning. I really like that they are adjustable so that you can change them based on strength and difficulty level (and you can share them with the whole family!).
Yes4All
Type: Adjustable dumbbells / barbells
Price range: $46-$260
These are very similar to the Zoogamo ones mentioned above. They’re made from cast iron and stainless steel, and they’re adjustable so you can turn them into hand weights/dumbells or barbells.
This one gives you more options in terms of how much weight you want.
Eternal Creek
Types: Kettlebell, gym bench, pull-up bar, pull & dip station, resistance bands (made with latex)
Price range: $430-$2,300
This non-toxic gym equipment is definitely on the pricier end of things, but if you’re looking to build a elegant, plastic-free home gym made out of natural materials, then you have to check out Eternal Creek on Etsy.
Eternal Creek is bringing quality craftsmanship and stunning design to the minimalist fitness world with pieces made from solid hardwood (from sustainably managed forests) and full grain leather from Italian tanneries. Each of their pieces is functional, makes a statement, and designed for multi-use.
I Wood Like It
Types: Dumbbells & hand weights
Price range: $182-$589
First of all, cute name, right?!
These non-toxic hand weights and dumbbells are handmade out of wood and stainless steel. You can choose between several different wood options (European Oak, European Walnut, Maple, and Black Oak) as well as different weight options (from 2 to 10 kgs).
Plus, these look nice enough that you can leave them out in your living room to add to the aesthetic!
Kenko
Types: Dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands (made with rubber), push-up bars, ab rollers, jump ropes, wall bars, gym rings
Price range: $185-$4,000 (for a full weight set & stand)
While expensive, these eco-friendly dumbbells rendered in natural hardwoods like American walnut and Canadian maple are quite pleasing to the eye and are made up of long-lasting materials.
These weights can be kept next to the couch, acting as a décor touch and providing mini weight workouts to do during commercial breaks. Who knew dumbbells could be so pretty?!
They carry matching resistance bands and other natural workout equipment as well.
Note: This brand is based in Germany, so US-based customers may have to pay quite a bit for shipping.
Nefeli
Type: Marble dumbbells (2.2 lbs)
Price: $278
For the most stylish dumbbells around, look no further than these creations. Each weighing a little over two pounds, they’ll make for conversation pieces as well.
These non-toxic dumbbells “are handcrafted in a small village in the north of Greece near Thessaloniki famous for its marble quarries and pay homage to ancient Greek civilization, especially to the Acropolis and Parthenon. Natural Volakas marble is a metamorphic rock that morphs from limestone under extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth. It also contains dolomite along with the limestone which gives it different colors and tones.”
Non-Toxic Exercise Ball
If you’re looking for a plastic-free exercise ball, well… I haven’t been able to find one yet.
Your best bet is to go for a non-PVC exercise ball. Most exercise balls are made with PVC/vinyl, which is one of the most toxic types of plastic.
So, I recommend:
- This one from EcoWise, which made with burst-resistance TPR (Thermo Plastic Rubber) material and is free of latex, PVC, and phthalates. It comes in several different sizes, from 45 to 75 cm.
- These ones are made in Germany out of natural rubber. They’re meant to be purchased wholesale, but still might be worth checking out.
Non-Toxic Exercise Mats
The two brands I recommend for exercise mats are Scoria (code THEFILTERY10 for 10% off) and Oko Living (code THEFILTERY for $10 off).
Even More Non-Toxic Exercise Equipment & Accessories
- Fluidstance’s balance boards are made of a bamboo or wood top with an aluminum base. (I recommend the Original or Level for a plastic-free option.)
- Fitterfirst also has a balance board made primarily of wood (although there is some plastic on the bottom).
- Non Zero Gravity has a collection of resistance bands that are made out of 100% latex-free organic rubber.
- Aeromat also has a collection of resistance bands that are made of natural rubber or TPR. (Check the specific product details because some options use synthetic rubber.)
- Kensui also has a collection of 100% natural rubber resistance bands.
- Movement Made carries a collection of gym rings, paralettes, resistance bands, and straps made from natural materials like wood and rubber.
Ideas for what to use instead of dumbbells
Then there are always the DIY methods you can do at home that are also toxin-free. Consider lifting stainless steel water bottles, soup cans, books, or bags of rice, bar stools and whatever else you can get your hands on to get your workout on. Get creative!
Wrapping it up
In today’s world that’s often marked by toxic materials, even dumbbells and hand weights haven’t escaped chemical-laden manufacturing processes. But with a little research and information, you can discover non-toxic weights you feel confident, and comfortable, using on a daily basis.
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