How to Create at Home Dumbbells

Working out at home is a terrific idea for those who either cannot afford gyms or who do not enjoy working out in front of others. The ability to work out at home has been improved with videos, weights and weight systems available at many health stores. Homemade weights, however, work just as well as store-bought weights and are environmentally friendly. Make some dumbbells for an at-home workout with materials lying around the house.

Things You'll Need

• Recycled materials
• Water, sand or gravel

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Instructions

• 1

  Save your recyclable containers. Dig out old milk jugs, oatmeal containers and energy drink bottles from your recycling bin, and then clean them thoroughly. Allow them to dry upside down for a few days.

• 2

  Fill the containers with any substance, such as sand, water or gravel, depending on the type of container and the desired weight. For example, water inside a milk jug will not weigh as much as sand inside the same milk jug; gravel inside a metal can will make a very noisy workout.

• 3

  Exercise with the dumbbells and add weight as needed. The best part about homemade dumbbells are their versatility. Add more weight as you grow stronger and avoid spending money buying heavier weights.