What free weights should I buy first?

A pair of dumbbells or a single kettlebell is the easiest start, as both cover lots of exercises and take up very little room. If you’re unsure of the weight, try a set: the SPORTNOW hex dumbbell set includes 1kg to 4kg pairs, and the SPORTNOW kettlebell set includes 2.2kg, 4.5kg and 6.8kg weights. A barbell set can come later.

Are free weights better than gym machines?

Neither is better for everyone. Free weights take up less space and cost less to set up, and one pair of dumbbells or one kettlebell covers many exercises. Machines guide the movement for you, but each one does fewer jobs and needs more floor space. For a small home gym, free weights are the more practical start.

How much space do free weights need?

Less than most people expect. Dumbbells and kettlebells fit on a rack in a corner, and a wall-mounted rack keeps the floor clear altogether. A barbell needs more width. The vidaXL 60kg set has a 165cm bar, so allow room either side for loading plates. Leave space around you to move freely while you train.

Will all free weights fit together?

Not always. Weight plates come with 2.5cm, 3cm or 5cm (Olympic) holes, and each only fits bars and handles with the same sleeve size. The vidaXL cast iron plates have a 3cm hole, while the SPORTNOW Olympic tri-grip plates have a 5cm hole. Check the sizes in our weight plates range before you order.

Do free weights damage floors?

They can if they’re dropped or set down roughly, so put rubber mats down under your training area. Some materials are gentler than others. vidaXL plastic-covered cement plates and neoprene coated kettlebells are softer than bare cast iron, and SPORTNOW soft kettlebells have a flat base that sits steady on the floor.

How should I store free weights?

On a rack, so they’re off the floor and easy to find. SPORTNOW makes 3-tier and 4-tier racks rated to 200kg, a five-tier dumbbell weight tree, and a 2-tier wall-mounted rack that’s 98cm wide. Several dumbbell and kettlebell sets also come with their own rack, tray or carry case.

Can I buy free weights from Bossy Cat?

Yes. Our Free Weights range includes SPORTNOW and HOMCOM dumbbells, cast iron and neoprene kettlebells, vidaXL barbell sets and weight plates in cast iron and cement. Delivery is free on all orders to UK mainland addresses and arrives in 3-5 working days, with no hidden fees. If you change your mind, you can return your order, but the return postage is paid by you.

Free Weights for Home Training

206 products

Showing 1 - 24 of 206 products

Free weights are the simplest way to start training at home. They don’t need plugging in, they don’t need much space, and the same few pieces cover a huge number of exercises. As you get stronger, you add to what you’ve got rather than replacing it.

This range brings the four main types together:

Dumbbells: hex pairs, colourful starter sets with cases, and single rubber hex dumbbells up to 20kg.
Kettlebells: cast iron, neoprene coated and soft styles, from 2.2kg to 28kg.
Barbells: straight and curl bar sets from 30kg to 90kg, an Olympic trap bar, and bench and squat rack bundles.
Weight plates: cast iron, plastic-covered cement and Olympic tri-grip plates, with 2.5cm, 3cm and 5cm holes.

There are also convertible sets that switch between dumbbells, a barbell and a kettlebell, plus racks to keep everything off the floor.

Brands include SPORTNOW, vidaXL and HOMCOM.

Delivery is free on all orders to UK mainland addresses and arrives in 3-5 working days, with no hidden fees.

Showing 1 - 24 of 206 products

Monster Shop 7ft Olympic Weightlifting Bar & Bumper Weight Plate Sets -

Monster Shop Olympic Barbell Set, Chrome Steel Bar and Bumper Weight Plates

£159.99

Monster Shop Olympic Barbell and Bumper Plate Set, 213cm, Solid Chrome Steel

£249.99

Monster Shop Olympic Weightlifting Barbell Set, 213cm Solid Chrome Bumper Plates

£179.99

Monster Shop Body Revolution Straight Barbell Bar - 1" Standard 1.4m -

Monster Shop Straight Barbell Bar 140cm, Standard Chrome Steel, 120kg Capacity

£37.99

Monster Shop 213cm Olympic Barbell Set, Solid Chrome Steel Bumper Weight Plates

£159.99

Monster Shop Body Revolution EZ 1" Super Curl Barbell Bar - 1.2m -

Monster Shop EZ Curl Barbell Bar 120cm, 120kg Capacity Chrome Steel

£29.99

vidaXL Weight Bench with Weight Rack, Barbell and Dumbbell Set 60,5kg - from vidaXL

vidaXL Weight Bench Set 60.5kg, with Weight Rack & Barbell Dumbbells

£346.99

vidaXL Weight Plate 20 kg Cast Iron - from vidaXL

vidaXL Weight Plate 20kg, Cast Iron with Baked Enamel Powder Coat Finish

£65.99

HOMCOM 15kg 2 in 1 Adjustable Dumbbells Weight Set, Dumbbell Hand Weight Barbell for Weight Training, Black - from HOMCOM

HOMCOM Adjustable Dumbbell Set, 15kg, 2 in 1 with Barbell Rod, Customisable

£22.99

vidaXL Weight Plate 40 kg Cast Iron - from vidaXL

vidaXL 40kg Weight Plate, Cast Iron and Scratch Resistant Enamel

£131.99

vidaXL Weight Bench with Weight Rack, Barbell and Dumbbell Set 30,5kg - from vidaXL

vidaXL Weight Bench, 30.5kg Folding Steel with Barbell and Dumbbell Set

£260.99

SPORTNOW Olympic Weight Plate, 2"/5cm Weight Disc with Tri-Grips, 20kg Dumbbell Plate for Weightlifting and Strength Training Home Gym Fitness Workout, Black - from SPORTNOW

SPORTNOW Olympic Weight Plate 20kg, 5cm Centre Hole and Tri Grips

£47.99

Monster Shop 2x 2.5kg Cast Iron Weight Plates - 1" Standard Tri Grip -

2x 2.5kg Cast Iron Weight Plates - 1" Standard Tri Grip by Monster Shop

Monster Shop Cast Iron Weight Plates, 2.5kg Pack of Two, Tri Grip Chrome

£29.99

2x 10kg Cast Iron Weight Plates - 1" Standard Tri Grip by Monster Shop

Monster Shop 2x 10kg Cast Iron Weight Plates, Tri Grip and 1 Inch Standard

£79.99

2 x 0.5kg Fractional Bumper Plates by Monster Shop

Monster Shop Fractional Bumper Plates, 2 x 0.5kg, White Precision

£29.99

2 x 1.5kg Fractional Bumper Plates by Monster Shop

Monster Shop Fractional Bumper Plates, 2 Pack 1.5kg Strength Training

£39.99

2 x 1kg Fractional Bumper Plates by Monster Shop

Monster Shop Fractional Bumper Weight Plates 2 x 1kg, Precision Green

£29.99

Monster Shop Full Set Fractional Bumper Plates -

Monster Shop Fractional Bumper Plates Full Set, Multi Coloured Weights

£154.99

Monster Shop 2x 1.25kg Cast Iron Weight Plates - 1" Standard Tri Grip -

Monster Shop Standard Cast Iron Weight Plates, 1.25kg, Tri Grip Chrome Finish

£22.99

Monster Shop 2 x 2kg Fractional Bumper Plates -

Monster Shop Fractional Bumper Plates 2 x 2kg, Strength Training, Blue

£39.99

2x 20kg Cast Iron Weight Plates - 1" Standard Tri Grip by Monster Shop

Monster Shop 2x 20kg Cast Iron Weight Plates with Tri Grip and Standard Hole

£124.99

Monster Shop Body Revolution 2 x 20kg Black Olympic Bumper Plates -

Monster Shop Olympic Bumper Plates, 2 x 20kg, Rubber Coated, Black

£124.99

Olympic Tri-Grip Rubber Weight Plates - Colour Pairs & Sets by Monster Shop

Monster Shop Olympic Weight Plates, Tri Grip Rubber, Cast Iron Colour Sets

£27.99

Monster Shop Olympic Tri-Grip Rubber Weight Plates, Colour Pairs

£119.99

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Where to start

A pair of dumbbells or a single kettlebell is enough to get going. Both cover pushing, pulling, squatting and carrying, and both fit in a cupboard. Once you know what you enjoy, add a second weight or a barbell set for heavier lifts.

If you’re not sure what weight to choose, a starter set takes the guesswork out. The SPORTNOW hex dumbbell set has pairs from 1kg to 4kg on a rack. The SPORTNOW kettlebell set includes 2.2kg, 4.5kg and 6.8kg weights with a storage tray.

Making sure everything fits together

This matters most when you buy bars and plates separately. Plates come with 2.5cm, 3cm or 5cm (Olympic) centre holes, and each one only fits a bar or handle with the same sleeve size. Check the sleeve on your bar before ordering plates. If you’re starting fresh, a complete barbell set from our barbells range comes with a bar and matching plates.

Convertible sets for small spaces

If space is tight, a convertible set does several jobs. The SPORTNOW 3-in-1 sets (15kg and 20kg) switch between dumbbells, a barbell and an EZ bar. The SPORTNOW 4-in-1 sets (20kg and 40kg) add a kettlebell handle and push up stands. The HOMCOM 2-in-1 set gives you 30kg in total. Changing weights takes a minute, but you’ll store one set instead of several. Our dumbbells range has both fixed and adjustable options.

Floors and storage

Put rubber mats down under your training area before anything heavy arrives. Plastic-covered cement plates and neoprene coated kettlebells are gentler on floors than bare cast iron, but a mat still helps.

Keep weights on a rack rather than on the floor. SPORTNOW makes 3-tier and 4-tier racks rated to 200kg, a five-tier weight tree, and a 98cm wall-mounted rack for smaller rooms.

If you have a health condition or are new to training, speak to your GP before you start.

Delivery and returns

Delivery is free on all orders to UK mainland addresses and arrives in 3-5 working days, with no hidden fees. If you change your mind, you can return your order, but the return postage is paid by you.

Frequently asked questions

What free weights should I buy first?
A pair of dumbbells or a single kettlebell is the easiest start, as both cover lots of exercises and take up very little room. If you’re unsure of the weight, try a set: the SPORTNOW hex dumbbell set includes 1kg to 4kg pairs, and the SPORTNOW kettlebell set includes 2.2kg, 4.5kg and 6.8kg weights. A barbell set can come later.
Are free weights better than gym machines?
Neither is better for everyone. Free weights take up less space and cost less to set up, and one pair of dumbbells or one kettlebell covers many exercises. Machines guide the movement for you, but each one does fewer jobs and needs more floor space. For a small home gym, free weights are the more practical start.
How much space do free weights need?
Less than most people expect. Dumbbells and kettlebells fit on a rack in a corner, and a wall-mounted rack keeps the floor clear altogether. A barbell needs more width. The vidaXL 60kg set has a 165cm bar, so allow room either side for loading plates. Leave space around you to move freely while you train.
Will all free weights fit together?
Not always. Weight plates come with 2.5cm, 3cm or 5cm (Olympic) holes, and each only fits bars and handles with the same sleeve size. The vidaXL cast iron plates have a 3cm hole, while the SPORTNOW Olympic tri-grip plates have a 5cm hole. Check the sizes in our weight plates range before you order.
What is a convertible free weights set?
It’s a set of handles and plates that you can rebuild into different pieces. The SPORTNOW 3-in-1 sets, in 15kg and 20kg, switch between dumbbells, a barbell and an EZ bar. The SPORTNOW 4-in-1 sets, in 20kg and 40kg, add a kettlebell handle and push up stands. They suit smaller rooms where separate weights would take up too much space.
Do free weights damage floors?
They can if they’re dropped or set down roughly, so put rubber mats down under your training area. Some materials are gentler than others. vidaXL plastic-covered cement plates and neoprene coated kettlebells are softer than bare cast iron, and SPORTNOW soft kettlebells have a flat base that sits steady on the floor.
How should I store free weights?
On a rack, so they’re off the floor and easy to find. SPORTNOW makes 3-tier and 4-tier racks rated to 200kg, a five-tier dumbbell weight tree, and a 2-tier wall-mounted rack that’s 98cm wide. Several dumbbell and kettlebell sets also come with their own rack, tray or carry case.
Can I buy free weights from Bossy Cat?
Yes. Our Free Weights range includes SPORTNOW and HOMCOM dumbbells, cast iron and neoprene kettlebells, vidaXL barbell sets and weight plates in cast iron and cement. Delivery is free on all orders to UK mainland addresses and arrives in 3-5 working days, with no hidden fees. If you change your mind, you can return your order, but the return postage is paid by you.