Adding a set of free weights to your home can change your life. Bold statement? Yes. But when it comes to fitness, bold is what's effective.
As we get older, our bodies lose muscle function and muscle mass, which means every adult should be doing some form of regular weight bearing exercise. You don't need to lift a barbell larger than your head to help increase muscle mass in your body. All it takes is some simple free weights and a good playlist.
We can't help you with the playlist, but we can help you with the resistance training by way of some seriously good Amazon Prime Big Deal Days deals on some of our favorite free weight brands, including CAP and Bowflex.
Best free weight deals at Amazon's October Prime Day sale
Here are the top free weight deals to shop at Amazon's early Black Friday sale. But remember, you'll need to be an Amazon Prime member to get most of these deals.
Best dumbbell set deal: CAP 150-pound Dumbbell Set with rack: $180 (save $70)
Want a complete dumbbell solution for your home gym? We like this 150-pound rubber hex dumbbell set from CAP Barbell. It includes a pair of 5-pound, 10-pound, 15-pound, 20-pound and 25-pound dumbbells, plus a sturdy steel rack to store them on. When you consider the cost of buying individual dumbbells plus storage, this set can save you a lot of money. Rated 4.6 stars.
This CAP dumbbell set retails for $250, but Amazon Prime members can get it today for $180, a savings of $70.
Why we love the CAP dumbbell set:
- This full solution includes weights and a rack, everything you need to set up your home gym.
- CAP is a trusted brand known for making quality gym weights.
- The rack has rubber inserts to help protect these good-looking weights from scratches.
Our readers' favorite: Bowflex Select Tech adjustable weights are $349
Replace 15 sets of weights with the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbell set, a CBS Sports Essentials bestseller. Sold as a pair, this weight set can be used with Bowflex's JRNY mobile-only membership (free for two months) for motion tracking technology that counts your reps and tracks your form in real time. It's like having your own personal trainer right at home.
"Easy to operate right out of the box," raves one Amazon reviewer about this 4.8-star-rated weight set. "The weight range is phenomenal. I mean, come on. To be able to have the equivalent of 30 dumbbells ranging from 5 to 52.5 pounds and be able to tuck them neatly away in the corner somewhere? Yeah."
Why we love the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells:
- The space-saving design is perfect for small home gyms -- one set of Bowflex weights replaces 30 other dumbbells.
- Satisfied Amazon reviewers say their set of Bowflex SelectTech adjustable dumbbells hold up even with many years of use.
- They can be paired with the JRNY app, or used on their own if you don't require coaching.
...or upgrade to Bowflex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells (save $60)
If you're looking to lift heavier than 52.5 pounds, you'll need the 4.5-star-rated Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbells. They can be set to anywhere between 10 and 90 pounds in five-pound increments.
One verified Amazon reviewer says they recommend these dumbbells: "I have had these for a few years now. I use them five days a week. They are great, work as they should, I have had zero problems. I really appreciate the space it saves and the flexibility in the weight range selection."
These Bowflex dumbbells rarely go on sale, so you'll want to hop on this October Amazon Prime Day deal quick.
Why we love the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbells:
- These dumbbells adjust to as heavy as 90 pounds, more than most other adjustable dumbbell sets.
- Space-saving solution replaces up to 17 individual (and incredibly heavy) dumbbells.
- Includes a free workout DVD with more than 30 exercises and 80 variations so you can get the most out of your weights.
Need more than one dumbbell? Amazon has a set of two SelectTech 1090 dumbbells, complete with stand. You'll save $50 when you buy this bundle.
$977 at AmazonBowflex SelectTech Dumbbell Stand: $152 (save $77)
If you're buying a top-rated set of Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells, you're going to want a dumbbell stand to go with it. Though it's not on sale, this 4.7-star option from Bowflex will keep you from bending over, potentially protecting your lower back from injury. The included media rack holds your smartphone or tablet, so you can use the include one-year membership to JRNY, Bowflex's premium fitness training app. Measures 25" H x 26.4" W x 26.9" L.
Normally priced at $229, it's currently available on Amazon during Amazon Big Deal Days for $152, a discount of $77.
$152 at AmazonSave on a top brand: Signature Fitness Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells
Sold as a set or in pairs, Amazon is currently running an early Amazon Prime Big Deal days deal on Signature Fitness Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells. These are high quality cast dumbbells that feature (our favorite) hex shaped weights, which won't roll and wind up underfoot. The contoured chrome handles provide a tight grip.
Choose from pairs of weights ranging in weight from 10 to 50 pounds. Or, choose from five weights sets including 5-20 pounds, 5-25 pounds, 5-30 pounds and 5-50 pounds, 10-20 pounds and 10-30 pounds.
Earning 4.7 stars from satisfied (read: exuberant) Amazon buyers, reviews include phrases ranging from "very good" to "getting ripped." What more could you want out of free weights?
Top features of Signature Fitness Rubber encased hex dumbbells:
- The hex shape keeps your workout space safer and stops your weights from rollling.
- The chrome handles are contoured, which help with grip as your hands get sweaty and weights get slippery.
- Amazon's deal on these weights can deliver savings of over $300 when compared to purchasing weights individually.
Shop Amazon's terrific Prime Big Deal Days deals on Signature Fitness rubber encased hex dumbbells:
- 10-pound pair: Signature Fitness Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell (10 lb. pair), $28 (reduced from $94)
- 15-pound pair: Signature Fitness Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell (15 lb. pair), $49
- 20-pound pair: Signature Fitness Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell (20 lb. pair), $72 (reduced from $90)
- 25-pound pair: Signature Fitness Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell (25 lb. pair), $62 (reduced from $75)
- 35-pound pair: Signature Fitness Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell (35 lb. pair), $96 (reduced from $105)
- 40-pound pair: Signature Fitness Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell (40 lb. pair), $120
- 45-pound pair: Signature Fitness Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell (45 lb. pair), $135
- 50-pound pair: Signature Fitness Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell (50 lb. pair), $150
Amazon Basics adjustable dumbbell lifting set: $43
Sure, you could fill your home gym with a large number of individual dumbbells. But we prefer adjustable sets like the Amazon Basics weight set. It includes four 2.5-pound plates and four 5-pound plates, plus four 0.5-pound weight collars, so you can easily adjust the weight up to 38 pounds. You also get a carrying case for storage. We suggest buying two sets.
"These were exactly what my son was looking for!" says on verified Amazon reviewer. He wanted something he could use at home to work out with when he is not able to make it to the gym."
Rated 4.6 stars.
Why we love the Amazon Basics adjustable weight set:
- This adjustable weight set is one of the most cost effective ways to replace a whole gym's worth of dumbbells.
- Reviewers praise the set's comfortable grips and long threaded mounts.
- The included storage case makes it easy to transport and store when not in use.
Amazon Basics vinyl-coated dumbbell set
Just starting out on your fitness journey, or need a set of light-weight dumbbells for use during cardio? These vinyl-coated Amazon Basics dumbbells start at 2 pounds and go up to 20 pounds. Sold as a set of two.
Amazon reviewers love these colorful dumbbells -- they're rated 4.8 stars. Most sizes are on sale; some weights just got new price cuts.
- Amazon Basics vinyl-coated dumbbell set, 2 lb., $14
- Amazon Basics vinyl-coated dumbbell set, 3 lb., $35 (reduced from $38)
- Amazon Basics vinyl-coated dumbbell set, 5 lb., $17 with Prime (reduced from $18)
- Amazon Basics vinyl-coated dumbbell set, 7 lb. $30
- Amazon Basics vinyl-coated dumbbell set, 8 lb. $29
- Amazon Basics vinyl-coated dumbbell set, 10 lb., $32 with Prime (reduced from $35)
- Amazon Basics vinyl-coated dumbbell set, 12 lb., $38 with Prime (reduced from $44)
- Amazon Basics vinyl-coated dumbbell set, 15 lb., $44 with Prime (reduced from $48)
- Amazon Basics vinyl-coated dumbbell set, 20 lb., $71
Best weight bench deal: Flybird adjustable weight bench, $100
Need a weight bench for your home gym that's capable of supporting your new weights? Our readers can't get enough of this deal on the 4.5-star-rated Flybird adjustable weight bench. It's rated for up to 800 pounds, and can be used for both incline and decline exercises.
This adjustable weight bench was a CBS Sports Essentials top seller during Amazon Prime Day 2023. Says one Amazon reviewer: "It's so easy to fold, easy to open and easy to set the different incline and decline angles. It is fairly light weight and extremely sturdy. It is very comfortable; the padding is firm and the covering is easy to clean."
Why we love the Flybird adjustable weight bench:
- Our fave weight bench under $100, the Flybird is the ideal combination of quality and value.
- This bench supports up to 800 pounds, so you can lift heavy.
- Designed with seven back positions and three seat positions so you can perform a wide range of exercises.
Best Amazon kettlebell: Yes for All vinyl kettlebells
Adding kettle bells to your lifting or doing an entire kettle bell workout are great ways to add variety to your workout. With less of a strain on your grip, kettle bells help you get into the lower body, or double as a free weight for an upper body workout.
If you're looking for the most popular kettlebells on Amazon, look no further. Reviewers love these 4.8-star-rated kettlebells, available in sizes ranging from 5 pounds up through 50 pounds (now back in stock). They're colorful and coated with vinyl so they'll be easier on your floor. (Definitely use a floor mat with these, though.) And did we mention they're the most affordable vinyl-covered kettlebells on Amazon?
Says one satisfied Amazon reviewer: This is one of the best kettlebells I own (and I own five). It is good-looking, easy to swing, and best of all, the handle is wide enough to get a good grip. It does not have additional material around the bell that makes it bulky -- which some kettlebells do."
- Yes For All Vinyl Kettlebell (5 pounds), $11 (reduced from $13)
- Yes For All Vinyl Kettlebell (10 pounds), $17 (reduced from $22)
- Yes For All Vinyl Kettlebell (15 pounds), $21 (reduced from $23)
- Yes For All Vinyl Kettlebell (20 pounds), $28
- Yes For All Vinyl Kettlebell (25 pounds), $32 (reduced from $35)
- Yes For All Vinyl Kettlebell (30 pounds), $40
- Yes For All Vinyl Kettlebell (35 pounds), $45
- Yes For All Vinyl Kettlebell (40 pounds), $50
- Yes For All Vinyl Kettlebell (45 pounds), $55
- Yes For All Vinyl Kettlebell (50 pounds), $63
Amazon also is offering a deal on Yes4All kettlebells with a protective rubber base. They're designed to be more gentle on your floors than the unprotected version. This 4.7-star option starts at $16 for the five-pound weight (reduced from $18), with multiple sizes offered at a discount. Take a look at the deals by tapping the button below.
$16 and up at AmazonWhat is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days?
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days is Amazon's early Black Friday sale in October. Some are calling the two-day event October Prime Day or Prime Day Part 2 because of the size and scope of the sale. In 2022, this October sale was called the Prime Early Access Sale.
When is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2023?
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 10 and Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. The sale starts at midnight Pacific time.
Do you need to be a Prime Member to shop Prime Big Deal Days deals?
While some of the best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days offers are Prime-exclusive or invite-only, there will also be tons of deals that are open to all shoppers. So even if you don't have an Amazon Prime membership, there will be deals available to you.
If you want to shop the best deals, though, you'll want to tap the button below and sign up for a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime. Prime memberships costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, and include access to Amazon Prime Video (Thursday Night Football) and a number of other great perks.
Start a free trial of Amazon PrimeWhat else is on sale during Prime Big Deal Days?
The second Prime Day event of 2023 will kick off the holiday shopping season with early deals on thousands of popular brands and essentials like massage guns, treadmills, rowing machines, smartwatches, gym headphones, bone conduction headphones, free weights, home gym equipment, fitness apparel, shoes and more.
What other retailers are holding competing Big Deal Days or early Black Friday sales?
Amazon isn't the only retailer slashing prices this month. You can also find great deals on your favorite brands at other major retailers. Here are the top sale events we're watching in the coming week:
- Best Buy's 48-Hour Flash Sale is happening on October 10 and October 11, the same days as Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days.
- Walmart's Holiday Kickoff sale will run from October 9 through October 12.
- Nike's Ultimate sale is running from October 8 through October 15.
The best deals at Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event
Best Prime Big Deal Days deals on home gym gear
- The best October Amazon Prime Day 2023 weight bench deal: Our No. 1 bestseller is under $100
- Amazon has a crazy October Prime Day 2023 deal on Bowflex SelectTech adjustable weights today
- Amazon is offering massive October Prime Day 2023 discounts on ellipticals for your home gym
Best Prime Big Deal Days deals on sports equipment
More Prime Big Deal Days coverage at CBS News
- We found the best deals for Amazon Prime Day October 2023. Here's a list of the sale's top discounts. [CBS News]
- Black Friday is coming early this year. What you need to know about Amazon, Walmart and Target's plans [CBS News]
- The Walmart Holiday Kickoff Sale starts today. Here's how you can score the best deals [CBS News]