A personal trainer in Kent has developed the world’s first all-wooden dumbbells, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional metal or plastic weights. The innovation comes as sustainability becomes an increasing priority in the fitness industry.
Michael White, a personal trainer with 25 years of experience and founder of HomeHealth, created the wooden weights in response to what he sees as the industry’s failure to address environmental concerns. Conventional dumbbells are typically made from iron, stainless steel, or plastic, with manufacturing processes that contribute to pollution and high carbon emissions.
“The fitness industry is particularly bad when it comes to sustainability,” White said. “I work with weights every day but had never stopped to think about their environmental impact. That needed to change.”
His idea for wooden dumbbells came about unexpectedly when a tree fell in his garden. “I thought, ‘What if I made dumbbells from wood?’” he recalled. “The first versions were a bit rough, but they felt great—natural, tactile, and surprisingly effective.”
Sustainable and Functional Design
Made entirely from sustainably sourced European oak and ash, the dumbbells are designed to be both practical and environmentally friendly. White refined the design through extensive trial and error, settling on smaller weights—ranging from 1kg to 5kg—that balance durability with sustainability.
The dense oak provides the necessary weight, while ash handles ensure flexibility and strength. Unlike traditional round dumbbells, these feature a square shape, reducing wood waste during production and allowing them to be stacked without the need for additional storage stands.
Each dumbbell is finished with a natural beeswax and mineral oil coating, enhancing its durability while maintaining an organic aesthetic. “They’re designed to be a feature in your home, gym, or hotel room,” White explained. “You won’t want to hide them away in a cupboard.”
Growing Interest from the Fitness Industry
Since their launch, the wooden dumbbells have drawn interest from commercial gyms, yoga studios, and Pilates centres looking to introduce more sustainable equipment. The growing trend towards eco-friendly fitness has already seen innovations such as energy-generating treadmills and stationary bikes, and White believes his wooden weights are part of a broader shift in attitudes.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “There’s so much more we can do to make fitness equipment sustainable.”
A Premium Investment for a Greener Future
The wooden dumbbells, which start at £120 for a 1kg pair and rise to £1,100 for a full set, are priced as a premium product. However, White insists they offer a unique blend of sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. He is already working on future designs, including a hybrid model that incorporates recycled iron to increase weight while reducing waste.
As the world marked International Women’s Day on 8 March, White highlighted how his innovation aligns with the broader themes of empowerment and sustainability. “Strong women deserve a strong future,” he said. “These weights help people build strength while making a positive impact on the planet.”