Dumbbell exercise and training is a relatively cheap option compared to buying a multi gym or exercise machine yet is versatile and effective. All you need is a pair of dumbbells, some space and a wide variety of free weight dumbbell exercises can be performed with no other exercise equipment needed. Aerobic exercise and cardiovascular exercise burns calories while you do the exercise, but for every additional pound of muscle you gain, your body burns around 50 extra calories every day of the week. Research has shown that regular resistance training can increase your Basal Metabolic Rate by up to 15%.