Dumb Bells

Dumbbells, the smaller one hand weights used by body builders, were named after a tool used by church bell ringers in teaching the art of steeple bell ringing to their apprentices. The tool was a special bell that would not peal when its rope was pulled. The ringers of these massive bells developed such huge muscles plying their craft that even non-professionals began to use the noiseless dumbbells as exercise. (Source: Foley, Why Do Catholics Eat Fish On Friday)