New to Dumbbells, a bit of help - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

asdfgh · 05-02-2004, 04:49 PM

Hi im new to working out, I am going to start buying dumbbells, I am 15... for strenght training what amount of weights should I get, right now I can do 15 pounds, but I tried 30 pounds once and it was VERY VERY hard...soo what amounts should I get, eg. 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 .... for now ? and I've been reading some of the routines of some people and I don't understand what they are like Lat Pull ups, pull downs and all these "phrases" I do not understand and I don't know what they look like etc... is there a site with like picture and all these technicalities...thank you

Calikermie · 05-03-2004, 11:46 AM

I would get weights around 20 pounds if you say you can do 15. BUT, are you doing them right? I am 23 and am average strength, and I usually use around 10 pounds. If I wanted to, I could use heavier, but if you really are doing the excersize right,then you don't need really heavy ones. Make sure you are doing the move slowly, and really concentrating on flexing that muscle tightly. Get full range of motion and do about 15 reps or so. If you really do it right then you'll definately feel it.

Used2BScooterTX · 05-03-2004, 12:55 PM

For an explanation of different dumbell exercises and execution, check out the ExRx website (http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html). I reference this website all the time-- it's a good resource.

Laurie2 · 05-03-2004, 09:39 PM

If you can. The best route is a pair of dbls with removeable plates. This way you can add to them as you go and is more cost effective. Also more versitile as you can use them, heavier or lighter, as whatever the execise....and your ability....calls for.

For example. I have a pair of Ivanko dbl bars (5lbs each) with a bunch of 10, 5, 2 1/2, and 1/14lb plates. These can be adjusted in weight for curls, presses, bentover dbl rows or whatever you can think of. Just add what your plate weights with the bar weight to know what you are lifting.

mjmaciver · 05-04-2004, 07:02 AM

I'd have to agree with laurie on this one,and as she also said buying short bars and plates separately is usually more cost effective than the fixed dumbells as well.
But if you stick with dumbells then you're going to have to figure out which weights to buy on your own. Instinctive training my friend.

Here's an example of prices at the place I shop:

25lb fixed dumbell= $16.25 ($0.65/lb)

25lbs in plates= $8.75 ($0.35/lb)

Bars= $4.00 ($0.80/lb)

unless you buy very light weights, the adjustibles are cheaper.

But I'm not going to tell you what to do, just trying to save you a few pennies

Oh, and whether you buy dumbells or adjustibles, don't be afraid to look second hand: Iron is Iron is Iron.

Sorry to stray off your posts topic

talk to ya later