Which weight should I buy?

holybell

I want to add weight training to my routine in order to increase my muscle. Even though I won't see the muscle anytime soon, I want to get it. So I was wondering what weight to start at. I currently have a 4 pound and a 5 pound dumbbell set and a 15 pound kettlebell. But I am specifically looking for a pair of dumbbells with a weight that will challenge me. Should I get 8, 10, more? Is there a way for me to determine what weight is best?

shadow2soul

You might want to look into an adjustable pair. It's a little more up front but tends to save money (and space) over time.

bostonwolf

I'd say heavier. If you need to curl 5lbs just buy a gallon of milk and curl that (more like 8 lbs actually.)

Remember that if your goal is to add muscle, you need to be working at lower rep ranges per set and higher weights.

I would start with 5 reps per set and add reps until you can do 8 reps per set, then increase the weight and go back to

Good luck!

sofaking6

I have 5, 8 and 10 lb dumbells. I would tentatively say 8 because then your next step up can be 12, also because I find that there is a good challenge going from the 5 to the 8 lb weights.

BigGuy47

In addition to the dumbbells you should try adding body weight training. For example you can easily vary the intensity of push ups by elevating your feet or changing you hand position.

Adjustable dumbbells are a good idea for consistent progress and space saving, but it's a big investment up front.

dbmata

For dbs I'd suggest having the following collection, a pair of each.

8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70

Kettlebells? I'd say 25 and 45, a single of each.

uconnwinsnc1

dbmata wrote: »

For dbs I'd suggest having the following collection, a pair of each.

8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70

Kettlebells? I'd say 25 and 45, a single of each.

Which can be a bit pricey. A gym membership over a year would be considerably more cost effective.

If you (OP) don't want a gym membership, though, you can find used weights at places like tag sales and garage sales. Get heavy ones for a few bucks instead of buying them all new. The only difference is they won't be pretty to look at.

DopeItUp

I would get something adjustable up to at least 60-80lb range if you can swing it. 5 and 8lb DBs aren't going to do anything.

dbmata

au contraire.

Those 5 and 8 pounders can be killer for a second burn out set right after your last burn out of the movement.

uconn - hey, if someone wants to DIY, they have to expect some cost. That's the cost/benefit trade off.

mustgetmuscles1

Resistance bands are not really a replacement for a good set of dumbbells but I use mine a lot and the price is right for the amount of resistance you can get up to.

Resistance bands

uconnwinsnc1

mustgetmuscles1 wrote: »

Resistance bands are not really a replacement for a good set of dumbbells but I use mine a lot and the price is right for the amount of resistance you can get up to.

Resistance bands

Make sure to store all resistance bands out of direct sunlight. If they dry out they have the possibility of snapping.

dbmata

uconnwinsnc1 wrote: »

mustgetmuscles1 wrote: »

Resistance bands are not really a replacement for a good set of dumbbells but I use mine a lot and the price is right for the amount of resistance you can get up to.

Resistance bands

Make sure to store all resistance bands out of direct sunlight. If they dry out they have the possibility of snapping.

LOL

holybell

Thanks everyone. I do have a gym membership. But I just wanted a set at home for those days I make excuses not to do anything. I'll probably buy 8, 10, and 12. And use the heavier ones at the gym.

Chieflrg

bostonwolf wrote: »

I'd say heavier. If you need to curl 5lbs just buy a gallon of milk and curl that (more like 8 lbs actually.)

Remember that if your goal is to add muscle, you need to be working at lower rep ranges per set and higher weights.

I would start with 5 reps per set and add reps until you can do 8 reps per set, then increase the weight and go back to

Good luck!

That is for increasing strength not specifically adding muscle. Hypertrophy is achieved in the 8-12 rep range and with a weight that you can achieve those reps in good form, not necessarily a higher weight as strength training.

dbmata

Hypertrophy is all about TUT, and 8-12 reps doesn't really tell the whole story.