Opinions on this beginner strength workout?

logicandlove

I've never really done strength training and I really want to start, but I have no access to a gym right now. However, my boyfriend has a set of adjustable dumbbells, so I've been looking for a routine I can start up with just those, and came across this site:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/mraz4.htm

If I stick to the beginner routine for 2 or 3 weeks and then go up to the intermediate, is this a decent routine, or does anyone have suggestions for something else that would be even more effective (sans barbells)?

Thanks in advance

ETA: Right now, my workouts consist of frequent biking (anywhere between 5 and 10 miles multiple times a week) and the occasional workout video.

logicandlove

bump? anyone?

LaurenAOK

I'm doing The New Rules of Lifting for Women program and all I have is a set of adjustable dumbbells! I don't know anything about lifting but I DO know that this program gets rave reviews, so that's where I'm starting. A lot of the moves call for a barbell instead of dumbbells, but it says you can use dumbbells instead if you must. There are also some variations that use dumbbells instead of barbells or machines. I haven't had any trouble so far, so I would recommend checking it out

JNick77

bump? anyone?

I just looked at it... Um, it's not awful I guess. Especially once you get to the intermediate routine you're gonna play hell trying to actually get that done in 10-minutes in a crowded gym.

If you're looking for a solid starting program I would recommend Mark Rippletoe's "Starting Strength". I believe he just released a 3rd edition which is suppose to be even better than his others. I've also heard that Jamie Eason's program on BB.Com is pretty solid but I haven't really looked at it.

shiseido_faerie

I don't know but bump i'd be curious, I only have dumbbells right now.

logicandlove

Oh man, I had no idea NROL4W could be done with just dumbbells! I've been meaning to get that for a while, so I may just jump into that instead

penrbrown

I don't see why it wouldn't help.

ANY strength training (with proper form) is going to show some kind of results.

_Tristan_

Proper form is the only thing I would be worried about but if you follow the examples and pay attention to the muscles you are trying to train then you should be fine. I would suggest starting with light weights. Good Luck!

jennifeffer

I have done two workouts in stage one of nrolfw. I like it so far. And when i'm done it's almost like, really, that's it? But i do feel it the next day! It takes 30 minutes tops.

LaurenAOK

I have done two workouts in stage one of nrolfw. I like it so far. And when i'm done it's almost like, really, that's it? But i do feel it the next day! It takes 30 minutes tops.

Haha yes, that's how I feel too! I love how short it is and even though it kind of hurts during the workout, after it's over I'm like "Well that wasn't so bad."

Then I wake up the next morning EVERYTHING HURTS. :laugh:

jennifeffer

I have done two workouts in stage one of nrolfw. I like it so far. And when i'm done it's almost like, really, that's it? But i do feel it the next day! It takes 30 minutes tops.

Haha yes, that's how I feel too! I love how short it is and even though it kind of hurts during the workout, after it's over I'm like "Well that wasn't so bad."

Then I wake up the next morning EVERYTHING HURTS. :laugh:

I know!! I has to be doing something.............lol

chuisle

I have done two workouts in stage one of nrolfw. I like it so far. And when i'm done it's almost like, really, that's it? But i do feel it the next day! It takes 30 minutes tops.

It gets longer, don't worry

Also - I think NROLFW and any program for that matter - is best with a relatively full set of equipment (read: oly bar and squat rack at least). This is important because you are really going to struggle to get to high enough weights with dumbbells to push your body where it needs to go. If you want to lift - and I think you should - you need to consider investing in a gym membership.

It's not all or nothing - you can't join a gym then lift any way you can but you should consider the possibility and if necessary save up. It's worth it!

jennifeffer

I have done two workouts in stage one of nrolfw. I like it so far. And when i'm done it's almost like, really, that's it? But i do feel it the next day! It takes 30 minutes tops.

It gets longer, don't worry

Also - I think NROLFW and any program for that matter - is best with a relatively full set of equipment (read: oly bar and squat rack at least). This is important because you are really going to struggle to get to high enough weights with dumbbells to push your body where it needs to go. If you want to lift - and I think you should - you need to consider investing in a gym membership.

It's not all or nothing - you can't join a gym then lift any way you can but you should consider the possibility and if necessary save up. It's worth it!

Oh, I imagine it does get longer and harder:) I am considering a gym membership but it would take close to an hour round trip (i live in the boonies...) and with two small kids and full time job i just can't see myself getting there. I do have a barbell...no squat rack yet. There is also a guy about ten minutes from my that trains olympic lifting and i thought about going to see him. A bit intimidating though.......my husband will have to spot me for now. lol

Your arms are buff!! I hope mine get that way!

hesn92

Oh wow I didn't know you could do the new rules of lifting blah blah with just dumbbells. This is exciting news.

Meh. Nevermind. I'll just wait until I can afford a gym membership.