Dumb bells

oonga

Hi guys,
I have just recently bought dumbells that have adjustable weights.
I can''t really afford a barbell as well now

Could i do like an improvised version of the SL 5x5 using the hand held dumbells you think??

Would it at least sort of work and give some benefit?

Rae6503

I sometimes do it at home with dumbbells. I end up doing sumo squats. You could also substitute one legged squats or lunges. As you move up it'll be hard to get enough weight for regular squats on dumbbells.

oonga

Thanks Rae6503

I suspect it will take me a while to move up in weights LOL
I really am more of a cardio person than a strength person

I will google some of those exercises you have mentioned, i know what sumo squats are, just not sure on how i would incorporate the dumbbells into them LOL

Its all one big learning curve, appreciate your input

XFitMojoMom

you can squat with your dumbells racked on your shoulders, but it's much harder and really works your core muscles. I don't think you'll get the depth you need for a proper squat if you do one legged squats.

Dumbells in general will be much tougher as you don't have the even weight distribution as you would with a barbell.

irridia

you can squat with your dumbells racked on your shoulders, but it's much harder and really works your core muscles. I don't think you'll get the depth you need for a proper squat if you do one legged squats.

Dumbells in general will be much tougher as you don't have the even weight distribution as you would with a barbell.

That's the way I did them when I started, also did lunges while curling, helps you with your core stabalizers.

oonga

Xfitmojomum: ahhh yeh by racked on your shoulders you mean holding them at shoulder level? then squatting without moving the dumbbells right, just hold in place?


irridia: lunges while curling? You mean do bicep curls while doing lunges?

Sorry guys i am pretty new to weights so making head and tail of the terminology

The strength stuff i have done has been just using my own body for strength you know push ups, sit ups, lunges squats etc but not really holding weights as such. WEll unless you count the 2kg dumbbells per hand in the JM Shred and Ripped DVDs LOL

tameko2

Oonga - you will be fine with dumbells for a while, but like Rae said you won't be able to hold enough weight at some point. (sumo squats are just with your legs further apart and toes pointed out a bit more - you can hold the weights between your legs that way). Go ahead and start with your dumbells though - its good for now. When its time to step up to a barbell you can do it then. Also you can start watching Craigslist now - sometimes I have seen a power rack or squat + barbell + weights come up for a very good price.

(also, technically the movement on a dumbell bench or overhead press is also a bit different but i wouldn't fret with it too much. you're getting stronger for now no matter what you do)

oonga

Thanks Tameko2

I did Sumo squats with MIchelle Bridges 12wbt, but that was with hands on hips, or behind head, no weights.
Oh she is Australia's answer to Jillian Michaels LOL

I will do what i can with the dumbbells and by the time i get to the point of not being able to use them, i should be able to afford a barbell!

I do kind of get what you mean by the difference with barbells and dumbbells and the weights! I can lift much heavier kettlebells than i can lift dumbbells!

irridia

Xfitmojomum: ahhh yeh by racked on your shoulders you mean holding them at shoulder level? then squatting without moving the dumbbells right, just hold in place?

yes

irridia: lunges while curling? You mean do bicep curls while doing lunges?

yes.

oonga

Thanks for clarifying Irridia :happy:

Smuterella

I plan to start this plan with dumbells at home once I finish Chalean Extreme in a month or so. I'd be interested to see how you find it. :-)