Modifications for Weight Lifting

So I've read great things on the whole lifting heavy business. I have been looking at posts of plenty of good workouts people have posted. Unfortunately my gym doesn't have a lot of the equipment. (namely a benchpress which seems to be a big part of half of the routines I've seen). It's my free provided gym (unfortunately the only thing in my budget)

We have a lot of free weights going up to about 80lbs. And otherwise there are a ton of a machines (I guess they don't trust us to not drop the larger weights?) I'd love to do some of these exercise programs but I'm looking for suggestions on either how to incorporate the individual handweights or the machines? I feel like 90% of what I've seen involves benchpress and deadlifts.

I'm new to this, so any suggestions would be awesome.
yes. eventually I'll have enough money to join a "real gym" or get some equipment but I'm a student for now.

Replies

  • Chari_Jan
    Chari_Jan Posts: 157 Member
    You can do benchpress with dumbbells. I have heard they are more effective because you have to use more of the small muscles to stabilize the weights. You can also use dumbbells for deadlifts as well.
  • rmhand
    rmhand Posts: 1,067 Member
    I think you have to have a more expensive insurance policy if you have benches/squat rack.

    You can deadlift and bench press just fine with dumbbells. The form is slightly different on some moves but you can make it work.
  • kschr201
    kschr201 Posts: 208 Member
    You can do benchpress with dumbbells. I have heard they are more effective because you have to use more of the small muscles to stabilize the weights. You can also use dumbbells for deadlifts as well.

    I guess that would make sense. I attempted to benchpress with what I had and it was really difficult to keep both weights up. Maybe just not quite as heavy until I get the stability down?
  • FitBeto
    FitBeto Posts: 2,121 Member
    Incline press with your dungbells, dungbells lunges, dungbell culs, etc. Just search dungbells and see what comes up.

    I dont like machines, so if dungbells were all I had to use, then I would go for that.
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    I have heard they are more effective because you have to use more of the small muscles to stabilize the weights.

    The drawbacks outweigh the potential benefits, IMO
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    Incline press with your dungbells, dungbells lunges, dungbell culs, etc. Just search dungbells and see what comes up.

    I dont like machines, so if dungbells were all I had to use, then I would go for that.

    You may not want to search "dungbells". You may not like what comes up........ or maybe you will, hell I don't know.

    If you incline press with your dungbells, you should clean up when you're done.