Questions on All Pro workout

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sun_fish
sun_fish Posts: 864 Member
Hi, I just started the All Pro workout. I am new to resistance training and my goal is to retain LBM as I lose about 25 more pounds, decrease risk of osteoporosis, ward off depression, reduce risk of injury and pain as I age, and just overall physical health improvement.

As I am weak and ancient my starting weights do not allow me to only use a barbell and plates. Especially for the warm up sets, I have to use dumbbells, and also for some of the work sets on medium and light days. Is this ok to use a mix of dumbbells and barbell?

My other question is in regards to grip strength, or should I say lack of grip strength. Is this just something that improves as I progress? Especially on SLDL, towards the end of my 2nd work set I feel my hands are having a hard time holding the bar, even though the weight feels fine for the rest of my body.

Any other advice would be appreciated!

Replies

  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    Of course it's fine to use dumbbells--just make sure you have access to a variety of dumbbells so you can increase the weight. Grip strength will improve, too. You can do additional things to improve grip strength, like those squeeze thingies or even a tennis ball. Deadlift-type exercises, farmer's walks with dumbbells are also good for improving grip strength.

    improve-grip-strength-hand-grippers.jpeg
  • sun_fish
    sun_fish Posts: 864 Member
    Of course it's fine to use dumbbells--just make sure you have access to a variety of dumbbells so you can increase the weight. Grip strength will improve, too. You can do additional things to improve grip strength, like those squeeze thingies or even a tennis ball. Deadlift-type exercises, farmer's walks with dumbbells are also good for improving grip strength.

    improve-grip-strength-hand-grippers.jpeg

    Thanks so much - had to look up farmers walk and that is something I think I can handle!
  • LuvtheCubs
    LuvtheCubs Posts: 161 Member
    My hands would get sore from the dumb dells. Then they got stronger like the rest of my body. Whenever I increase my weight the hands are sore for a couple sessions then they recover. Good luck!
  • sun_fish
    sun_fish Posts: 864 Member
    My hands would get sore from the dumb dells. Then they got stronger like the rest of my body. Whenever I increase my weight the hands are sore for a couple sessions then they recover. Good luck!

    Thank you!
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