Next dumbbell weight?

sofaking6
sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Heya..

I have 5, 8 and 10 lb dumbbells and do video workouts at home. I'm noticing that with stuff like rows and deadlifts, the 10 lb ones are no longer challenging me. Would it be better to go up a little step like to a 12 lb set, or a bigger step up to 15? Thanks for any comments/opinions/info :)
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Replies

  • maroonmango211
    maroonmango211 Posts: 908 Member
    It might be more worth it for you to invest in a set of adjustable dumbbells. In the end you're going to end up paying a ton more for individual weights every time you move up, not to mention the amount of space they will all take up eventually.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    maroonmango211 wrote: »
    It might be more worth it for you to invest in a set of adjustable dumbbells. In the end you're going to end up paying a ton more for individual weights every time you move up, not to mention the amount of space they will all take up eventually.

    I thought about that, but I've seen some people mentioning that those tend to be junky and break easily. They do take up space though! Especially since I have just 500 sq ft.

  • Noelv1976
    Noelv1976 Posts: 18,948 Member
    Dumb bells are kinda expensive, I say get some resistance bands until you feel like you can lift about 20-25 lbs. They do come in various resistance levels
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    Look into a barbell set. I had a spin lock style bar when I was younger, it was a 110 set, but the bar was only 20 lbs.
  • Sam_I_Am77
    Sam_I_Am77 Posts: 2,093 Member
    Dumbbells can be tricky and you should look into a good adjustable dumbbell that has a good range of weights to work with. Buying one that goes up to 120lbs may seem ridiculous now but you never know what you might want to do in the future, having the flexibility is good. A barbell set isn't a bad idea either. Also, if you go with the dumbbells, see if you can find one that is metallic on the outside. That way you can get micro-plates (0.50lbs / 1lb / 1.25lbs) that are magnetic and can attach to the sides, which will make progression easier.
  • sunglasses_and_ocean_waves
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves Posts: 2,757 Member
    why is it when someone asks a question, people always tell them to do something other than what they were asking? lol

    Get the 12s .... you'll need them for something else. If in a week or two, they're ineffective for rows, get the 15s. You'll want a complete set eventually.
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves wrote: »
    why is it when someone asks a question, people always tell them to do something other than what they were asking? lol

    Get the 12s .... you'll need them for something else. If in a week or two, they're ineffective for rows, get the 15s. You'll want a complete set eventually.

    I recommended a path that would give her the flexibility to lift more with a thought toward economy and space. If you buy dumbbells one at a time, you’ll pay a lot more for them. When you’re up to 40’s, you’ll be two to three hundred dollars in and have ten sets of dumbbells.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves wrote: »
    why is it when someone asks a question, people always tell them to do something other than what they were asking? lol

    Get the 12s .... you'll need them for something else. If in a week or two, they're ineffective for rows, get the 15s. You'll want a complete set eventually.

    Lol thank you :) If I had lots of money, I would get an adjustable set. I will go check at a secondhand store and see if there are any I can afford. If not I will get the 12's, maybe I can sell off the 10's on craigslist.

  • Noelv1976
    Noelv1976 Posts: 18,948 Member
    AllanMisner wrote: »
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves wrote: »
    why is it when someone asks a question, people always tell them to do something other than what they were asking? lol

    Get the 12s .... you'll need them for something else. If in a week or two, they're ineffective for rows, get the 15s. You'll want a complete set eventually.

    I recommended a path that would give her the flexibility to lift more with a thought toward economy and space. If you buy dumbbells one at a time, you’ll pay a lot more for them. When you’re up to 40’s, you’ll be two to three hundred dollars in and have ten sets of dumbbells.

    Agreed. Can also buy those Olympic plates with the mini barbells...which I've used in the past. But if she's still in the 10s, I still say the resistance for economic reasons.
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,337 Member
    If you can swing is financially Powerblocks are very high quality adjustable dumbbells. I have had mine for more that 20 years, and even being used a fair amount, they have no issues.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    Noelv1976 wrote: »
    AllanMisner wrote: »
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves wrote: »
    why is it when someone asks a question, people always tell them to do something other than what they were asking? lol

    Get the 12s .... you'll need them for something else. If in a week or two, they're ineffective for rows, get the 15s. You'll want a complete set eventually.

    I recommended a path that would give her the flexibility to lift more with a thought toward economy and space. If you buy dumbbells one at a time, you’ll pay a lot more for them. When you’re up to 40’s, you’ll be two to three hundred dollars in and have ten sets of dumbbells.

    Agreed. Can also buy those Olympic plates with the mini barbells...which I've used in the past. But if she's still in the 10s, I still say the resistance for economic reasons.

    The bands are all but out of the question due to a super loose shoulder. I've used them before and they are difficult to get into position without risking a dislocation.

    I Googled mini barbells and only got doggie chew toys :)
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Noelv1976 wrote: »
    AllanMisner wrote: »
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves wrote: »
    why is it when someone asks a question, people always tell them to do something other than what they were asking? lol

    Get the 12s .... you'll need them for something else. If in a week or two, they're ineffective for rows, get the 15s. You'll want a complete set eventually.

    I recommended a path that would give her the flexibility to lift more with a thought toward economy and space. If you buy dumbbells one at a time, you’ll pay a lot more for them. When you’re up to 40’s, you’ll be two to three hundred dollars in and have ten sets of dumbbells.

    Agreed. Can also buy those Olympic plates with the mini barbells...which I've used in the past. But if she's still in the 10s, I still say the resistance for economic reasons.

    The bands are all but out of the question due to a super loose shoulder. I've used them before and they are difficult to get into position without risking a dislocation.

    I Googled mini barbells and only got doggie chew toys :)

    OlyDumbHandles.jpg
    With oly plates

    There's these too:
    im-0030w.jpg
    which use standard plates instead of oly plates.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    Thank you - those look workable so if I see any I'll check them out!
  • Smallc10
    Smallc10 Posts: 616 Member
    You could get a 15 and buy some 2.5 lb arm weights to bridge the gap if you're on a budget.
  • Noelv1976
    Noelv1976 Posts: 18,948 Member
    Yeah, the top pic she sent. Can't upload pix through the work comp.
  • Noelv1976
    Noelv1976 Posts: 18,948 Member
    I bought my set of Olympics through Dick's, only place that had those Oly size barbells. the little ones you can find them at Walmart at a cheap price. But you can also check out the Thrift or Goodwill stores. That's where I got some of my weights.
  • jennifershoo
    jennifershoo Posts: 3,198 Member
    I love my Bowflex SelectTech.
    yes, they are expensive, but they are the best investment I made.

    http://www.amazon.com/Bowflex-SelectTech-Adjustable-Dumbbells-Pair/dp/B00O89FXF6

    51nnMxox1bL._SL500_SS100_.jpg
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Thank you - those look workable so if I see any I'll check them out!

    If you have a Play It Again Sports near you, they probably have those laying around.
    Craigslist as well.

    You might be able to score adjustable dumbbells on CL too, work a look since they'd last you a lot longer and take up less space.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    Oh wow I didn't even think of Goodwill. There is a Play It Again Sports around here so that's probably the first place I'll look.

    I actually didn't realize how expensive the regular dumbbells get as you move up. I got the ones I have now at Marshall's and they were right cheap, but I see now I'm looking at $25 *per dumbbell* at least. So it looks like my best bet is to just start combing the secondhand market for an adjustable set. Or wait until I pay off my football tickets and start saving up again...

    Thanks for the great discussion.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    lishie_rebooted wrote: »
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Thank you - those look workable so if I see any I'll check them out!

    If you have a Play It Again Sports near you, they probably have those laying around.
    Craigslist as well.

    You might be able to score adjustable dumbbells on CL too, work a look since they'd last you a lot longer and take up less space.

    Jinx ;)
  • rachelrb85
    rachelrb85 Posts: 579 Member
    I'd go for the adjustable dumbbell set if you are limited for space. They are not as bulky as having plates everywhere. And you should be increasing weight as you go and it gets easier for you. That will happen fast with 12-15 lbs, especially with deadlifts and squats.
  • giantrobot_powerlifting
    giantrobot_powerlifting Posts: 2,598 Member
    Money that is well spent on good workout equipment, like dumbbells and barbells and plates, is money spent well. Second rate tools give you second rate results.
  • edack72
    edack72 Posts: 173 Member
    go for 15.....you are stronger than you think you are :smile:
  • unhgoose
    unhgoose Posts: 122 Member
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Oh wow I didn't even think of Goodwill. There is a Play It Again Sports around here so that's probably the first place I'll look.

    I actually didn't realize how expensive the regular dumbbells get as you move up. I got the ones I have now at Marshall's and they were right cheap, but I see now I'm looking at $25 *per dumbbell* at least. So it looks like my best bet is to just start combing the secondhand market for an adjustable set. Or wait until I pay off my football tickets and start saving up again...

    Thanks for the great discussion.

    I was in a similar position and bought 12s. I got them at Walmart and they were about a dollar a pound so $24 for the pair. You can also buy some 3's and hold them with your 10's. It's a little harder on the hands but it's cheaper til you can afford the heavier ones.
  • slideaway1
    slideaway1 Posts: 1,006 Member
    jennifershoo wrote: »
    I love my Bowflex SelectTech.
    yes, they are expensive, but they are the best investment I made.

    http://www.amazon.com/Bowflex-SelectTech-Adjustable-Dumbbells-Pair/dp/B00O89FXF6

    51nnMxox1bL._SL500_SS100_.jpg

    I own those too. Great investment. If you can get them second hand even better. No messing around changing plates (just turn a dial) and saves loads of space in my home gym.
  • RavenLibra
    RavenLibra Posts: 1,737 Member
    I say sell the light ones... and look for second hand in the weight you want... BUT definitely jump by 5 lb increments.. alternatively you can keep the weights you have and increase power by attaching a rubber band to the dumb bells this is truly an evil technique because as you stretch the band the resistance increases... BUT you will love the results
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    slideaway1 wrote: »
    jennifershoo wrote: »
    I love my Bowflex SelectTech.
    yes, they are expensive, but they are the best investment I made.

    http://www.amazon.com/Bowflex-SelectTech-Adjustable-Dumbbells-Pair/dp/B00O89FXF6

    51nnMxox1bL._SL500_SS100_.jpg

    I own those too. Great investment. If you can get them second hand even better. No messing around changing plates (just turn a dial) and saves loads of space in my home gym.

    I like those because they're still shaped like the dumbbells I'm used to. The powerblock ones seem awkward to handle, at least in the pictures (and on FitnessBlender).
  • mysticlizard
    mysticlizard Posts: 896 Member
    How about a set or two of these and you could mix and match.

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Gold-s-Gym-40-Pound-Vinyl-Dumbbell-Set/21672513
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    Actually I did look at these: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Gold-s-Gym-SpaceSaver-25-lb-Single-Dumbbell/21695182

    I feel like 25 lbs is a ways off for me and then I could trade it in for a nicer one...but I do worry about the quality of the product with the little moving parts and all.
  • slideaway1
    slideaway1 Posts: 1,006 Member
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Actually I did look at these: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Gold-s-Gym-SpaceSaver-25-lb-Single-Dumbbell/21695182

    I feel like 25 lbs is a ways off for me and then I could trade it in for a nicer one...but I do worry about the quality of the product with the little moving parts and all.

    Yeah, just clicked on the link, My Bowflex are exactly the same but go up to 90lbs (per weight) in 5Lbs increments. I love them for curls, dumbbell bench/flys etc. Stupidly expensive to buy brand new, but a real luxury if you see yourself wanting to lift long term. I would recommend them to anybody.

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