Dumbells

northdubgal

Hi all,

I have just started this programme http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/chalean_extreme.do and I thought the weights I have already would be enough but the heaviest (10lbs) is far from it so I need to get myself a couple of heavier dumbells.

Where can I pick them up? Is it possible to pick and choose the weights you want or buy them in bulk with pre-choosen weights?

As you've probably noticed - I am brand new to weights so I am learning as I go along!

rubadub

I would get this set
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3008250/Trail/searchtext%3E50KG.htm

Though they just jacked the price up a week or so ago. www.irish-lifting.com used to sell similar better sets but no longer have them on the site, it would be worth emailing him, he is a member here called Mickk he could well have a spare set. I reckon he will start selling them again after seeing the argos hike in prices.

Argos have 20kg dumbbell sets too, but it is worth getting the 50kg as you will certainly grow into it. Also the 50kg set has 5kg plates so you can fit a fair bit on the dumbbells. They are adjustable so a LOT cheaper than buying a set of fixed weight ones. Also get yourself a chinup bar in argos.

Do not get the vinyl/cement sets, they have hollow bars which will bend when you get to higher weights. They also are bulky so you fit less on the bar, and they start to break down over time, useless crap.

Check out www.exrx.net and www.stronglifts.com probably have a LOT better info than that site.

This one is aimed towards women, though there is no real difference for workouts between men and women. http://www.stumptuous.com/

northdubgal

Thanks for your suggestions..

I kinda had the seperate hand dumbbells in mind as they would be easier to switch while working out..

any ideas?

rubadub

northdubgal wrote: »

I kinda had the seperate hand dumbbells in mind as they would be easier to switch while working out.

You would really need a lot as you will dramatically gain strength in the next few months if you are just beginning. I remember having just 20kg adjustable dumbbells and thinking it was loads! Now I have ~140kg of plates. And do not think because you are a woman you will not need lots, a few women here lift a lot heavier than me.

To keep within rep ranges you need to add small increments at a time. Fixed dumbbells are really used in gyms or for super serious people or the rich!

The fixed dumbbells here are €3.50 per kilo http://www.irish-lifting.com/index.php?cPath=1_17

These are adjustable
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3008243/Trail/searchtext%3E20KG.htm
and work out ~€2.30 per kilo. Then extra plates are €2 per kilo http://www.irish-lifting.com/product_info_equipment.php?cPath=1_15&products_id=243

So actually it would be cheaper to buy a few sets of adjustables and have them at fixed weights. e.g say you wanted 3 pairs of different weights. It is cheaper to buy 3 adjustable sets and load them to different weights. Then when you get stronger you can adjust your 3 pairs.

I only have 2 handles, I load them up differently and just work one arm at a time. I currently use a ~25kg dumbbell. Now if this was "fixed" it would cost me €87.50. Yet for €100 I could get the 50kg set and make this single dumbbell and have lots left over. Having a proper barbell is also very useful.

It only takes a few minutes to change them once you get the hang of it anyway. You need a short break between exercises anyway.