How do I use my dumbells properly?

py2006

Hi all,

Feeling very unwell lately, due to lack of exercise.

I found a set of dumbells that I bought a few years ago and I am going to start using them. Are there any recommendations for proper and effective use of these. I know obviously you just lift them up and down but I was doing a bit of that and I noticed I was doing it rather fast, so is it better to do it slowly?

I don't to look all Arnold Schwartzeneggery or anything. Just enough to tone up.

Thanks in advance

n1ck

What weights are the dumbells you're lifting?

py2006

n1ck wrote: »

What weights are the dumbells you're lifting?

5 LB each!

chrism2007

py2006 wrote: »

5 LB each!

think you need new dumbells to be honest

MagicMarker

py2006 wrote: »

5 LB each!

They'd make good paper weights, or a door stop.

waraf

py2006 wrote: »

I don't to look all Arnold Schwartzeneggery or anything. Just enough to tone up.

All gym newbies say this but mate to be honest it take years and a lot of dedication to get even half as big as Arnie. In your case it will probably take decades with your 5 lb weights.

If you're feeling lethargic due to lack of fitness you really need some cardio work rather than just weight lifting anyway. Go for a run or a cycle instead

py2006

Well aren't you all very smart with your big muscles!!! :rolleyes: Give me a break, I am only starting out haha!

Actually, they are 10lbs each! I meant 5lbs on each end of the dumbell!

Is that still pathetic and whimpy??

I will be coupling this with some walking and brief spurts of jogging.

Thanks again!

aye

Lots of Dumbbell exercises here:

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/dumbbellexercises.html


aim for 10 reps and 3 sets of you chosen exercises.
make sure you are doing leg exercises, such as the squat and lunges.

If the weight is too light for some exericses you should buy a heavier adjustable set, so that you can increase and decrease the weight for differing exercises.

There is a sample routine here:
http://www.intense-workout.com/dumbbell_exercises.html

Hanley

aye wrote: »

Lots of Dumbbell exercises here:

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/dumbbellexercises.html


aim for 10 reps and 3 sets of you chosen exercises.
make sure you are doing leg exercises, such as the squat and lunges.

If the weight is too light for some exericses you should buy a heavier adjustable set, so that you can increase and decrease the weight for differing exercises.

There is a sample routine here:
http://www.intense-workout.com/dumbbell_exercises.html

OMFG py2006, whatever you do, don't do this;



Rest of the exercises look solid tho!

aye

Hanley wrote: »

OMFG py2006, whatever you do, don't do this;



Rest of the exercises look solid tho!

Lol agreed, dont follow that example of a deadlift ha!!

waraf

py2006 wrote: »

Well aren't you all very smart with your big muscles!!! :rolleyes: Give me a break, I am only starting out haha!

No offense mate I was only messing. The thing is that you really need a selection of dumbells of different weights to work on different muscles. For example you'll probably be able to lift more weight with your bicep than your tricep. I would suggest joining a gym instead if you afford it.

But seriously, don't worry about getting massive like a big bulging body builder. It took me at least 4 months of solid training before I had put on enough muscle for it to become in any way noticable it and even then it was relatively minor.

aye

waraf wrote: »

For example you'll probably be able to lift more weight with your bicep than your tricep.

Hopefully not, considering the triceps are bigger than the biceps.

py2006

aye wrote: »

Lots of Dumbbell exercises here:

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/dumbbellexercises.html


aim for 10 reps and 3 sets of you chosen exercises.
make sure you are doing leg exercises, such as the squat and lunges.

If the weight is too light for some exericses you should buy a heavier adjustable set, so that you can increase and decrease the weight for differing exercises.

There is a sample routine here:
http://www.intense-workout.com/dumbbell_exercises.html

Thats brilliant, thanks alot for that! I didn't want to start experimenting with different routines and injure myself so its good to know the proper routines!

Hanley wrote: »

OMFG py2006, whatever you do, don't do this;



Rest of the exercises look solid tho!

Yea, I bet you could do yourself a spot of bother with that one.

waraf wrote: »

No offense mate I was only messing. The thing is that you really need a selection of dumbells of different weights to work on different muscles. For example you'll probably be able to lift more weight with your bicep than your tricep. I would suggest joining a gym instead if you afford it.

But seriously, don't worry about getting massive like a big bulging body builder. It took me at least 4 months of solid training before I had put on enough muscle for it to become in any way noticable it and even then it was relatively minor.

Thanks for that, I was in a gym a few years ago but I find nowadays there is less staff to help you and bigger queues for the various equipment. I may eventually join again if I get into my dumbells.

With regard to noticable muscle growth, I am not overally fussy. I just want to feel better physically which I think comes first anyway before any noticable physical changes.

waraf

aye wrote: »

Hopefully not, considering the triceps are bigger than the biceps.

Yeah I know but thats what it was like for me when I first started lifting weights. Maybe I always just used my biceps more and therefore they were more developed when I started.