Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with dumbbells

Dumbbells vs Barbells

Vorteks — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:18:05 -0800

Is there any reason that barbells would be indispensable from a serious stength-training program? Or are dumbbells just fine? I've been wanting to get serious about building strength for a while now, and after reading a question about workout routines yesterday, I've pretty much decided to try the StrongLifts 5x5 routine. One question though: it seems a lot of these programs pretty much assume that when you're doing squats/deadlifts/bench press/etc that you'll be using a barbell. I don't have barbells, but I *do* have dumbbells. I've always thought that dumbbells would be better. Especially since I'll be lifting while alone in my apartment, if I run out of strength while doing bench presses or something, it seems like I'd be less likely to kill myself using dumbbells than barbells. But at the same time, if barbells are necessary to get the full effect of the exercises, I don't want to be shooting myself in the foot. Does it make a big difference? Why would one use barbells over dumbbells, or vice versa?

Thanks Mefites.

Embiggen My Puny Arms!

turgid dahlia — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:59:10 -0800

What are, say, the 5 key dumbbell exercises for arm strongening? So I’m a fair-sized lad with pretty broad shoulders, strong legs and a some excess pudding around the abdomen. For overall health I am going to resume my daily walking and yoga routine, which I have been criminally neglecting these past few months, as well as cut back on booze (boo!) and carbohydrates in general. I’m also quitting smoking (just like the seven other times I’ve done it). But one thing I’d really like to focus on is my puny arms.

With this in mind, I am going to purchase a pair (or is “set” the correct nomenclature?) of dumbbells today, likely 10kg jobs. What are, say, the 5 key dumbbell exercises for arm strongening? I don’t want to go around looking like I’ve got a pair of condoms packed with walnuts attached to the sides of my torso, but I’d also like to not go around looking like those same condoms are filled with gravy and whipped cream.

Bonus question: Is there a pull-up “corollary” I can perform with these dumbbells? I read in another AskMe that pull-ups are one of the best exercises to perform for arm enhancements, but I have nothing to pull up on, which leaves me stymied.

What are the best possible exercises I can do using 20 lb dumb bells?

drgonzo2k2 — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:31:36 -0800

What are the best possible exercises I can do for about 20 minutes a day using 2 - 20 lb dumb bells? I've just received 2 - 20 lb dumb bells from someone. I already do 30 minutes every morning on the treadmill starting out at a warm-up walking pace and finishing with at a quick jog. I'd like to supplement that activity with some basic strength training using these dumb bells. I'd like my overall workout to be less than an hour, so what are the best exercises I can do with these weights to get the most benefit? Also, should I do the strength training before or after the treadmill work?

Bonus Points - I've recently had weight loss surgery and am doing quite well with it, so if there are any exercises or routines aimed at weight loss patients, that'd be even better.

Got the weights, NOW what?

unSane — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 06:22:42 -0800

On AskMe's advice I bought a set of adjustable dumbbells and a bench. Now I need the hive mind's help to design a workout plan. I need to design a simple workout plan using only a bench, a stability ball, a step (if necessary), medicine ball (if necessary), and a mat.

I am recovering from a back injury and it is important to me to build up my core strength. I have no interest at all in 'bulking up' or 'sculpting' or anything like that. I am getting cardio elsewhere (biking). I'd like to plan a 30-minute, 5-day a week workout that works my whole body over the course of a week.

Although I worked out with a trainer for a year I am a real beginner at this stuff, so assume I have no knowledge at all.

Most of the stuff on the web seems to be aimed either at Ultimate Fighting Dudes (bench press 900lbs) or Pathetic Grannies ("your exercise for today is to stand in the same spot and breathe gently").

I am 42, 5'10 and a bit, 175lbs. Yes, I'm going to take it very easy at first.

Thanks in advance!