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June 1, 2010 11:29 PM Subscribe
Best set of dumbbells for beginner resistance work?
I've started doing a tiny bit of resistance exercise as part of my overall exercise program. I do a series of exercises (shoulder flexion, triceps extension, bicep curl - stuff I downloaded from the NASA site, heh) currently using 4-lb neoprene dumbbells. (Other days I do long, hilly walks and basic aerobics, running in place, jumping jacks, stuff like that.)
My goal is purely to build muscle for the reported burn-fat-all-the-time metabolism effect.
I'd like to get some adjustable dumbbells; I imagine moving up 2.5 lbs at a time will work well for me.
Other considerations:
I'm tiny (under 5 feet tall), so big long bars are probably not as good for me as compact systems.
I have NO SPACE, so once again, compact is good.
Should I get the high-tech stuff with pins, like the PowerBlock set (I've seen those recommended on AskMe once or twice), or the spin-lock bar and plate sets?
What's the best place to buy? I'm leaning toward Amazon. I'm underwhelmed by the local sports stores (based on extremely limited pokes around their websites). I've looked at Craigslist, and I'm open to that, but I'd kind of prefer to buy new, and it seems like what's currently on Craigslist involves huge plates that are way outside the weight range I'm looking at. Price and convenience are both factors; if they can be shipped to my door, especially with free shipping, that's great.
Also - is it weird having one side of the dumbbell heavier than the other? (When you move up one notch?)
Many, many thanks!
(And feel free to recommend your favorite beginner exercises, especially if you've got links to text-based instructions!)
I've started doing a tiny bit of resistance exercise as part of my overall exercise program. I do a series of exercises (shoulder flexion, triceps extension, bicep curl - stuff I downloaded from the NASA site, heh) currently using 4-lb neoprene dumbbells. (Other days I do long, hilly walks and basic aerobics, running in place, jumping jacks, stuff like that.)
My goal is purely to build muscle for the reported burn-fat-all-the-time metabolism effect.
I'd like to get some adjustable dumbbells; I imagine moving up 2.5 lbs at a time will work well for me.
Other considerations:
I'm tiny (under 5 feet tall), so big long bars are probably not as good for me as compact systems.
I have NO SPACE, so once again, compact is good.
Should I get the high-tech stuff with pins, like the PowerBlock set (I've seen those recommended on AskMe once or twice), or the spin-lock bar and plate sets?
What's the best place to buy? I'm leaning toward Amazon. I'm underwhelmed by the local sports stores (based on extremely limited pokes around their websites). I've looked at Craigslist, and I'm open to that, but I'd kind of prefer to buy new, and it seems like what's currently on Craigslist involves huge plates that are way outside the weight range I'm looking at. Price and convenience are both factors; if they can be shipped to my door, especially with free shipping, that's great.
Also - is it weird having one side of the dumbbell heavier than the other? (When you move up one notch?)
Many, many thanks!
(And feel free to recommend your favorite beginner exercises, especially if you've got links to text-based instructions!)
Best answer: Well, my overall advice would be: weight is weight. Lifting milk jugs is pretty much just as good as lifting expensive fancy dumbells, so don't get allured by anything too unnecessary.
The thing to look out for with adjustable dumbells is that if it takes too long to change plates, it starts to become a big chore (remember that you'll have to change four sets of plates - two on each).
Personally, I wouldn't bother with anything too high tech like the Power Block sets. But to avoid spending long periods spinning on and off the collars, look for a set with the type of collars that you can squeeze to pull off (you'll know the type I mean when you see them. It's a very common system for olympic bars but you should be able to find it for smaller sized dumbells as well). If you have to get the kind that require spinning the collars on and off, it's not the end of the world, just some extra time.
Since, like I said, you don't need anything fancy, you can buy them pretty much anywhere. You can usually get cheap plates at Walmart for example if you don't want to order online.
If you don't want them to be too noisy, look for the plastic/vinyl coated type of plates.
You should have no problem finding plates in 2.5lb increments. Standard plate sizes are 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 35 and 45.
Also, a piece of advice regarding the exercises you are doing: Some of the exercises you've mentioned (curls, tricep extension) are what are called "isolation exercises" - that is, they focus on pretty much only one muscle at a time. This is an inefficient way to do things, as its hard to get a balanced workout working only one muscle at a time (consider how many muscle groups there are - lots!). Especially as a beginner you're better off doing "compound exercises" that hit multiple muscle groups at a time. This will give you a much better workout, and will help your muscles stay balanced (which looks better aesthetically, and will help you avoid injury). Compound exercises also more closely mimic real-life movements, and so will help you out more on a day to day basis. Some good compound exercises that can be done with dumbells are:
-Dumbell squat
-Shoulder press
-Lunges (while holding the dumbells)
-Reverse lunges
-Dumbell bench press (or dumbell floor press if you don't have a bench)
-Bent over row
All of the above exercises hit a ton of muscles at once and as such will give you a much better workout. Sorry for not providing links, but all are easily google-able.
Good luck with your weight lifting endeavor, feel free to PM me if you have any questions and I'd be happy to point you to further resources.
posted by Diplodocus at 12:00 AM on June 2, 2010 [7 favorites]
The thing to look out for with adjustable dumbells is that if it takes too long to change plates, it starts to become a big chore (remember that you'll have to change four sets of plates - two on each).
Personally, I wouldn't bother with anything too high tech like the Power Block sets. But to avoid spending long periods spinning on and off the collars, look for a set with the type of collars that you can squeeze to pull off (you'll know the type I mean when you see them. It's a very common system for olympic bars but you should be able to find it for smaller sized dumbells as well). If you have to get the kind that require spinning the collars on and off, it's not the end of the world, just some extra time.
Since, like I said, you don't need anything fancy, you can buy them pretty much anywhere. You can usually get cheap plates at Walmart for example if you don't want to order online.
If you don't want them to be too noisy, look for the plastic/vinyl coated type of plates.
You should have no problem finding plates in 2.5lb increments. Standard plate sizes are 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 35 and 45.
Also, a piece of advice regarding the exercises you are doing: Some of the exercises you've mentioned (curls, tricep extension) are what are called "isolation exercises" - that is, they focus on pretty much only one muscle at a time. This is an inefficient way to do things, as its hard to get a balanced workout working only one muscle at a time (consider how many muscle groups there are - lots!). Especially as a beginner you're better off doing "compound exercises" that hit multiple muscle groups at a time. This will give you a much better workout, and will help your muscles stay balanced (which looks better aesthetically, and will help you avoid injury). Compound exercises also more closely mimic real-life movements, and so will help you out more on a day to day basis. Some good compound exercises that can be done with dumbells are:
-Dumbell squat
-Shoulder press
-Lunges (while holding the dumbells)
-Reverse lunges
-Dumbell bench press (or dumbell floor press if you don't have a bench)
-Bent over row
All of the above exercises hit a ton of muscles at once and as such will give you a much better workout. Sorry for not providing links, but all are easily google-able.
Good luck with your weight lifting endeavor, feel free to PM me if you have any questions and I'd be happy to point you to further resources.
posted by Diplodocus at 12:00 AM on June 2, 2010 [7 favorites]
I'm not an expert on purchasing dumbbells, but I do know that the PowerBlock SportBlock 24 costs $3.83/lb while a Marcy 40-Pound Vinyl Covered Dumbbell Set costs $1.25/lb.
That said, if the more expensive set is easier/quicker to use by all means get it if you like; some people obviously like such things, and it does look like a space-efficient way of doing things.
posted by Mike1024 at 1:39 AM on June 2, 2010
That said, if the more expensive set is easier/quicker to use by all means get it if you like; some people obviously like such things, and it does look like a space-efficient way of doing things.
posted by Mike1024 at 1:39 AM on June 2, 2010
My goal is purely to build muscle for the reported burn-fat-all-the-time metabolism effect.
You've kind of made it hard to answer your question.
For hand weights I like the octagonal dumbells the best. No fuss, no muss and you can grab what you need right away. But to get a full set it can get quite expensive. Usually the weight sets with the spinner collars are really cheap and it isn't that big of a chore to use. You should be able to et a good deal at a Big 5 or Sportmart (or wherever). I haven't seen good dumbell sets with clip collars.
Let's talk about the problematic part of your question. You haven't clearly stated your goals. You want to build muscle. Does that mean you are looking to gain weight or lose weight? Are you interested in being as muscular as you can or are you more interested in gaining the muscle so you can lose the weight?
The thing is when is, when you mention muscle people start to immediately mention Olympic Lifting, heavy weights, and such. You've pretty much ruled out a lot of these things by working out in your home(?) and using dumbells.
Also - is it weird having one side of the dumbbell heavier than the other? (When you move up one notch?)
Yes, it would be really weird and you wouldn't do that. When you increment you add to both sides evenly. You can find weight sets that have 1 1/4 weights included.
posted by P.o.B. at 1:56 AM on June 2, 2010
You've kind of made it hard to answer your question.
For hand weights I like the octagonal dumbells the best. No fuss, no muss and you can grab what you need right away. But to get a full set it can get quite expensive. Usually the weight sets with the spinner collars are really cheap and it isn't that big of a chore to use. You should be able to et a good deal at a Big 5 or Sportmart (or wherever). I haven't seen good dumbell sets with clip collars.
Let's talk about the problematic part of your question. You haven't clearly stated your goals. You want to build muscle. Does that mean you are looking to gain weight or lose weight? Are you interested in being as muscular as you can or are you more interested in gaining the muscle so you can lose the weight?
The thing is when is, when you mention muscle people start to immediately mention Olympic Lifting, heavy weights, and such. You've pretty much ruled out a lot of these things by working out in your home(?) and using dumbells.
Also - is it weird having one side of the dumbbell heavier than the other? (When you move up one notch?)
Yes, it would be really weird and you wouldn't do that. When you increment you add to both sides evenly. You can find weight sets that have 1 1/4 weights included.
posted by P.o.B. at 1:56 AM on June 2, 2010
Consider getting a kettlebell. I have a 35-pound kettlebell which takes up very little space, and can be used for a great variety of exercises. You probably aren't ready for a 35-pounder, but they come in smaller sizes as well. Search Youtube for some kettlebell exercises, and see if that looks okay for you.
You may also want to consider focusing on bodyweight exercises instead of buying weights. Hindu squats, hindu pushups, and back bridges are very good. You can give most muscle groups (including biceps) a very good workout that way.
posted by holterbarbour at 1:57 AM on June 2, 2010
You may also want to consider focusing on bodyweight exercises instead of buying weights. Hindu squats, hindu pushups, and back bridges are very good. You can give most muscle groups (including biceps) a very good workout that way.
posted by holterbarbour at 1:57 AM on June 2, 2010
Well, my overall advice would be: weight is weight. Lifting milk jugs is pretty much just as good as lifting expensive fancy dumbells, so don't get allured by anything too unnecessary.I agree with this. Early in the year, a friend purchased some nice interchangeable dumbbell system (I forget off-hand if they were PowerBlocks, Bowflex SelectTech, or something else), and I was initially attracted to picking up something similar. In the end, I went to my local sporting goods store and bought matched pairs of comparatively inexpensive generic store-brand hex dumbbells in a few different weights. In the past I've had lifting bars with spin-on/spin-off collars and plastic plates filled with sand. A few moves later and I'm down to just these hex dumbbells and some resistance bands (at least for now).
Regarding clanking, I don't think mine clank much. They're coated with a glossy gray vinyl finish coat, which might cut down some on the metal-hitting-metal sound, but I'm usually not battering them against one another. Mostly it keeps my hands from smelling too much like iron.
If you need many different weight variations and are extremely tight on storage space, then the interchangeable systems may be worth the price premium, but otherwise I'd avoid spending that much on dumbbells and put the money you save into something else. Unless, of course, you just like them for their own sake; that's fine too, but beware buyer's remorse.
posted by dnm at 2:02 AM on June 2, 2010
Best answer: Keep in mind that dumbbells become much more expensive (and take up much more space) the heavier they are. Considering the very low weight you are currently lifting, I would recommend keeping it simple and buying a small amount of regular dumbbells, either neoprene or bare metal, to quench your current needs. So, perhaps buy pairs of 5lb, 7.5lb and 10lb. Adjustable dumbbells are a good solution for heavy weights but they are clunky to use in most cases.
Then, while you are enjoying this immediate solution, you will have sufficient time to carefully consider your best longer term solution to meet your needs.
posted by jameslavelle3 at 4:10 AM on June 2, 2010
Then, while you are enjoying this immediate solution, you will have sufficient time to carefully consider your best longer term solution to meet your needs.
posted by jameslavelle3 at 4:10 AM on June 2, 2010
I'm all in favor of adjustable dumbbells. When you level up, it's cheaper and easier to run to the store and buy a couple extra 5-lb plates than to get a new set of 25 pound dumbbells. (And if you're planning on moving anytime in the near future, you'll have less weight to move.) All of the plates we've bought get regular use, while the lonely 8-lb dumbbells I've outgrown have been sitting in a corner for ages.
Don't get the fancy ones. Get the non-special ones with the regular-style round plates and the ends that you screw on: they're cheaper and you'll find compatible extra plates anywhere. (And if for some reason you have the space and motivation to get an adjustable barbell, you can use the same plates.) We have a set like this that we've since expanded. My only complaint is that the screw things can spin a little loose if you're doing quicker motions like snatches, but stopping and adjusting after one set is a small price to pay.
For overall weight-training education, I love Stumptuous. Give it a thorough read.
posted by Metroid Baby at 4:37 AM on June 2, 2010
Don't get the fancy ones. Get the non-special ones with the regular-style round plates and the ends that you screw on: they're cheaper and you'll find compatible extra plates anywhere. (And if for some reason you have the space and motivation to get an adjustable barbell, you can use the same plates.) We have a set like this that we've since expanded. My only complaint is that the screw things can spin a little loose if you're doing quicker motions like snatches, but stopping and adjusting after one set is a small price to pay.
For overall weight-training education, I love Stumptuous. Give it a thorough read.
posted by Metroid Baby at 4:37 AM on June 2, 2010
The plastic-coated ones are fine - I have a nice set of four graduated weights that sits on a triangle stand and doesn't take up too much space. The only irk I have with them is that bits of whatever is inside them break up over time and you start playing the maracas whenever you work out.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 5:02 AM on June 2, 2010
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 5:02 AM on June 2, 2010
If you're truly interested in health, I'd think about starting out using only body weight exercises. I'm in an apartment too, and there's nothing you can't do cheaply.
Don't buy weights. Get some resistance bands. I'll second Diplodocus "compound exercises"
By far the 3 most important things are core strength, core strength and core strength.
Good luck.
posted by larry_darrell at 5:52 AM on June 2, 2010
Don't buy weights. Get some resistance bands. I'll second Diplodocus "compound exercises"
By far the 3 most important things are core strength, core strength and core strength.
Good luck.
posted by larry_darrell at 5:52 AM on June 2, 2010
My goal is purely to build muscle for the reported burn-fat-all-the-time metabolism effect.
A couple of things bear mentioning here. It would seem that the metabolic effects of increased muscle mass are actually relatively small -- 6 extra calories per pound of muscle -- although additional energy will be expended for a period after exercise due to EPOC. But even if you build a significant amount of muscle mass, it may not have the effect you're looking for.
I'm not saying you shouldn't lift -- I think everyone should lift. But if your goal is fat loss, you should understand the role your lifting is going to play, and realize that its importance will be absolutely dwarfed by the importance of your diet.
Second, you're very unlikely to build an appreciable amount of muscle or strength doing the sort of things you mention, especially when compared to more effective ways to strength train. Compound exercises, like Diplodocus mentioned, provide more carryover to sports and everyday activities and accomplish more in less time. But they are also more effective at disrupting homeostasis and provoking a hormonal response, will allow you to progress very quickly in weight at first, and ultimately allow you to lift the heaviest weights.
So in order to train for strength effectively you'll need to have a large selection of weights to work with that you can adjust in small increments and will allow you to lift heavy. "Heavy" is relative to your level of advancement and to the exercise you're performing, but before too long you'll be lifting more than your bodyweight on some of the essential movements, e.g. squats and deadlifts. This becomes very difficult from a technique standpoint to do with dumbbells -- heavy dumbbell squats are just not really feasible.
So ultimately, if your main goal is fat loss and your question is what dumbbells should you buy so you can do isolation exercises at home a couple of days a week, my advice would be not to waste your time/money and to focus on your diet instead. However, if you want to get strong for the other health benefits, or for the aesthetic benefits, or for athletic reasons, or because strong people are more useful and harder to kill, my advice would be to join a gym with a barbell and power rack and learn how to perform the barbell lifts. This is my go-to book for beginners.
posted by ludwig_van at 7:12 AM on June 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
A couple of things bear mentioning here. It would seem that the metabolic effects of increased muscle mass are actually relatively small -- 6 extra calories per pound of muscle -- although additional energy will be expended for a period after exercise due to EPOC. But even if you build a significant amount of muscle mass, it may not have the effect you're looking for.
I'm not saying you shouldn't lift -- I think everyone should lift. But if your goal is fat loss, you should understand the role your lifting is going to play, and realize that its importance will be absolutely dwarfed by the importance of your diet.
Second, you're very unlikely to build an appreciable amount of muscle or strength doing the sort of things you mention, especially when compared to more effective ways to strength train. Compound exercises, like Diplodocus mentioned, provide more carryover to sports and everyday activities and accomplish more in less time. But they are also more effective at disrupting homeostasis and provoking a hormonal response, will allow you to progress very quickly in weight at first, and ultimately allow you to lift the heaviest weights.
So in order to train for strength effectively you'll need to have a large selection of weights to work with that you can adjust in small increments and will allow you to lift heavy. "Heavy" is relative to your level of advancement and to the exercise you're performing, but before too long you'll be lifting more than your bodyweight on some of the essential movements, e.g. squats and deadlifts. This becomes very difficult from a technique standpoint to do with dumbbells -- heavy dumbbell squats are just not really feasible.
So ultimately, if your main goal is fat loss and your question is what dumbbells should you buy so you can do isolation exercises at home a couple of days a week, my advice would be not to waste your time/money and to focus on your diet instead. However, if you want to get strong for the other health benefits, or for the aesthetic benefits, or for athletic reasons, or because strong people are more useful and harder to kill, my advice would be to join a gym with a barbell and power rack and learn how to perform the barbell lifts. This is my go-to book for beginners.
posted by ludwig_van at 7:12 AM on June 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for all the great answers so far.
To respond to a few things folks have asked or said:
* I'm not exactly trying to lose weight here; I'm more interested in whatever general health benefits you get from building a little muscle. I'm fortunate to be really happy with my weight right now and totally agree that diet is what did it for me. I guess I should have just said "My goal is purely to build a little muscle" - meaning, I'm just going for general health benefits. A little upper body strength is nice, too. But I currently have zero interest in Olympic lifting or heavy weights.
* I'm definitely a fan of body weight exercises and have been doing ab crunches and push-ups as well. But the dumbbells seem to give me more options.
* I like frugal and DIY stuff, but I haven't been as happy with the homemade approach. I tried wine bottles filled with water and I didn't like how the balance shifted as the water sloshed around. (Probably sand would be a lot better.) Dumbbells just seem ergonomically more comfortable.
Diplodocus, thanks for the terrific suggestions on compound exercises - I'll definitely look those up!
dnm and larry_darrell - can you suggest specific exercises I can do with resistance bands in a miniscule apartment? That's often seemed a good way to go but my Google fu is failing me here. Are there particular resistance bands you like?
jameslavell3 - you know, I'm still mulling, but just going ahead with individual pairs of non-adjustables may be the way I go. I like the idea of an adjustable set I could grow into ... but maybe I'm overthinking it.
All other suggestions welcome - specific products especially!
Thanks!
posted by kristi at 10:21 AM on June 2, 2010
To respond to a few things folks have asked or said:
* I'm not exactly trying to lose weight here; I'm more interested in whatever general health benefits you get from building a little muscle. I'm fortunate to be really happy with my weight right now and totally agree that diet is what did it for me. I guess I should have just said "My goal is purely to build a little muscle" - meaning, I'm just going for general health benefits. A little upper body strength is nice, too. But I currently have zero interest in Olympic lifting or heavy weights.
* I'm definitely a fan of body weight exercises and have been doing ab crunches and push-ups as well. But the dumbbells seem to give me more options.
* I like frugal and DIY stuff, but I haven't been as happy with the homemade approach. I tried wine bottles filled with water and I didn't like how the balance shifted as the water sloshed around. (Probably sand would be a lot better.) Dumbbells just seem ergonomically more comfortable.
Diplodocus, thanks for the terrific suggestions on compound exercises - I'll definitely look those up!
dnm and larry_darrell - can you suggest specific exercises I can do with resistance bands in a miniscule apartment? That's often seemed a good way to go but my Google fu is failing me here. Are there particular resistance bands you like?
jameslavell3 - you know, I'm still mulling, but just going ahead with individual pairs of non-adjustables may be the way I go. I like the idea of an adjustable set I could grow into ... but maybe I'm overthinking it.
All other suggestions welcome - specific products especially!
Thanks!
posted by kristi at 10:21 AM on June 2, 2010
I guess I should have just said "My goal is purely to build a little muscle" - meaning, I'm just going for general health benefits. A little upper body strength is nice, too. But I currently have zero interest in Olympic lifting or heavy weights.
Nobody said anything about the olympic lifts.
What you should understand is that for a beginner, building muscle = building strength = lifting heavy weights. Again, "heavy" is relative, but if a you can perform an exercise for more than 8 or so repetitions, it's not heavy. Sets of 5 with progressively increasing weight are commonly recommended for beginners. Lifting light weights many times provides minimal strength benefits.
posted by ludwig_van at 11:17 AM on June 2, 2010
Nobody said anything about the olympic lifts.
What you should understand is that for a beginner, building muscle = building strength = lifting heavy weights. Again, "heavy" is relative, but if a you can perform an exercise for more than 8 or so repetitions, it's not heavy. Sets of 5 with progressively increasing weight are commonly recommended for beginners. Lifting light weights many times provides minimal strength benefits.
posted by ludwig_van at 11:17 AM on June 2, 2010
Best answer: I've been debating replacing my collection of weights with an adjustable set. Right now I have dumbells, barbells and well over a 100lbs in weight plates. It's a space hog and I rarely do heavy lifts at home anyway. Honestly, the weight plates don't really solve the space issue. Also, even with the quick release collars it takes time. Adjustable weights seem like a better answer.
I'm probably going to buy these. They clank a bit, but all adjustable weights do. Some people seem to have problems with the mechanism. Overstock will deliver these to your door for about 2 bucks shipping. (Of course, if you need to return them it'll be expensive!)
If you think you'll go higher than 25 pounds then you might want to look at Powerblocks or the SelectTech. Both are substantially more expensive but give you a wider weight range. Powerblocks are a bit awkward because the shape can be a problem. I've heard women complain that the dumbbell gets in the way.
posted by 26.2 at 11:20 AM on June 2, 2010
I'm probably going to buy these. They clank a bit, but all adjustable weights do. Some people seem to have problems with the mechanism. Overstock will deliver these to your door for about 2 bucks shipping. (Of course, if you need to return them it'll be expensive!)
If you think you'll go higher than 25 pounds then you might want to look at Powerblocks or the SelectTech. Both are substantially more expensive but give you a wider weight range. Powerblocks are a bit awkward because the shape can be a problem. I've heard women complain that the dumbbell gets in the way.
posted by 26.2 at 11:20 AM on June 2, 2010
Best answer: I'm a little late to the game here, but if you just want to build just a bit of muscle, live in a small space, and don't like clanging, then get resistance bands (per larry_darrell above).
Watch this: Top 50 band exercises
Buy here: Amazon link to resistance bands
I often get in a complete body work at home with only heavy resistance bands and body weight stuff (push-ups, planks, bridges, crunches, squats, sprints, etc.).
posted by kables at 1:02 PM on June 2, 2010
Watch this: Top 50 band exercises
Buy here: Amazon link to resistance bands
I often get in a complete body work at home with only heavy resistance bands and body weight stuff (push-ups, planks, bridges, crunches, squats, sprints, etc.).
posted by kables at 1:02 PM on June 2, 2010
I'm not sure why some people have the misunderstanding that you need to concentrate on building strength to build muscle. It's the fastest way to gain muscle but it's just untrue to say that it's the only way.
Although I guess I should have said a trainer would need to know where you are and where you want to go and that usually takes more than a single sentence for a goal, being that it is quite a bit easier to state what type of training would fit you.
But seeing that you've stated interest in bodyweight training I would like to suggest some Scott Sonnen videos You should be able to get some good ideas from those. You might also find some interesting things over at RossTraining. I'd suggest checking out Perform Better for some good products.
posted by P.o.B. at 2:44 PM on June 2, 2010
Although I guess I should have said a trainer would need to know where you are and where you want to go and that usually takes more than a single sentence for a goal, being that it is quite a bit easier to state what type of training would fit you.
But seeing that you've stated interest in bodyweight training I would like to suggest some Scott Sonnen videos You should be able to get some good ideas from those. You might also find some interesting things over at RossTraining. I'd suggest checking out Perform Better for some good products.
posted by P.o.B. at 2:44 PM on June 2, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks for all the great answers, everybody!
I'm not so sure about marking this as "resolved" - I think I've got more questions than I did before! - but I'm kind of thinking of getting a pair of 7 or 8 lb weights (I already have a pair of 10s, as it happens) and continuing to mull my options, as jameslavell3 suggested. And my options are now including maybe focusing more on resistance bands and body weight.
Tons of useful suggestions. Thanks!
posted by kristi at 10:50 AM on June 3, 2010
I'm not so sure about marking this as "resolved" - I think I've got more questions than I did before! - but I'm kind of thinking of getting a pair of 7 or 8 lb weights (I already have a pair of 10s, as it happens) and continuing to mull my options, as jameslavell3 suggested. And my options are now including maybe focusing more on resistance bands and body weight.
Tons of useful suggestions. Thanks!
posted by kristi at 10:50 AM on June 3, 2010
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It would also be nice if they didn't clank a lot.
Thanks!
posted by kristi at 11:33 PM on June 1, 2010