- DUMBBELL TRAINING
Dumbbell Weight Training – The Basics
Dumbbell weight training can seem like a difficult concept if you are new to exercise. You may have a lot of questions; like how do I buy the right dumbbells? Or how much weight should I be lifting? Or which exercises should I be doing? Dumbbell weight training is actually a very effective way to help you get fit, and it’s pretty easy to get started! Here, we’ll help you through some of the basics to know before you begin a dumbbell weight training routine.
1.Choose one lighter set of weights for upper body and one heavier for lower body
Although it may be intimidating to go into a sports products store and see the walls and walls of dumbbells they have, it doesn’t have to be. Many sports stores carry several different dumbbells – primarily because people like different styles: there are dumbbells covered with rubber to help your grip and your hands, there are dumbbells that are metal that are used by most gyms, there are even adjustable dumbbells! That said, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed: all you need is one set of slightly lighter weights for your upper body movements and one set of slightly heavier weights for your lower body movements. Beyond that, you can pick anything you like! Pick up a few different styles of weights in the store to see what suits you best.
- Lift weight that allows you to feel fatigued after the prescribed number of reps
Most books, articles and videos that prescribe dumbbell routines well give you a number of reps to do: for example, 8-10 squats or 10-12 tricep kickbacks. What this means is that you should be feeling fatigued when you hit that top number. Most beginners don’t realize that you shouldn’t be doing 8-10 reps and feeling like you can do much more after 10 – if you do feel that way, you are lifting a weight that’s too light! Aim to make sure your muscles feel tired after doing the prescribed reps – that’s how your body will change and grow!
- Choose total-body exercises at first
Most books, articles and videos that prescribe dumbbell routines well give you a number of reps to do: for example, 8-10 squats or 10-12 tricep kickbacks. What this means is that you should be feeling fatigued when you hit that top number. Most beginners don’t realize that you shouldn’t be doing 8-10 reps and feeling like you can do much more after 10 – if you do feel that way, you are lifting a weight that’s too light! Aim to make sure your muscles feel tired after doing the prescribed reps – that’s how your body will change and grow!
- Move on to isolation exercises as you get stronger
Total body exercises are great, and you should keep doing them, but adding in isolation exercises with dumbbells is a great way to build muscle. Things like bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, and lateral raises are all great exercises to do to focus on smaller muscle groups. You will likely be lifting slightly lighter weight for these than you are used to, but don’t worry: the strength will come!
- Be consistent
Most important to any exercise routine, be consistent! Dumbbell weight training is a fun, effective and cheap way to stay in shape that you can do from the comfort of your own home! Keep at it, and you’ll be sure to see results!
All rights reserved