I am hooked on dumb bells!

[brickboy240]

Anybody else feel like dumb bells are the most versatile piece of workout equipment?

I recently added on to my collection of dumb bells and bought a better bench. I swear....I think I can do everything I want to do with mostly working out with dumb bells (...and my few kettle bells).

dumb bell bench presses
dumb bell military presses
flys
renegade rows
hammer curls
tricep kickbacks
skull crushers
calf raises
shrugs
dumb bell swings
goblet squats
rows
...the list goes on

but I can do 45 minute to 1 hour sessions with my dumb bells and feel completely sweaty and spent! LOL

I still do cardio a few times a week...mostly the elliptical or ride my bike.

Since I am not really going for body building (too old for that at age 47) and I mainly want to increase strength, gain tone and burn fat (I am not really "fat" but don't want to get that way) I really think I can get a decent workout with just this simple set up.

Anybody else feel like dumb bells are the most versatile pieces of equipment? I am really digging the dumb bells.

[theblackknight]

Str8 bar.

The big 3 all done with one.

sent from mah gun,using my sights

[Ironman8]

I'll take dumbell over barbell any day. Works your stabilizer muscles more and are definitely more versatile. You're on the right track. Mix in some bodyweight (pushups, pullups, and dips) and you're good to go.

Only two of the "big three" I would do with a bar...which is only because of a limitation on grip strength. And I have very good grip strength, but my legs will win that battle every time

[brickboy240]

I have also noticed that with the dumb bells...you cannot "cheat" like you can with the barbell. You end up working each side with equal weight.

Transitioning from one to another exercise is also easy and quick.

The rack of bells does not take up much room, either.

This is what I wanted: a system that was serious but not expensive, complicated or taking up room I don't have. Also something I can adjust and change as I progress forward.

...very versatile...works for me.

[RONK]

I use them,mine are junky spin on collars,could anyone please suggest some better quality ones?Thanks.

[scooter22]

+1 for dumbells. I have a set of the variable Bowflex dumbells. I use those, a pull-up bar and push-ups (plus cardio, etc.).

[Ironman8]

I use them,mine are junky spin on collars,could anyone please suggest some better quality ones?Thanks.

Go to any fitness equipment store and look around. You're going to pay about $1 per pound, maybe more for the rubberized ones, but dumbells are pretty bombproof regardless of brand. The one's with the old school spin on collars may be more versatile since you can add weight and have different combinations though...the Bowflex one's that were mentioned are decent, but don't go high enough for bench IMO...

[JW5219]

Go to any fitness equipment store and look around. You're going to pay about $1 per pound, maybe more for the rubberized ones, but dumbells are pretty bombproof regardless of brand. The one's with the old school spin on collars may be more versatile since you can add weight and have different combinations though...the Bowflex one's that were mentioned are decent, but don't go high enough for bench IMO...

You might also check your local craigslist for some used ones at a good price. They pop up here regularly anyway.

[brickboy240]

Yep...check Craigs List.

I got my set of hex shaped dumb bells from there and paid a measly 65 bucks for the whole set! I got 2 each of 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40lb bells. Bought a 25, 30 and 35lb kettle bell set from another seller for 50 bucks. All were in like new condition.

(don't laugh...I am a beginner and these work well enough for starts)

I also got the bench at a used sports store in our city for 60 bucks.

That is a lot of versatile equipment for well under 200 bucks.

-brickboy240

[Vash1023]

dumb bells are by far the best.

(and you can do any of the "big 3" with dumb bells)