Dumbells too heavy to hold, but proper weight needed for exercise.

[HomeschoolMom]

For a few exercises, I'm running into the problem with the weight of the dumbell needed for the correct % of 1RM being too heavy to hold, yet my legs (or back) can handle the weight. My shoulders or elbows get tired and it does not feel comfortable to hold the dumbells. The dumbell deadlift is an example - the worksheet say I should use 37lb. I assume that means for each dumbell - 74 lb. total (I did 18 reps with two 30 lb dumbells for my 1RM test). Another example is the squats with dumbells. Is there much difference between doing those exercises with dumbells versus a barbell (I think I could hold more weight on a barbell)? Any suggestions?

 

[fitme40]

That is my problem too. I did Disc 3 the other day and my legs could have gone longer but my arms were FRIED!! I have a 20 pound weighted vest and will definitely wear that next time. I don't think using a barbell would be any different but I'm really not sure.

Laura

 

[careyben]

I'm in the same boat. My fingers are getting tired, even with gloves. I know I could've done all the deadlifts, but my hands couldn't take it.

And we are only in Meso 1!

Ben

 

[kryptychyck]

I have the same problem. I bought a set of wrist wraps today at Dick's Sporting goods. They have a hook on them that attaches to the dumbbell or barbell as you grip it to help you lift the weight and take some of the stress off the wrists and forearms. Here are some threads that discuss this topic:

http://www.thecathenation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=254992&highlight=wrist+hooks
http://www.thecathenation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257203&highlight=wrist+hooks
http://www.thecathenation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=236906&highlight=wrist+hooks
http://www.thecathenation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231778&highlight=wrist+hooks

I am going to give them a try once I start STS.

HTH!

 

[Tracey M]

Me too! I just can't keep griping those heavy dumbbells - my hand goes out well before my back or legs. Hopefully someone will chime in with a solution. I really want to lift per my workout card and I'm just at 65% this week!

 

[Tracey M]

I have the same problem. I bought a set of wrist wraps today at Dick's Sporting goods. They have a hook on them that attaches to the dumbbell or barbell as you grip it to help you lift the weight and take some of the stress off the wrists and forearms. Here are some threads that discuss this topic:

http://www.thecathenation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=254992&highlight=wrist+hooks
http://www.thecathenation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257203&highlight=wrist+hooks
http://www.thecathenation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=236906&highlight=wrist+hooks
http://www.thecathenation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231778&highlight=wrist+hooks

I am going to give them a try once I start STS.

HTH!

Posted at the same time as you. Off to check these out!

 

[srockrae]

Here is a link to Altus Power Weight Lifting Hooks. I use them for dumbbell squats and the like. I keep them on the entire workout and just turn them around to back of the wrist when not in use.

http://www.sportsunlimitedinc.com/altus-power-weight-lifting-hooks.html

Sam

 

[kathryn]

Here is a link to Altus Power Weight Lifting Hooks. I use them for dumbbell squats and the like. I keep them on the entire workout and just turn them around to back of the wrist when not in use.

http://www.sportsunlimitedinc.com/altus-power-weight-lifting-hooks.html

Sam

I bought the same ones (from Amazon) and they helped me hold heavier DB's that were giving me problems when doing CLX.

Another solution would be to use a bar for the exercises (which may change some of them a bit, but IMO not that much).

 

[exer_cited]

I ran into the same issue last night. I was doing my 1RM for the narrow stance squats and using 2 35lb db's. I did 15 reps and had to stop. Not because my legs were fatiguing, but because my arms were!!!

I'm off to check out those hooks...

 

[aproudfit]

I got those wrist wraps from www.bodybuilding.com the hooker lifting straps. only 9.99 and EXTREMELY fast shipping... They have helped me tremendously during the push CLX with lifting the 30lbs weights. I just rotate them around to the other side of my wrists when doing an exrecise when I dont need them. I LOVE having them.

 

[fit_fairy]

I ran into the same issue last night. I was doing my 1RM for the narrow stance squats and using 2 35lb db's. I did 15 reps and had to stop. Not because my legs were fatiguing, but because my arms were!!!

I'm off to check out those hooks...

Your legs are just too freaking strong Melissa Ms 198 is my squat 1RM (or what ever the heck it was LOL)

 

[exer_cited]

Your legs are just too freaking strong Melissa Ms 198 is my squat 1RM (or what ever the heck it was LOL)

LOL! I think I might change my signature to that, Catherine!! Melissa aka "Ms 198 is my squat 1RM". Has a ring to it, doesn't it?!?!

Just ran out at lunchtime and purchased a pair of those wrist things with the hooks at Sports Authority. Can't wait to try them out!!!

 

[wendybdh]

I got those wrist wraps from www.bodybuilding.com the hooker lifting straps. only 9.99 and EXTREMELY fast shipping... They have helped me tremendously during the push CLX with lifting the 30lbs weights. I just rotate them around to the other side of my wrists when doing an exrecise when I dont need them. I LOVE having them.

I looked on the website but there are so many to choose from. Which ones did you buy?

I have the start of carpal tunnel syndrome and I know weightlifting has a lot to do with it but I'm not willing to give it up so I really hope these wraps will help me out.

 

[fit_fairy]

LOL! I think I might change my signature to that, Catherine!! Melissa aka "Ms 198 is my squat 1RM". Has a ring to it, doesn't it?!?!

Oh you totally should!!!

 

[aproudfit]

I looked on the website but there are so many to choose from. Which ones did you buy?

I have the start of carpal tunnel syndrome and I know weightlifting has a lot to do with it but I'm not willing to give it up so I really hope these wraps will help me out.

Hooker Lifting Straps is the name you can search by... This link might work:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/hl.html

 

[kathryn]

Hooker Lifting Straps is the name you can search by... This link might work:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/hl.html

YMMV.

I had some like that (with one central 'hook'), and got rid of them because they didn't work as well for me as lifting straps, which didn't work as well as the two-hook lifitng hook version. Part of the problem with the heavy weights, for me at least, is not just grip, but the fact that the weights can slide in the hands and be uncomfortable as your grip ends up closer to one end. The Double hooks reduce that more than the other alternatives for me.

 

[HomeschoolMom]

I don't see how any of those straps/hooks would help - it's my arm (specifically elbow and shoulder joints) that get tired, and you are still holding the same amount of weight hanging from them whether there's a hook in your hand or not. It's not my hands that get tired from holding the weight.

 

[Sunshine1528]

I'm in the same boat and sometimes rotate the way I hold my dumbbells during heavy leg workouts (though I haven't done the STS ones yet ! )

As an old "firmie" I sometimes put up to about 20 or 25 on my shoulders for a set or will hold them up on my chest (like at the top of a bicep curl).

While doing NROL4W last year I bought a vest (since I knew I'd need it for STS) and put 10 lbs on that.

A barbell will only work better if you can get it over your head. I was limited to about 50 lbs without a spotter so that didn't help me much.

My plan is to get a squat rack and hope it helps. Good luck.

 

[kathryn]

I don't see how any of those straps/hooks would help - it's my arm (specifically elbow and shoulder joints) that get tired, and you are still holding the same amount of weight hanging from them whether there's a hook in your hand or not. It's not my hands that get tired from holding the weight.

The arm is getting tired because the forearm works when you are gripping something (which is why you should try to grip weights lightly, otherwise the forearm could give out before the back or whatever other muscle is being targeted.

The hooks allow you to not have a tight grip on the bar/dumbbell, and to use your entire arm as support, not overworking the forearm.

 

[kryptychyck]

This is how the hooks helped me yesterday...

Hi,

That is what I thought too at first, but then I took my set to the gym yesterday and tried them out with my 1RM test for legs. OMG!!!! I was able to lift heavier weights for a longer period of time and of course today I have to crawl up the stairs and I can barely walk! haha! (At least I know I worked out hard and I will get results when I start STS.)

ANYHOO...I found that the hooks helped stabilize the weight in my grip so that when my wrists got tired, I retracted my shoulders more and allowed my back to take more of the weight. I know I should have my shoulders retracted from the start - and they are - it is just that I allow the wrist and forearm to do more of the work. Now when the wrist and forearm get tired, I take the weight in my rear delts and rhomboids.

By the way, my entire upper back must have worked hard too yesterday because it is super sore - in the good way. BONUS!

HTH!

I don't see how any of those straps/hooks would help - it's my arm (specifically elbow and shoulder joints) that get tired, and you are still holding the same amount of weight hanging from them whether there's a hook in your hand or not. It's not my hands that get tired from holding the weight.