Adding Wrist Weights

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fitden

Cathlete
Hi, Cathe and all!

Cathe, in your S&H Legs/Shoulders tape, you made a comment to the effect of "Don't you wish they had weights in 1-pound increments--sometimes that one pound is all you need!" I really agree! Sometimes it is all you need!

Yesterday I went shopping and bought a set of two wrist weights, each weighing 1.5 pounds. My question is, would putting the wrist weights on when you need to up the weight a bit, but the next poundage is too high, will the wrist weights make the weight the equivalent of 1.5 pounds more? (i.e., a 5-pound dumbbell would have the effectiveness of a 6.5-pound dumbbell?)
I'd love to hear your input on this.

Thank you and I hope everything is going well for you. Seems like you really hit the ground running after your brief rest. I am in awe of you--I don't think I have admired anyone so much since I was 5 years old, and that was David Cassidy (aka Keith Partridge--sigh!) haha Obviously it was a different kind of admiration, but you get my drift, right? :)

Denise
 
Hi Denise!

Hope you don't mind my butting in, but YES, adding a 1 1/2 pound weight to your dumbbell would make it a total of 1 1/2 pounds heavier. (5 pounds would become 6 1/2 pounds) BTW, I found dumbbells at two different stores around here in the increments of 4, 6 & 7 pounds to add to my collection!!! I was soo excited. Plus, I have a set of 1 1/4 pound platemates that I add to my dumbbells and barbell all the time for just a smidgen of added weight. They work great. Just thought I'd share!

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
Hi, Denise! I too am butting in.

When adding weight through wrist weights (which I have myself) as opposed to adding the same amount of weight to the dumbbell itself, there will be a minor workload differential because the closer the weightload is to the working joint, the "less" the weight weighs. There's a whole physics equation relative to what I'm talking about, but the specific equation escapes me for the moment. Thus, 1.5 pounds will feel (and be) heavier if they're tacked onto your dumbbells than if they are wrapped around your wrists.

That said, I think adding adjustable wrist weights is a good idea to incrementally add weightload as you're strengthening up.

Also, I have a little gizmo that I swear by: a set of 1-lb each hand "gloves" that I use when I want to start increasing my weightloads in addition to wrist weights. Darned if I can remember where I bought them (Fitness Wholesale / www.fwonline.com? Perform Better / www.perform-better.com?) Another gizmo I really like are my 1.25-lb-each Platemate magnetic attachments that I can slap onto the ends of my hex dumbbells - they add 2.5 lbs total to the weight, and that's great for incrementally increasing weight when you can do so beyond 1-lb increases.

Hope this helps -

Annette
 
I have done the same thing -- using wrist weights. But as Annette said, using physics, the workload is not just a simple addition of the weight of the dumbell and wrist weights. I realized this when I added 2 1.5 lbs wrist weight to a 5 lb dumbell, the workload is not the same as having an 8 lb dumbell. Now I use plate mates and just LOVE it. You can get it at www.fwonline.com.

Also, if you go to your local sporting goods, they have dumbell (not the hex, but neosprene covered) in increments of 1 lb up to 10 lbs. However, I feel that it is space efficient (and in the long run, cheaper) to go with plate mates.

Haslina
 
Thank you so much to all three of you! All great advice--I love this forum! And please butt in whenever you want--it's greatly appreciated.

Annette, I had a feeling it wasn't as simple as adding 5 + 1.5, so thank you so much for confirming that--where did you learn this stuff? Physics--wow, you are a smart woman. Now I wonder if the same thing applies when I wrap two 5-pound dumbbells around my waist for heavy leg work--is it really the equivalent of adding 10 pounds to my barbell?

Now I NEED to go get those weighted gloves (I saw something similar at Target while I was getting the wrist weights--they called them "weighted walking gloves"), and especially the plate mates--what a great idea, I never would have known there was such a thing.

Thanks again! Out with the credit card now...:)

Denise
 
About the physics, the easiest way to describe it is to imagine a see-saw. The further out on it you sit, the more leverage you have with the same amount of weight. It seems to weigh more because it is harder to move. Move it in towards the fulcrum at the center and it is easier to move. So, the weight attached to your dumbell is more work to move than if it's closer to the elbow by being at your wrist.
 
Platemates

Hiya there! Just let me add a second (or is it a third or fourth) vote for Platemates. I purchased mine (I got a 5/8 lb set and 1.25 lb set in the hex style and the same increments in the donut style for barbells) a few years ago and absolutely love the versatility these provide. It's the one thing I hate about working out with weights at the gym as opposed to home, having to move up a whole 5 lbs for any weight over 15 lbs can be just way too much of a jump. I've definitely increased my strength in a much safer way due to these wonders. I found mine online, can't remember the URL (many computers ago), but I did see them recently for sale at my local treadmill store. Not a sporting goods place, but an actual fitness equipment dealer. Although I definitely think these are worth their weight in gold, because they're heavy, you get socked with high shipping charges, so finding them at a local store where you can pick them up is to your advantage. Have fun with them, if you decide to purchase!

Beth Kelly :)
 
RE: Denise: Weight VEST!

Hi, Denise! Thanks for your kind words! Regarding the physics, I'm an ACE-certified group fitness instructor, and I've read the ACE Personal Trainer Manual textbook a couple of times for my own knowledge; there's a whole section on biomechanics and applied kinesiology that you have to master at least to pass the test. Don't confuse me with a physics whiz!

Regarding your question about wrapping dumbbells around your waist to increase the workload: you can get a better and safer effect if you invest in a weight vest specially made for that purpose rather than trying to jerry-rig something with dumbbells. I recently invested in an All-Pro adjustable weight vest because my legs can now take a lot more weight that I can safely hike onto and keep on my shoulders with Barbie the Barbell, and I gotta tell you I love it! IMHO, the workload for the LEGS is no different if you're carrying the weightload on your shoulders or if you're carrying it more evenly distributed on your trunk; however, your shoulders and back feel a lot more strain with the weightload on the shoulders.

Hope this helps!

Annette
 
Thanks again, everyone!

Cathe, your not kiddin' when you refer to "the educated crowd" here! :)

Annette, thanks for answering about the weights around the waist question also! I have heard about those vests and I'm going to look into where I can get one. Just the fact that it is evenly distributed around your trunk so as not to throw you off balance like a home-made one might is worth it (injuries happen, but if you can prevent one from happening, all the better!). By the way, I still give you a ton of credit for just being able to comprehend the physics information--I consider myself to be an intelligent person but that just completely eludes me. Luckily, I have this forum to come to when I need such information. Plus, you have a great sense of humor--some of your replies have me completely cracking up! :)

Beth Kelly, thanks also for a great point. I need to check and see what stores are around that may have the plate mates on hand. It does add a substantial amount to the cost!!

Denise
 
RE: Denise - re weight vest

Hi, Denise! Thanks again for your kind words!

I was able to find my weight vest, again brand name All Pro (which also makes adjustable-weight ankle weights of the same general design - check those out too for long-lever single joint leg work) at a Sport Mart here in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, kind of this hippodrome fitness equipment mecca. They are sold online, but just like with the PlateMates, if you can find 'em local, get it that way.

Just a note: when you wear the weight vest, you will notice that your body heat generated by your work, especially by leg strengthening work, is kept inside more, so you will feel substantially hotter. Just make sure to be working out in a temperate environment (cool and dry) and stay hydrated.

Have a good one!

Annette
 
RE: Denise - re weight vest

Thanks, Anette!

I actually noticed the heat difference just using my home-made around-the-waist gizmo, so I can imagine it would be even more so with the vest, which would cover a larger portion of the body. I have a workout room in my basement, which is usually nice and cool--at least it feels cool to start with...after a few minutes of intensity, not so much!

Wow, I sure wish we had a place like the Sport Mart around here! I would think I'd died and gone to workout heaven--but would spend all our money with that kind of temptation! :) I live in a small country town in New Hampshire, which I love, but what I miss is those great shopping areas! There is a store called the Sports Authority about an hour away, so I'll give them a call as it might be worth the trip to save the shipping costs on the plate mates and the weight vest. If not, I'll get them online; both would be a great investment (although DH may not necessarily agree!).

Thanks for everything, Annette!

Denise
 
RE: wrist weights

I have good luck adding donuts to my actual barbell. I have spinlocks, and these 1-lb. donuts fit over them quite snugly between the spinlock and the plate. They are advertised as walking weights (are a circle but have some stretch).

Rose
 
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