So more db? Adv

erin1621

Cathlete
So I started cathe about two months ago. I love her=} all I have as far as db are 3 5 n now 10lbs I was not sure if I should buy 8's. I dint feel sore when I do her work outs. I have basic step with body fusion n low impact step. I felt like I could go heavier for chest n biceps than 5's. I just dont have much room for a lot of db. I bought of buying ankle weights to add 2pounds. But not sure if that would always work or not distribute weight properly. WhY do u guys use? What do u recomend? Buy 8, 12, 15's???? Thanks
 
can you afford adjustable wts? and ankle/wrist wts always a good buy. they are so useful, and take up almost no space.
 
I had bought DBs up to 25 lbs., and as I ran out of room on my weight rack, I decided to purchase adjustable weights. I have the Bowflex SelectTechs 552s that range from 5 lbs. to 52.5 lbs. I don't think I'll ever need to buy another set. Some have mentioned that the adjustables can be bulky and awkward with certain moves, so you should definitely try them in the store, if you consider going that route. If you run a search for the SelectTechs, you'll see a few threads and many more comments as well.
 
I personally am not a huge fan of the adjustable weights as it takes time to make the changes and therefore you may lose the flow of the workout. I am a firm believer in pyramiding up or down the weight scale as your strength increases..or to go lighter on a recovery day!

I highly recommend a complete set of db's including the new sizes you mentioned...I know room and expense can be an issue but I think the investment is well worth it.

Happy Training!
 
I have collected a lot of my dumbells from yard sales and flea markets. I have quite a range of poundages. It took a long time to build my collection, but it was very inexpensive to do it this way.
 
I have the Bowflex SelectTech 552s that RunninTech mentioned. I am one of those that think they are a little bulky and can take a few tries to get used to working with; however, I do not regret getting them.

I do not find that they take anymore time to adjust the weight than setting down and picking up a new set of weights. They are very fast at changing (all you do is set it down, turn the dial on each end, and pick it up) so you don't lose the flow in your workout. In fact, I can actually beat Cathe and Crew at changing my weights on some workouts!

If you don't have a lot of room and can afford them, I do recommend adjustable dumbbells especially if you plan to keep lifting heavier.

Ankle weights are always a great purchase and are used in many of Cathe's workouts so they are a good purchase as well.

Good luck!
 
I think her main issue is lack of space. She talked in other threads about w/o in her living room. If i remember right, she lives in an apt. What you could do...buy a barbell bar that collapses with plates. then take it apart and store under the couch, depending on the style of your couch, or under a bed. the plates can also be used holding them instead of a dumbell. i do this sometimes too. i hold a 15# for squats, side lunges, step ups, overhead tricep extensions, and doing crunches.
i have limited space and limited db's too. my only set of 2 db is 25# each. clearly i often can't go that heavy, so i use my single adjustable wt and do one arm at a time. or hold a plate with both hands. i use them for different things. like the adjustable for doing bicep curls, so this stays at the same wt. for squats and deadlifts i use the cast iron 25's.
there's also a ton you can do with resistance bands. that may also work for now. no storage issue, and don't have to worry about any kids messing with it. sometimes my kids like to roll the db's around. obviously some toes get rolled over.

or like i said before, ankle wts are very versatile.
 
Instead of getting 8#, you can try to hold a 3 and a 5 together for some moves (bi curls, rear shoulder flyes).

IMO, if you can afford it, and you plan to keep working out and increasing weights, since you don't have that much invested yet, I'd go for adjustable weights. That's what I would do if I were to start over again.
I'd be sure, though, to try them out in person to see how they work and feel.
 

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