using free weights instead of barbells

[akizora]

Hi everyone,
I usually stick to cardio, but I was thinking about taking the plunge and trying out one of Cathe's toning videos such as Muscle Max or Pyramid. The problem is, I only have free weights (5 lbs and 8 lbs) and I don't plan on investing in a barbell anytime soon. From the clips I see on Collage, it seems everyone is using barbells for a good portion of these workouts. Can someone recommend a workout that would be feasible with free weights? Thanks in advance.
Amy

 

[bella2005]

Hi Amy,

It seems to me you could do any of the weight work with free weights. She mentions modifications often in her workouts. I use the opposite of Cathe often, depending on how it feels to me. A cushioned barbell is more comfortable on your shoulders than a couple big metal hex dumbbells, that's all.

Also, dumbbells prevent your weak side from taking a free ride from your strong side. They have to do their own work.



Bella

 

[susanz]

I do all of Cathe's strength tapes with free weights. I have 5-25 pound dumbbells. I also purchased what's called an Exerbar from Spri Products about 2 years ago. It's a bar that uses rubber tubing instead of weights. It was much more economical and I get great results!

 

[kathryn]

FYI: Barbells and dumbbells are both "freeweights" (weights that are not connected to a machine).

There are actually quite a few advantages to using dumbbells instead of a barbell, which have been mentioned, so feel free to substitute your dumbbells for a barbell. For moves like squats and lunges, you'll have to find the most comfortable way of holding the weights for you:in front of your shoulders (which I prefer for squats), at your side (which I prefer for lunges)or even on the shoulders (ouch!) or where the legs meet the hips (for pliés).

 

[ALIO0026]

I dont have a barbell either. I find it easier to do workouts like Push Pull, Super Sets and Muscle Endurance.


http://www.picturetrail.com/alio0026

 

[hippahips]

You can surely use dumbbells instead of a barbell. I used dumbbells exclusively when I started, until I really needed a 35-lb. weight (the 10-lb. difference between a pair of 15's and a pair of 20's is quite big), which was when I took the plunge and got a barbell. But to this day, I prefer dumbbells instead of a barbell.

Pinky

 

[L Sass]

AND - PUB uses exclusively dumbbells - no barbell.

Lorrie