Using hand weights instead of a barbell

B

BAM

Cathlete
For those of you who don't own a barbell, when Cathe does a set with the barbell and then switches to the hand weights, do you change up your position at all with the hand weights? If Cathe does 3 sets with the barbell, then 3 sets with hand weights, we're doing 6 sets with hand weights. So I'd like to know if there's a way to use the weights differently so that I'm not being so repetitive for so long. Make sense? Thanks.

Bam
 
Hey Bam! How do you like the high step workout?

I'm not clear on what you're asking...are you asking should you be changing the weight of the dumbbells so you're not using the same weight for 6 sets?
 
Hey 40something. I haven't gotten the high step workout yet. I've got a birthday coming up and I know I'll be getting some money so I'll probably be getting that, along with some other workouts (and may need some input), within a month or so. Thanks for asking! :7


Hopefully I can explain my question more clearly. For example, if Cathe does rows with a barbell and then switches to dumbbells, is there any way I can change my grip, or angle so that I'm getting similar benefits as if I had a barbell? Same thing applies when she is doing bicep curls first with a barbell, then swithes to the dumbbells. I guess I'm asking this for any of her exercises in which she first uses the barbell then uses the dumbbells for the exact same exercise. For those of us who don't have the barbell, we're doing lots of the same exercise with just the dumbbells in these instances. I was hoping to try and do something a bit different with the dumbbells to benefit from not having the barbell.

I hope I made more sense! :D Thanks!
 
Bam! Never fear, you're going to get just as efficient a workout with dumbbells as you would with a barbell. For rows...I would change up the weight's. With the bicep curls...depending on the workout...you could do the first three sets the regular way and then do the next three sets say as Hammer curls, or change up the weight again.
 
Hey Bam! I don't have a barbell either...yet. Sometimes I stick w/ all the sets and the same weight, other times I switch my weight and also my grip. If there are no hammer curls, I add that in. It's perfectly fine to add a little variety w/ the dumbbells, and I think they are just as effective if that is what you are working with. Also, working with dumbbells helps you work each arm independently, so you are working on strength gains w/ each arm on its own. Although, there are some exercise I think a barbell works a little better, like french press and and overhead back extensions, so I think I will be investing in one soon. I know Walmart has a barbell set that goes up to 55 lbs for $20 which I think is great. Maybe not the highest of quality but gets the job done. HTH.


"you miss 100% of the shots you never take"


Debbie
 
Thanks for the suggestions! I will definitely try to mix it up. After all, variety is the spice of life, that is, along with cumin of course! :D

Bam
 
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