Dumbbell only Routine:Need Help- Book recommendation.

Hi guys...I’ve used free weights on and off for many years with excellent results. I find it a very practical way to work out for building up the muscle and saving time! My problem is, that it’s been a while since I have done a serious routine & this time, I would like to see what I can accomplish with a
“Dumbbell only routine”.

Here is a link to a book & was wondering what you might think about that as a guide...

or would I be better off with something, that emphasises “form”-“breathing” & other important factors rather than some weight loss/novice guide. Could you guys recommend something that covers a dumbbell routine that I can follow?

Other than using dumbbells, I was going to do some cardio in between...I am not looking to turn into the hulk or anything like that...just want to slim down and tone up type of thing...maybe develop some healthy bone structure with a little mass-but nothing over the top.

Is this too much to expect? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I have a few mates watching the outcome of this thread. We just need a good book that will guide us through with a pair of Dumbbells and maybe a flat bench...We wish do this in our own homes...No gyms...just for connivance sake.

Cheers
Dave
 
Hey Beaver,
If no one replies, I'll look into it & get back to you. I've been waiting a few days with no response on this. I can pretty much come up with a plan, was just hoping someone could save me the time. Believe me...you can do a hell of a lot with a pair of dumbbells!!!

Have to go to work at the moment...then as you know, spare time can get precious:)............none the less, I have to look into setting up a practical dumbbell routine as it is.

In the mean time, maybe someone could recommend a good book?
 
Dumbbells are too light and you cannot do deadlifts/squats/power cleans etc If you have a barbell and adequate weights, then might be for you.
 
Thanks for the links. Sorry but I have to disagree about dumbbells being too light. Apart from the fact, I don't wish to look like a tank as an outcome from exercising with dumbells only...dumbbells can be as heavy as you want to make them. I've seen BIG GUYS using Dumbbells that I could not lift with two hands let alone one.

I understand the concept that using a Bar will better help to stabilize the core muscles so that you can lift a heavier weight than would otherwise be possible with dumbells; although depending on the person & how long they have been power training with dumbbells, you may just be suprised.

Most people looking to train with dumbbells are either just getting into it, don't have the time for too much gear, or space, and or just want to tone up. Lifting heavy is not an issue & in fact can be very dangerous & counter productive for the novice & at times not even nessacary for the experianced. Depends on the person & goal.

Dumbbells & Barbells have thier own advantages & disadvantages. Dumbbells are far better at strengthening a wider range of muscles than that of a Barbell. The Barbell can provide better support but is not nessacary if the correct form,intensity & routine is followed.

So if we could just keep this a dumbbell thread only...we could then just get the relevant info needed. Thanks anyways, but to suggest that dumbbells are not heavy enough is far from the truth...particularly with regard to the context of this "Dumbbell only" thread.

Cheers. :)...my fault...could a moderator perhaps move this thread into weight traning? Although you can still build the body with dumbbells only. :p Sorry for bad spelling...on iPhone again & I guess I've been lifting too many weights in the past:)
 
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Thanks for the links. Sorry but I have to disagree about dumbbells being too light. Apart from the fact, I don't wish to look like a tank as an outcome from exercising with dumbells only...dumbbells can be as heavy as you want to make them. I've seen BIG GUYS using Dumbbells that I could not lift with two hands let alone one.

I understand the concept that using a Bar will better help to stabilize the core muscles so that you can lift a heavier weight than would otherwise be possible with dumbells; although depending on the person & how long they have been power training with dumbbells, you may just be suprised.

Most people looking to train with dumbbells are either just getting into it, don't have the time for too much gear, or space, and or just want to tone up. Lifting heavy is not an issue & in fact can be very dangerous & counter productive for the novice & at times not even nessacary for the experianced. Depends on the person & goal.

Dumbbells & Barbells have thier own advantages & disadvantages. Dumbbells are far better at strengthening a wider range of muscles than that of a Barbell. The Barbell can provide better support but is not nessacary if the correct form,intensity & routine is followed.

So if we could just keep this a dumbbell thread only...we could then just get the relevant info needed. Thanks anyways, but to suggest that dumbbells are not heavy enough is far from the truth...particularly with regard to the context of this "Dumbbell only" thread.

Cheers. :)...my fault...could a moderator perhaps move this thread into weight traning? Although you can still build the body with dumbbells only. :p

You sound like you are new to weight training so I'll leave you at the steep end of your learning curve ... Can you think of a good reason why Rippetoe the coach did not say that all those exercises could be performed with dumbbells? :costumed:
 
I could of said it differently I guess. Truth is, I've been lifting weight on & off for over 27 years. Not that it means I know anything, but all my bone are straight as & I have not injured myself yet. Basicaly I'll get by fine...I was nearly looking for some input into a dumbbell only routine for all the reasons on may.

Having looked around this forum...It's probably best I look elsewhere. Seems way too much emphasis on marketing, and the nasty elements best suited to hardware geeks, does not leave much to be desired.

Quote your little heart out buddy. I never really liked the look of this forum anyways!
 
Offended? Certainly not. I'm actually amused that someone who claims to have been training for 27 years seems to be asking noob questions and then sulks when he is not told what he wanted to hear. Have fun with your pink dumbbells.

1184267586LsUeNF.jpg
 
There are some heavy dumbells out there ;)

I was thinking of buying a 25 lbs dumbbell pair to work out at home, then considered a 140 kg Olympic barbell set but stopped when i discovered the set was plastic weights filled with sand not exactly durable. True there are heavy dumbbells but how practical are these for home use? :eek:

Heavy_Dumbbells_200_pound.JPG
 
I could of said it differently I guess. Truth is, I've been lifting weight on & off for over 27 years. Not that it means I know anything, but all my bone are straight as & I have not injured myself yet. Basicaly I'll get by fine...I was nearly looking for some input into a dumbbell only routine for all the reasons on may.

Having looked around this forum...It's probably best I look elsewhere. Seems way too much emphasis on marketing, and the nasty elements best suited to hardware geeks, does not leave much to be desired.

Quote your little heart out buddy. I never really liked the look of this forum anyways!

Don't abandon the forum because one guy with an attitude is being an arrogant ****head.

Although you'll hear it too often on here, the fitness world really doesn't revolve around squats and deadlifts. There are plenty of ways to get in damn good shape without ever doing either of those movements.
 
Although you'll hear it too often on here, the fitness world really doesn't revolve around squats and deadlifts.
No but it should. :p

Dumbells are very practical for home use. They take less space and are great for unilateral exercises. You can do everything with them.

Try not to concentrate on the tools as much as the work. It doesnt matter how you do it, as long as you do it.
 
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Free weight workouts is a great way to exercise. Obviously there are certain exercises you cannot complete with dumbells alone, but overall using dumbells is the best way to exercise and maximises your lifting power. There is a lot of difference when using barbells, machine weights and dumbells.
 
Free weight workouts is a great way to exercise. Obviously there are certain exercises you cannot complete with dumbells alone, but overall using dumbells is the best way to exercise and maximises your lifting power. There is a lot of difference when using barbells, machine weights and dumbells.

As this is the body building forum and not weight loss or body weight training, the home user with a set of dumbbells and a bench is not going to be able to do as much as a similar home user with an Olympic barbell set, rack/powercage and a bench. :animal3:
 
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