Dumbbell Squats

T

TheZoo

0
Hi,

I have searched around and haven't found an answer to my question.

I work out at home and don't have a squat rack. I do however have dumbbells. I don't have alot of weight but I'm not overly strong yet, so i have to start somewhere. Will Squats with dumbbells give me the same affect as a compound exercise as if i was a barbell. I have a barbell, but I don't know how I could do it safely without a rack. Any pointers on squats with dumbbells would be appreciated. I'm about 140lbs, 6ft tall, I always was more into cardio, but have been adding in some fairly light weight training recently.
 
Im having to do the same thing. Im doing dumbell squats and lunges as well. SO far im only needing 30 pounds in each hand and doing 3 sets of 10 each of squats and lunges and im getting a good workout. My dumbells only go up to 50 pounds in weight so after i master that, i'll be stuck.
 
JSB: After doing a quick google search i didn't find any mention of Dumbbell Thrusters FTW, could you explain this exercise a little bit?

IMA: Sounds about my setup. If I master the weight I have, then I will be able to warrant buying more weight, or even going to a gym(though I dread the gym atmosphere.) I'm around the same weight , trying to push out 8-10 reps over 5 sets, I'm sticking to just compound exercises, to keep it simple, and most effective.
 
sorry had to do some work, apparently I am not paid to just browse the internet all day. ah well.

anyway dumbell thrusters, if you go to they have a small movie of what a dumbell thruster is. Basically what it is squat with a push press movement as well. (I use more of an arnold press movement as I find it easier to hold the weights this way). As the weight is going to be limited by your shoulder strength as oppose to leg strength you will be able to continue doing them without having to get heavier dumbell and it is one great compound lift
 
Thanks JSB, crossfit is a really helpful site.

I was wondering though, I'm trying to stick to compound movements, which has been including seated/standing military presses, Do you think I should still do the military presses, or are the thrusters sufficient?, seeing they work the shoulders as well.
 
An effective movement to do with db's are bulgarian split squats. These will definitely give your upper leg a good workout. Personally I would master the movement first without weights, then when you feel comfortable grab a couple of db's and have at it.
 
chances are that you are doing full body workouts so my suggestion, that you should be trying to alternate between different exercises for different bodyparts during the week. So in one session do flat bench in another try incline bench, so on the day you do the thrusters probably best to skip military press, however on the day you do military press you could stick in something like Bulgarian's or walking lunges for the legs.(edit: actually as you have a barbell try and start incorporating overhead squats or if you can do them hack squats can be good)
 
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Thanks for all the suggestions guys its really appreciated.

It for sure gives me some ideas, as far as variety goes. I have tried overhead squats, which seemed to give a good workout,. I will give thrusters and hack squats a try in the future. I am a leary on bulgarian split squats, just because I have a damaged joint in my big toe, afraid to bend the foot too much when I would go down for the squat in that position. I also saw Sumo Squats when I was googling, that seems doable. I'm beginning to like a full body routine, it seems like something I will be able to stick with. Oh I don't have a decline bench, do you think push ups , with my feet elevated on the bend would give similar work at all?

Thanks again for the suggestions.
 
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