Moving up a little?

[Bumpbert]

I've made some progress since I started lifting, and I think it's time to get some heavier weights. Right now I only have 40 pounds total to put on the dumbbells.

I've looked on the internet for sets of heavier adjustable dumbbbells, and the prices are daunting, especially since I just bought a pull-up bar.

Would it be reasonable to just find some extra weight plates that have a hole that would fit the dumbbells I have? (1.125") Or are adjustable dumbbells not designed to hold any more weight than they come with?

Also, I'd appreciate advice on what size weights to get.

20-lb curls are getting a little easy, and shoulder presses are just not challenging me any more. Dumbbell chest presses are a joke for me with only 40 lbs; I've stopped doing them and now I just load my weights into a backpack and do elevated pushups with that. Unfortunately it hurts my back a little, so I'd like to be able to go back to chest presses.

Dumbbell rows are also too easy, and they're not even really difficult when I put 30 lbs on one dumbbell (meaning I can only use one dumbbell at a time, which I guess isn't really a problem for rows).

I also need more weights so that I can do challenging squats.

 

[R W Elphinstone]

In the interim, try "Super-Slow Reps". On the press, count to four. When fully extended, squeeze your muscles and count to six while they are fully flexed. Hold the flex, and bring the weights down while counting to six. Rest, count to four, and repeat for the next rep.

Many bodybuilders use this to challenge their muscles, and I guarantee that if your weights are getting easier, this will shock your muscles and give you some good gains with the weight you already have.

 

[Bumpbert]

Thanks, I'll try doing that tomorrow.