small weights.. at home
- Thread starter trequ
- Start date
They make excellent door stops!!!
No they don't! I stubbed my toe on mine when I tried that. Hurt like hell!
Funny y'all should mention 5lb for a kid.
After workout this morning, my son wanted to "exTercise" (he's 3 1/2) - so I held a 5lb in his hand (holding it for him) and helped him do some baby bicep curls and forward raises. ***obviously, not trying to work out a 3 yr old, just holding the weight for him and helping him w/ the motion to get him interested in fitness*****he also did some jumping jacks that he was quite proud of
---My kids may end up chubby like the rest of the country, but by golly, it won't be for lack of trying to teach them something---
To answer the question, there isn't much you can benefit from a 5lb weight (done a few rotator cuff things with them before). The only time I've used them with clients were either elderly, and/or restricted in some way and therefore had very very little strength to start out with.
After workout this morning, my son wanted to "exTercise" (he's 3 1/2) - so I held a 5lb in his hand (holding it for him) and helped him do some baby bicep curls and forward raises. ***obviously, not trying to work out a 3 yr old, just holding the weight for him and helping him w/ the motion to get him interested in fitness*****he also did some jumping jacks that he was quite proud of
---My kids may end up chubby like the rest of the country, but by golly, it won't be for lack of trying to teach them something---
To answer the question, there isn't much you can benefit from a 5lb weight (done a few rotator cuff things with them before). The only time I've used them with clients were either elderly, and/or restricted in some way and therefore had very very little strength to start out with.
Wow, this makes me feel horribly inadequate, as I can only do three sets of 8 with 12 lb DBs. I tried the 20 lbers, but they were too heavy for me to do more than 5 each with them.
3sets of 8 reps of what exercises? Also, you could try to add in 15, and/or 17 1/2 - and maybe do more of a pyramid type setup instead of straight 8reps (as in do a set of 10 w/ 12lb, 8 w/ 15lb, 6 w/ 17 1/2lb, or some variation like that.
Everyone has to start somewhere. However, unless there are physical issues involved, the average woman should be able to start with more than 5lb for most any exercise.
If you are just getting started 5lb weights are great for Lateral Raises
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
and kickbacks
Dumbbell Kickback
and a weight to hold behind your head when you do back extensions
Barbell Back Extension (on hyperextension apparatus)
that's all I can think of.
Oh, wait, I have a great one if they are mini barbells, use them as push-up bars when.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
and kickbacks
Dumbbell Kickback
and a weight to hold behind your head when you do back extensions
Barbell Back Extension (on hyperextension apparatus)
that's all I can think of.
Oh, wait, I have a great one if they are mini barbells, use them as push-up bars when.
Do you have access to a weight set? Are you looking to buy? then maybe if a friend has a set you can experiment with to figure out where you are at?
It really depends on the exercises you are doing. Like starting with 15 lbs on a lateral row is a lot easier than a 15 lb curl. But then you may never be able to do a 15 lb lateral raise (try a few -demonstrated in my last answer- with the 5lb).
Whatever weight you start with (and I did have a friend with very little upper body strentgh whose trainer started her with zero in order to first teach her form), you should be able to do 8 reps with reps #7 & 8 being a real struggle.
If you are looking to buy weights you are going to need several different sizes and I find that the "inbetween" sizes (7 1/2, 12 1/2) are very helpful when increasing weight.
I would also HIGHLY recommend checking craigslist and used sports equipment stores (Like Play it Again Sports). Weights are weights; they may look dirty, the paint may be chipped, but a 20 lb weight is a 20 lb weight no matter what it looks like. You can save a buttload of money by buying used.
You can get some dumbell bars and plates for cheap (where you can increase and decrease the weight of the dumbell by adding plates) to start with, but I prefer separate dumbells, especially if you have to rest them on your thighs to get into position (no getting "stabbed" by the bar). However, you may do just fine with the bars, like these for a while.
