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...
Great Dumbbell Handbook
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

Ide also like to see a good dumbell only workout as I dont have a squat bar at home

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?

For most exercises you can just substitute dumbells for barbells.

http://training.fitness.com/weight-t...rst-34522.html

http://training.fitness.com/weight-t...1-a-18766.html

Dumbbells are too light and you cannot do deadlifts/squats/power cleans etc If you have a barbell and adequate weights, then barbell training 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. Sorry for bad spelling...on iPhone again & I guess I've been lifting too many weights in the past

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?

No need to quote? You sound ofended. None intended. As you wish.

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.

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?

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.

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.