Author Topic: Do You Think You Can Get A Decent Full Body Workout With Dumbells Only?  (Read 3948 times)

BikiniSlut

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I know there are a ton of exercises that can be done using dumbells only....but could one get a decent workout and physique with only dumbells?

oni

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yeah
quads will be pretty hard to train though

BikiniSlut

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Squats and Lunges with Dumbells?? What do you think on this?

powerpack

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An adjustable set that can go up to heavy weights then yes
Years ago when I lived in a flat I used dumbells only because of space and got reasonable results from them.

oni

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lunges suck

Donny

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you can and i remember i did this ..oh about 1994 because i had an article from David Gentle. It was in Muscle Mag and was called "Developing size and strength with Dumbbells" as i said this was from 1994. David Gentle has a home page and you can email him ( he is in the UK ). I can tell you one routine from this article...
                 
                                  Alternate DB press (shoulders) 4x8
                                  DB squats(holding them at your sides) 3x12
                                  cross bench pullovers 2x12
                                  DB Bench press 4x8-10
                                  DB rows 4x8-10
                                  alternate DB curls 3x10
                                  single arm DB extensions 3x8-10

Montague

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Squats and Lunges with Dumbells?? What do you think on this?


Also consider step-ups.

And, if you'd like more ideas for lower body work, browse this excellent thread: http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=156308.0

WOOO

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you totally can (I know a lot of guys who train with powerblocks only)... it depends on your goals... can you be a competitive bber with dumbbells only?  probably not.  can you build a solid muscular physique? absolutely.

Montague

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you totally can (I know a lot of guys who train with powerblocks only)... it depends on your goals... can you be a competitive bber with dumbbells only?  probably not.  can you build a solid muscular physique? absolutely.


For the last several years, I have used db's a lot more than barbells, and my progress has improved in both the strength and development departments.
I'm not attributing my results to using db's in lieu of barbell work; I'm just suggesting that db work certainly has not hampered my progress.

Donny

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I remember as a soldier i had a set of "Bells" under my bed. Bells are great and you can do so much, REALLY.

jpm101

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Re: Do You Think You Can Get A Decent Full Body Workout With Dumbells Only?
« Reply #10 on: March 18, 2012, 10:22:50 AM »
Can get an exceptional workout, and exceptional results, with using DB's only.

Even using only a chinning bar (different grip placements) and dipping bar (suggest a "V" bar), with added weight when required, can give impressive mass.

Far as quads/hams go, try Step-ups (as suggested by Montague) but have the bench/box/platform higher than usual. This also hits the hams, because of the stretch required. One legged squats are different from step-ups, with a more inline up & down motion, but still a very good leg movement.  When you get to the point of using a 100lb plus DB, you can understand the benefit of either/both these exercises. Sissy squats can also be included. Standing on one legs, a SLDL (DB) hits the hams very well. Suggest it as a good movement for athletic training also. Good Luck.
F

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Donny

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Re: Do You Think You Can Get A Decent Full Body Workout With Dumbells Only?
« Reply #12 on: March 18, 2012, 10:36:33 AM »
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/frankoman-dumbbell-only-split.html

some decent ideas
Nice post.. yes Muscle and strength is a good site( in my opinion )

BikiniSlut

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Re: Do You Think You Can Get A Decent Full Body Workout With Dumbells Only?
« Reply #13 on: March 18, 2012, 10:52:31 AM »
Wow....these are some great responses.....thank you so much!

Donny

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Re: Do You Think You Can Get A Decent Full Body Workout With Dumbells Only?
« Reply #14 on: March 18, 2012, 11:11:44 AM »
Its a pleasure. some great advice from the Guys ;)

haider

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Re: Do You Think You Can Get A Decent Full Body Workout With Dumbells Only?
« Reply #15 on: March 18, 2012, 06:41:13 PM »
Yes, absolutely! Even easier if you're female. Lots of variations of body weight exercises are possible.

Back: Sternum Chins, regular chins/pullups, inverted rows, pullovers
Chest: Pushups, Incline Pushups, 1-arm pushups, Dips
Triceps: Diamond pushups (w/ hands placed on eye level), Bodyweight extensions, tricep dips, etc.
Quads: 1-legged squats, Sissy Squats, Lunges, Step-ups, Db Squats
Hamstrings: Glute-ham raise, 1-legged box squats (knee angle close to 90), Stiff Legs, Lunges w/ long strides
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