Dumbbells Instead of Barbells?
I bought the Kindle version of Starting Strength after reading about your work through Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit. I’m 65 years old, close to retirement, and would have a hard time selling my wife on spending the money for the home gym you recommend in "You Only Need These 6 Things For a World-Class Home Gym.” Instead, I bought a 100 lb. set of dumbbells and a weight bench and have been working with them, increasing my weight 2 to 3 lbs. every other workout. (I know that’s slower than you recommend, but I’m a cautious man.) I’ve gone from 6 to 18 lbs per dumbbell so far. Can I get the strength job done with dumbbells alone?
Workout Routine (3 Sets of 6 every 2 to 3 days)
STANDING
Squats with Arms-In-Front Holding Both Dumbbells Side-By-Side Vertically
Alternating Single Arm Hammer Curl into One-Arm Press
Shrugs with Dumbbells at Thigh Level
BENCH
Flat Chest Press into Tricep Extensions
Triceps Kickbacks
Deadlifting Dumbbells? Are you saying ...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mark Rippetoe
Actually, I see he's not deadlifting at all. Kebbel, I have a 91 year old woman in here that is less "cautious" than you. Maybe you should invest in a coach.
Does that 91 year old lady live in East Central, Florida, and if so, what do you think she charges for coaching? Kidding... I'm at 18 lbs now, headed as close to the 50 lbs per dumbbell as I can eventually get. The original question that I asked and am re-asking is can I get really strong with dumbbells instead of barbells? I've never heard of anyone dead-lifting dumbbells so I assume you're saying deadlifts with a bar are essential to any strength program?