Strength & Mass After 40 modifications for lack of an adjustable bench and dumbbells
In order to avoid posting Andy Baker's program online, I don't want to provide any more detail than necessary. Strength & Mass After 40 ("SM40") is a four day a week 531 variation that utilizes sets of 5 in week 1, sets of 3 in week 2 and singles in week 3. Briefly, on one day there are prescribed sets of incline and decline dumbbell presses. While I can raise one side of the bench without making things too unstable, it's not something that I would do for larger inclines. Should I replace the incline work with additional bench press sets? Similarly, should barbell movements substitute for one arm dumbbell exercises?
Although there are some good adjustable benches, I strongly prefer a flat one for benching. Although I have considered adjustable dumbbells, except for small plates all of my weights are urethane bumpers, which means I would either need to buy a bunch of individual plates or order something like PowerBlock or Bowflex ones. Since most of the programs I have followed have been centered around squat, bench, deadlift and press with a barbell, I haven't felt the urge to add an adjustable bench or dumbbells to my home gym.