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Original poster

Dumbbell work out questions

35 replies

pinkyponkyplink · 26/01/2026 00:41

please can someone help me with some answers?

how many times a week should I be doing weights? I’m working out at home

can I do full body work outs with 3kg weights every time or does it need to be a leg day, an arm day etc and be split? I’ve tried following CarolineG and I prefer full body work outs

how long should I be exercising? I’ve started following some 20 min full body work outs with so many moves and repeated 3-4 times. Will these work?

I appreciate any help.

OP posts:
SandrenaIsMyBloodType · 26/01/2026 18:36

benten54 · 26/01/2026 10:35

Is that the correct name? My Google searches for her have been fruitless.

Show quote history

No. It’s Vonda Wright.

Mercurial123 · 26/01/2026 18:32

pinkyponkyplink · 26/01/2026 18:23

Thanks
@NoctuaAthenedoes the nhs recommend one hour weights 3x a week? I struggle to fit 30 minutes in.
im trying to lose a stone, tone up and be healthier now im near 50!
I’ve heard mixed reviews about the dumbbells you can add more and take off. Might try them.
im trying to hit 10k-12k steps every day and do weights 3 x a week

I have the Northdeer adjustable dumbells which are great if I can't get to the gym.

Original poster
pinkyponkyplink · 26/01/2026 18:23

Thanks
@NoctuaAthenedoes the nhs recommend one hour weights 3x a week? I struggle to fit 30 minutes in.
im trying to lose a stone, tone up and be healthier now im near 50!
I’ve heard mixed reviews about the dumbbells you can add more and take off. Might try them.
im trying to hit 10k-12k steps every day and do weights 3 x a week

OP posts:
NoctuaAthene · 26/01/2026 11:22

For strength training the NHS recommends twice a week (although you will probably see better/quicker results doing 3) plus either 150 minutes moderate or 75 minutes vigorous cardio type activity. For most people a good balance is to do around an hour's strength type activity 2-3 times a week (this wouldn't be all 'work' if you are pushing yourself hard, you'll need rest between sets), then moderate cardio activity which could be brisk walking, jogging, swimming etc for 30 mins 5 days a week OR more intense activity like a spin class or circuits or similar for 30-45 mins 2-3 times a week.

Fine to do full body every time in your workouts if that's your preference, it really doesn't matter. You'll definitely need heavier dumbbells though, I've been doing weights for about 6 months now and am up to 8-9kgs for things like overhead presses that work the arms/shoulders and 12-15 for goblet squats and lunges that are more legs and core. Can you ideally get the type of dumbbell that's like a mini barbell, with plates you can add/take away as needed?

Dozycuntlaters · 26/01/2026 10:39

Three times a week is fine, but try and mix it with a little cardio work too. What are you trying to achieve?

If you want to lose weight and be lean you need to do low resistance and high reps and if you want to build muscle and bulk up you need to do high resistance and low reps.

3 kgs is fine to start with and then when it becomes easier and you're not having to put so much effort into it, you start to up it. Also depends what muscle you are working. Back, legs etc heavy weights are much easier than triceps/biceps. Weights is a great way to achieve what you want.

benten54 · 26/01/2026 10:35

curious79 · 26/01/2026 06:51

i do full body
3 kg is very light, too light (unless you are very very weak) for things like chest press
look up Rhonda Voight, specialist in preventing osteoporosis, and what she recommends weight wise

Is that the correct name? My Google searches for her have been fruitless.

Original poster
pinkyponkyplink · 26/01/2026 09:49

Yes planning to build up to
bigger. Should I go 5kg or heavier?

OP posts:
firstofallimadelight · 26/01/2026 07:21

It’s good to have a rest day in between but I do arms/chest on Monday and legs/back on Friday (but I go gym) on Wednesday I go swiming.
3 kg is light though are you planning to build up ?

curious79 · 26/01/2026 06:51

i do full body
3 kg is very light, too light (unless you are very very weak) for things like chest press
look up Rhonda Voight, specialist in preventing osteoporosis, and what she recommends weight wise

PersephoneParlormaid · 26/01/2026 06:48

Personally I do mine 3 times a week and I always do full body.