Weights

[EnormousStuffedMarrow]

I know this will seem like a daft question to people who know about these things....

I want to buy some weights (dumbbells?) I do arm exercises but think I need some weights.

I don't know which ones to buy-how heavy? Should I just start with the lightest?

If you can afford it, buy a selection. I work out in my garage after many years of being in a gym and I have 1kg (DD14 uses these) 2kg (back from the days of the 30day shred in the 2000's!) 4kg kettlebells x2 and I use these for my lost kettlebells workouts as I can manoeuvre them easily, 5kg dumbells x2 which I use for almost evrerything, and a 12kg kettlbell which I use for swings.

I want some 6, 7, & 8 dumbells but can't be bothered driving to decathlon!

I would also like an 18kg kettlebell for deadlifts.

I do mainly Bodyfit by Amy workouts on YouTube, or PMA workouts on YouTube and occasionally a Joe wicks. I started with him years ago when I left my gym and then progressed to the others.

Good luck op, its so much fun and your body will feel great.

Thank you @Dogsgottabone that's really helpful. I hadn't thought about getting more than one type!

I would go 5kg upwards, anything lower is a bit pointless for most people.

Kettle bells are more versatile and can be used for core exercises too

After using weights for a long time alone and with PTs I agree that 5kg up is best, BUT do be careful to get your form right if you are going straight in with a heavier weight.

Also the weights I use most is 5kg and I have very defined arms, abs and v strong glutes. It all depends on proper form and variation of exercises.

You can buy adjustable dumbbells if you're very unsure.

I would probably go to a big sports store and give them a test. I wouldn't bother with something as light as 1kg but OTOH if you buy 5kgs but really struggle with them that won't do you any good, as you'll probably just stop using them. Decathlon's stuff is good value and decent, but their dumbbells come in 2.5kg increments in general, so there's nothing between 5 and 7.5kg.

As PP say, a Kettlebell is also a versatile addition.

www.argos.co.uk/product/6202431

These'll do you. And...

www.argos.co.uk/product/5314935

Perhaps additionally these for certain exercises. You can buy more plates for the dumbbells as you get stronger, so it might look like a big outlay, but they will literally last you forever, and in all, cost you the same as a one month gym membership. Well worth it.

If you are starting out I think you will need lighter than 5kg ones. For chest, back and legs 5kg would be a good starting point but for shoulders, biceps and triceps it would be way too high. I've been working out at home with weights for over 2 years now and still use 3kg and 4kg dumbbells for some exercises - shoulder lateral raises mainly!

Thanks everyone, lots to investigate here. I appreciate the help.

I got those first argos ones for when I went on holiday - I usually go to the gym and use weights there. For just arms they'll take you quite a way. And you can use them as light or heavy.

I’ve recently started doing Caroline Gircan workouts on YouTube. I agree 5kg is probably best for things like weighted squats and lunges, but that would be way too heavy for biceps and triceps. I would get 2 or 3 kg as well, ideally you need at least 2 pairs of differing weights. Personally I don’t like adjustable weights as you can’t realistically keep switching the weights between exercises.

It really depends what kind of weight training you're doing though. I use 10kg dumbbells for biceps and shoulders, the 20kg max isn't enough for me for squats. So if it's proper weight training with progressive overload the lower weights won't really cut it for very long at all. Which is where something you can add extra weight to is helpful. And sets and reps of a smaller number of exercises are the process, so changing them over isn't an issue. If it's more of a workout with a bit of weights added in, where there's lots of different exercises then the lighter non adjustable ones might do the job.

you can’t realistically keep switching the weights between exercises

You absolutely can. I've been lifting for years and do it every home workout, it's not a problem. Adequate rest is necessary between sets, and you can construct your workout so that you do all exercises of one weight in a row, then change the weights for the next exercises.

In a circuits style class I started with 2/3kgs and gradually phased up to 3/5kgs. I can do 6/8kg on a kettlebell.
Some variation is good because some exercises you can take more weight on a than others.

It'll also depend on time/ reps.

I'm at the lighter end of my class, but I'm also of smaller build and have previously had a stubborn shoulder injury that took 2 years to resolve.

If you are just starting out, you could also use resistance bands to plug the gaps in your weights and discover what works for you, without spending too much.

theconversation.com/resistance-band-workouts-are-everywhere-but-do-they-work-167153

www.gorillasports.co.uk/aerobics/bands-expanders?msclkid=325769e6fd3d1db787440adf0b0bcdf1&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Finch%3A%20Gorilla%20Sports%20UK%20Search&utm_term=fitness%20band&utm_content=Bands%20and%20Expanders - two main sorts

I use between 3kg (front raises) and 15kg dumbbells (deadlifts). I have gradually bought heavier dumbbells as I have progressed. If I had my time again I would've bought these: (probably cheaper overall and would take up FAR less space) www.sweatband.com/products/powerblock-sport-2-4-adjustable-dumbbells?variant=39835643052230&om=4383&utm_term=PowerBlock+Sport+2.4+Adjustable+Dumbbells&awaid=2537&utm_source=redbrain&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=css&gclid=CjwKCAjw7eSZBhB8EiwA60kCW6KTWWfSHRmmZpXSeGt22V0UxSzbYPvtVkTdjsfyEjxetIo2ifMHtRoCD9QQAvD_BwE

Definitely adjustable. I've been using weights as part of work out for 3 years and go from 2kg to 14kg depending on exercise. You can switch at ease mid workout if you have a good set of adjustables. As pp said, take up much less space and good long term investment

Start with 3kg. I use 5kg mostly but also have 8,10, 12 and 16 kg kettlebells. I'm considering getting 6 and 8 dumbbells too.

Personally I'd book a session with a PT and find out what's what there.

I do a weights class where we bring our own dumbells and the instructor is always saying that in an ideal world we'd have a selection to use even within that one class! I use 5kg, but know I could go heavier for rows etc but struggle with them overhead

but know I could go heavier for rows

Then you're not getting anything like as much as you can out of your rows, unless you use the alternative, which is more reps up to exhaustion. Unless your goals are very specific, working to near failure will cover almost everyone's aims, whatever the weight, however many the reps. The only reason really we suggest 12 rather than 30 or 40 is time efficiency.

In one class working all/several muscle groups? By definition, you need different weights to train different muscles - some are much larger than others. You won't be getting the most out of the class using the same weights for all exercises.

I would use bands to supplement your 5kg - you could use heavy ones for rows, lighter for OHP.

To give an example on the order of magnitude of the difference in weights, I leg press 10 times what I shoulder press and 20 times what I can do for a lateral raise. But it really does come down to what it is you want to do. Heavy weight training with progressive overload (which is what I do) or adding some weights into a different type of exercise, which I think some PPs are talking about.

I got a power block adjustable set, it’s great and a space saver