Fit Villains: Selfish, Shameless, Sassy, Fitness.

This is hilarious, lol.

To be honest, I rarely see women with those tiny dumbbells anymore but I have a sneaking suspicion they’re still getting used (they’re always restocking at my local fitness store). Many women still use them because it’s easier, they’re scared of lifting heavier or because that’s all they have at hand.

When you have access to heavier equipment, you’ll use it. It’s one thing to want to lift heavier. It’s another to make it happen.

Ladies of the at-home fitness crowd, I urge you: go for it! If the thought of a LOT heavier scares you, just a little heavier is fine. For now. :)

I won’t preach about how heavy or what you should or shouldn’t aim for (and wholeheartedly concede that MANY DVD programs call for lighter weights/endurance work - they do serve a purpose). But I will say that if your weights are under 8lbs AND you’ve been using the same ones for over 3 months (or years. Yup, it happens), it’s time to spend the money and invest in something HEAVIER.

It’s a stepping stone. A gateway “drug”.

My progression…

• Started with 3-4lb weights: stayed there for years. No lasting effect on my body.
• Went up to 5-7lbs: things got harder, and that was good. Didn’t really get stronger, but felt stronger. Muscles got a bit more of a challenge.
• Went up to 10-12lbs: Harder. Things started to change.
• Went up to 15-20lbs: Much harder. Things REALLY started to change.

I’m not afraid of 30-50lb dumbbells anymore. Or heavier. But it was a process. And I started with tiny weights. The reason I’m so adamant about heavier weights at home is because I spent YEARS with those tiny weights and they had little to no changing effect on my body. I burned calories, and sure the workouts felt hard (lifting 4lbs 100 times will do that), but in terms of my body shape, strength and getting “better” at fitness, that didn’t start until I went double digits.

Check craigslist. Check stores. See what your friends have around. Buy online. Lots of ways to get your hands on them.

Do it. Even if it’s just a tiny bump.

Beginner Tools: Adjustable Dumbbell Sets

Adjustable sets are totally bad ass for beginners and intermediate exercisers alike. You can start with the light plates, and add on as you go. This set is a great choice for most women: it adjusts from 5- 20lbs per dumbbell. It comes with a case, stores easily and is totally affordable at only about $60 a set (the price has gone up, but considering the flexibility you’ll have, highly worth it. Way cheaper than buying multiple sets).

When it comes to dumbbells, you don’t need to go fancy. This is a simple set with one big perk: adjustable sets allow you to avoid buying several different sets over time.  It’s also easier to boost your difficult as you see fit, whenever you’re ready. 

No home gym is complete without weights! If you don’t already have them, GET THEM! Said with love, of course. :) 40lb Dumbbell Set