How to Choose Dumbbell Weight for Beginners? (2024)

FAQs

How to Choose Dumbbell Weight for Beginners? ›

Medium vs. Heavy Weights. For beginners, Ben recommends trying five to 10 pounds for light weights, 10 to 20 pounds for medium weights, and 15 to 30 pounds for heavy weights—or simply starting with five-pound weights for each exercise and working up from there.

Medium vs. Heavy Weights. For beginners, Ben recommends trying five to 10 pounds for light weights, 10 to 20 pounds for medium weights, and 15 to 30 pounds for heavy weights—or simply starting with five-pound weights for each exercise and working up from there.

What you want to accomplish in the gym also plays a role in the dumbbell weight you'll want to use. If you are trying to tone your muscles, then you might want to go with a lighter weight and strive for more reps. If you are trying to bulk up, then you will want to go with a heavier dumbbell weight and fewer reps.

If you've never used dumbbells before, it's best to start with lower weights — for some people, that might mean 3 or 5 pounds, while for others that might mean 10 or 12 — so you can adjust to the shape of your dumbbells, become accustomed to holding them in your hands during exercise and learn proper form and technique ...

Yes, so long as you increase the weight over time.

Every few weeks, increase the amount of weight you're lifting by 5–10 lb (2.3–4.5 kg) or so to keep those gains going.

Dumbbell Size For Beginners

It's recommended that beginner weightlifters lift lower poundage for more reps. For instance, a good beginner workout includes lifting two- to three-pound dumbbells in each hand for 12 to 15 reps. If the weight feels too light, you can always increase the number of reps.

I recommend starting with 5-pound weights. Halfway through the month, do a check-in with your body to see if they feel too light. If so, you can move up to 7.5- or 8-pound weights. If you notice you are building muscle too quickly, or bulking instead of toning, I recommend staying lighter with your weights.

These beginner arm toning exercises are easy to do at home with a pair of 3-pound dumbbells (or bodyweight alone). For best results, do each of the upper body exercises for the number of reps indicated one to three times per week.

Some examples of muscle-building dumbbell exercises include the Arnold Press or the Bench Press. Building muscle mass will require the use of heavier weights and lower reps. 5kg dumbbells or 10kg dumbbells are good for beginners, while intermediate to advanced users will aim for around 15kg dumbbells and above.

While the difference was small, this study shows that you can absolutely build muscle even if you have lighter dumbbells. So, tell your 3lb dumbbells to cheer up, they can be just as useful as a 5lb dumbbell.

What is a good dumbbell weight for a woman? ›

Beginners are advised to start with 5- to 10-pound weights, while those returning to fitness or looking to bulk up might find a range between 3 and 25 pounds more suitable. Prioritising form and technique over weight is essential, particularly when starting.

Gaining strength all comes down to fatiguing your muscles, and heavy weights will get you there faster. It just takes longer to get tired when you're curling a 5-pound weight versus a 25-pound dumbbell. "Heavy compound exercises offer the most bang for your buck.

Building a decent body with dumbbells is not only possible but highly attainable. The key to muscle growth and true transformation is consistency. And with the unlimited possibilities of dumbbell-only workouts, there's no excuse to skip a good sweat sesh.

Some examples of muscle-building dumbbell exercises include the Arnold Press or the Bench Press. Building muscle mass will require the use of heavier weights and lower reps. 5kg dumbbells or 10kg dumbbells are good for beginners, while intermediate to advanced users will aim for around 15kg dumbbells and above.

This is definitely the most straightforward move you can start with to accustom your body to using your arm muscles. There is no set weight to start with when using dumbbells, some people may feel comfortable beginning at 5kg and others at 15kg.

Yes, you can build muscle with only 15 lbs dumbbells by doing a routine of 60 reps of hammer curls, 100 skull crushers, and 60 hammer curls for 3 sets every night while on a calorie surplus.