I’ve bought 6lb and 8lb hand weights. The six pounders I just left at the Jazzercise studio, and that way others can use them too. I feel like I’m ready to go up a notch from the 8#, at least for some of the arm and back moves, but I’m wondering whether I want adjustable weights. The kind where you can slide in or out another pound or two for different things. Does anyone have any that they like? Are they noisy (do they clink because of the moving parts?)

I saw these by Googling.

http://www.gnc.com/sm-reebok-speed-pac-25-adjustable-dumbbells--pi-2499423.html

I guess that’s kinda what I had in mind. Will stop by the sporting goods store this weekend to look probably.

Thanks,

Ann

I took a quick peek at the link.  They look nice, but what if you want more than 12.5 lbs per dumbbell down the road?  Eventually I am going to need some heavier ones too - at least up to 25lbs each. 

Just my thought.
C.

I don’t usually work with weights, but I’ve found that small weights can be quite effective.  I did a core training class once, and I swear, my arms have never been so tired… and I only used 2 lb weights!  It’s amazing what small weights can do, when you’re not focused on bicep curls.  *grin*

Cheers,
Julie

It’s true, Julie, bicep curls are about the easiest thing for me to do. But after 14 months, and about 3-4 working with the 8-pounders, I find that with some moves it isn’t enough resistance, while with others (the behind the head tricep lifts, anyone? owie!) it’s more than enough.  If I were doing just reps on my own I could just do more, but since Jazzercise is choreographed, I’m trying to get the most out of the workout, and no one at the center has anything heavier than an eight. I’m still getting a pretty good workout with those, but it’ll take a while to ease up to being able to use a 9 or 10 pound weight. (Do they even make a nine? Not sure.)

Hi Ann!

I have never used the adjustable weights.  You may outgrow 12.5 lbs. pretty quickly.
Women are generally afraid to use heavier weights .... and shouldn’t be !!!
The back and chest are big muscles. Not to mention leg muscles are large too!  If you begin to get into weights, then 12.5 is not going to cut it for you long enough!

The one advantage to weight plates is being able to go up in the smaller increments (1 lb. or so) without the jump from say 15 lbs. to 20 lbs.  They do sell “Plate Mates” and similiar things that are magnetic and you can put them on your current weights. (they are kinda costly though)

WHen looking for toys, here’s a site (for comparison if nothing else): http://www.performbetter.com/

Many of the sporting good stores will have sales on dumbbells as well!

I wasn’t sure from your post if you were using them at home or strictly at jazzercise.

The smaller weights are great too.  (Mixing workouts up). Eventually you may end up with a set of 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, etc .....  Or not! Wanna talk barbells??????  How ‘bout kettlebells??? 

Good luck!
Cleda

Thanks, Cleda!

So far I’ve mostly been using the weights at Jazzercise. Let’s see, I used the six-pound weights from about April through October, then went up to the eights. After my back/hip pain, I had slacked off a bit and had to rework my way back up to 8#. So I think it would take me quite a while to outgrow 12.5 at that rate.

I don’t think I’m quite ready for barbells or kettlebells yet. I do want to check out the local Y (there’s a location that was a pretty swanky rehab center that was just given over to the Y, and it’s the one near home/work, so I think it might be cool to see what they offer) and there I hope to get a little more into the weight machines and perhaps get some tips from a coach/trainer.

Wow, and if I thought I was outgrowing the eights, this morning I had a rude awakening. The 8am class had some serious arm/upper body work going on, with and without weights!

-- Ann

True Ann, I have never tried using weights in a Jazzersize class, and if that is what your using them for then the adjustable weights might come in handy… you could adjust the weight according to the exercise.  You are making progress in your efforts and enjoying the process.  That makes the trip so much more fun.  It’s working so stick to it!