Need help with gaining strength page

[Gilleh]

Hey guys.
I've got some questions for you -

Is it possible to gain strength using dumbbells alone?
If so, I'd be glad if you link a program to follow

I've yet to buy a weight bar - is it wise to use it with no gym guidance, or chances are I'll just do the exercises wrong and damage myself?

I'm very limited with my time and money for the time being so going to a gym is not an option atm.

[rhiarti]

Absolutely possible, yes! If it's a book you're after, I found the Bodysculpting Bible does a fairly nice introduction to full body dumbell training.

Good form is very important, so if you're ever unsure, YouTube is a useful resource to check. You'll soon tell from the "likes" and comments whether someone is doing it right!

If you're limited with money, I'd definitely say just stick with your dumbells for now and save a bar for later. Once you have a bar, you ideally need a stand for it too, and larger weight plates for things like deadlifts... initial cost can quickly mount up!

Hope that helps.

[wolfman]

as long as the weights go up yes, but you will be able to use more weight with a bar which = more muscle

[deadliftdan]

Dumbbells are not ideal because they cannot be loaded and lifted in balance like a barbell -- especially for the squat and deadlift -- and that makes it harder to maximize your effort. It is also much harder to load in small increments with a dumbbell. Typically you will have to move up 10 pounds at a time (a 5 pound jump in each hand) as you progress with your lifts. Whereas with a barbell you can get plates as light as 1 pound to add as you advance.

The key to strength training is linear progression. You have to push your muscles harder every workout if you want to drive adaptation. Do sets of 5 reps and try to lift more weight each workout.

[Gilleh]

Typically you will have to move up 10 pounds at a time (a 5 pound jump in each hand) as you progress with your lifts. Whereas with a barbell you can get plates as light as 1 pound to add as you advance.

The key to strength training is linear progression. You have to push your muscles harder every workout if you want to drive adaptation. Do sets of 5 reps and try to lift more weight each workout.

My dumbbells got plates on them so I can advance as I want.
I've always done 12 reps * 3 set exercises, but felt I'm hitting a plateau / losing my form after a while.

Could you link to any programs (as to how much reps, sets and which exercises one has to do using dumbbells)?

[Wanderlust]

I've always done 12 reps * 3 set exercises, but felt I'm hitting a plateau

Switch to 5x5 and eat more.

[EvRevFit]

Switch to 5x5 and eat more.

+1. 5x5 + food + hard work = muscle

[Gilleh]

Will do. 1m rest?

Could you link to any programs (as to how much reps, sets and which exercises one has to do using dumbbells)?

[Coach Palfrey]

Will do. 1m rest?

Could you link to any programs (as to how much reps, sets and which exercises one has to do using dumbbells)?

FAQ:The Program - Starting Strength Wiki

3 - 7 mins rest.

[Wanderlust]

Could you link to any programs (as to how much reps, sets and which exercises one has to do using dumbbells)?

I don't have any, because all the good strength programs that I know are barbell based.