18-kg cast-irondumb-bell kit 4 x 2kg, 4 x 1.25kg, 4 x 0.5kg discs, 2 x 1.25kg, 35cm dumb-bell bars with 4 spinlock collars
These dumbells from Body Sculpture are solid looking, blue and raised bars which do nothing for your calluses. Personally I don't mind getting them as it's a sign that you lift weights and are part and parcel of the whole lifestyle. The bars may make your skin slightly hard and dry but to be honest if you don't like them then weight lifting is probably not for you, for any women not wanting to have tough looking hands, then a plastic set of weights can be bought which was eradicate the problem. Also moisturiser applied daily reduces the hardness of the skin.
These were some of my first weights I ever used and are targetted mainly at beginners with the total weight of 18kg easily liftable for people who have been using them for a long period of time (for example several years). Despite being put straight into the garage with my other weights and benches, they are coated with an anti-rust agent which has held up well versus the elements over the last 3 years. These dumbells are just as solid as they look and have given me several years of good use for many different exercises. They work well either on their own, or as part of other exercises, for example with a bench to increase the amount of exercises you can do with them. I recommend a York bench to use with these as in my experience they are both compatable and a maximum output can be gained.
Tips for use -----------------
Dumbells are safe to use and following these guidelines will give you a good routine:
1. Always warm up before dumbell exercises. Perform 5-10 minutes of light aerobic exercise followed by stretching exercises to all major muscle groups.
2. Perform each of the dumbell exercises with a light weight to start. Technique needs to be perfect for each exercise so practise each one first using a light weight. Don't be scared to use a light weight to begin with, technique is far more important for gains than piling on the weight straight-away. The strength will soon come as long as you keep it up so have faith!
3. Have someone spot you at all times. This is particularly useful to push the muscle groups into growth by lifting to failire, then having a friend helping you get a few more repetitions out while you continue pushing.
4. Avoid suddenly dropping the weights to the floor. As you perform dumbell exercises your muscles are under tremendous tension. Abruptly releasing the tension by letting go of the weights is a great way to get injured!
Exercises --------------
Dumbells have great versatility and can be used for several exercises that I have attempted to outline below: (for further information on how to perform the exercises see a guide such as the one at abcbodybuilding.com)
Triceps Dumbell Exercises::::: Overhead Triceps Extension French Press Kickbacks
Leg Dumbell Exercises:::: Half Squats Lunges
Calf Dumbell Exercises:::: Single Leg Calf Raise Seated Calf Press
So in conclusion, these dumbells are a good start for any potential weight lifter, just remember to keep the right technique and YES your muscles are supposed to ache the next day (a sign that new muscle is building) !
Pictures of Body Sculpture Dumb Bells
Dumbells
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Are cheapish and can hold enough weights to build muscle. Disadvantages: Are a little awkward to get home if you have no car. Hand grips are uncomfortable
jonathanw3 07.01.2006 (07.01.2006)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Body Sculpture Dumb Bells
Advantages: Are cheapish and can hold enough weights to build muscle. Disadvantages: Are a little awkward to get home if you have no car. Hand grips are uncomfortable
jonathanw3 07.01.2006 (07.01.2006)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Body Sculpture Dumb Bells
Jun 7th, 2004
exceptional by (3%):
very helpful by (91%):
helpful by (6%):
