Showing posts with label Dumbbell Chest Workout. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dumbbell Chest Workout. Show all posts

5 Tips On Buying Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells

Bowflex adjustable dumbbells have gained immense popularity in the fitness world, and are sought after by both professional weight lifters and fitness enthusiasts alike. However, there is much about these dumbbells that meet the eye and more often than not, people have bought these because of the hype, as opposed to being fully aware of what they are capable of.
Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean these babies aren’t worth your time and money. As the hype suggests, they do revolutionize the way you conduct weight lifting exercises. However, it’s better to know exactly what you’re getting into before purchasing them. This way, you can get more use out of them and make the most out of your hard-earned money. This buying guide was designed to give information about these dumbbells and what they can do for your fitness routine. Check out our review about Bowflex Selecttech 522 Adjustable Dumbbells

Tip #1: Know Exactly What Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells Are

So what are Bowflex adjustable dumbbells? Most people who buy them see ads on TV or get influenced by people around them. While this is not bad in itself, it’s better to have a low-down on what these dumbbells are and how different they are from other free weights or dumbbells. This way, you’ll know if this can do more for you, or if your traditional weights were actually better.
Simply put, Bowflex dumbbells are adjustable dumbbells that can replace an entire dumbbell set. You don’t need to adjust weight load by replacing weights; instead, you simply use the dials on each side of the dumbbell to set the resistance level. The dumbbell’s core mechanism does the rest, so you don’t have to purchase different plates, or even different dumbbells for every weight load you have to go through each time you move up in your muscle building training.

Tip #2: Know How the Dumbbells Work before You Buy Them

Some people simply purchase items without knowing the technology behind them. Some people don’t even take the time to read the manual after they have gotten the product and simply take to experimenting until they get it right. However, this is not a problem with the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells because they are easy to use. No installations needed either, as the dumbbell itself is all you’ll ever need, no matter what exercise you perform.
When starting out, set the adjustment knob on the side to the resistance level of your choice. You’ll know when it has been successfully set because you will hear a clicking noise, and the notch will latch into place.

Tip #3: Be Familiar with All the Features that Come With the Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells

There are a lot of good things to say about the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells. However, when you’re making a purchase, the more features that apply to you, the better it is. It’s important to know the features of a product, so you can assess whether the benefits make it a good investment, or if you should look something a bit more basic. Bowflex dumbbells are considered high end, so if only one or two features are applicable to you, then maybe it’s better to hold off on purchasing them.
  • Price – Some people see the price of the dumbbell and think of it as a mere luxury. They settle for traditional weights because they think it’s just a pair of dumbbells and the price doesn’t justify it. However, remember that one pair of these can replace your entire dumbbell set at home. A set of dumbbells can go for as low as $400, to as high as $1000 for those with more weight variations. The Bowflex costs around $600, depending on where you get it, so it’s actually good value for your money.
  • Compact – Since it can replace your entire dumbbell set, the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells also saves you a lot of space at home. No need to stack your dumbbells on a huge and bulky rack, which wastes space. The dumbbell comes with a base so it stays put, and you can also roll it over the floor when you want to store it. No need to carry it around when you’re transporting it to another room or storing it away.
  • Consistency in resistance – When you do exercise motions with regular dumbbells, some motions require less effort than others. For example, with lifting weights, you encounter a lot of resistance during upward movements, while downward movements require almost no effort at all. With the Bowflex, each motion won’t be wasted because the calibration inside the dumbbell allows for continuous resistance even with motions that don’t usually have them. This means you get more exercise with each movement you make and your efforts won’t be wasted.
  • Durability – The dumbbell plates are made of sheet-rolled steel and is covered with ABS plastic. This makes the dumbbells more durable and resistance to wear and tear. The plastic acts as a form of shock absorber, so when you set the weights down, they don’t clank. The material is rust-resistant and won’t get scratches easily even from hard floors. This means the dumbbells will last for a long time, even if you use them often.

Tip #4: Know Exactly How To Take Care Of Your Dumbbell 

If you’re going to invest in these dumbbells, it’s best to know exactly how to take care of them so that they last as long as possible and won’t decrease in efficiency as time goes by.
  • Keep your dumbbells in a cool, dry place – While the material is made from rust-resistant material, like most things, regular wear and tear can still take its toll on the dumbbells. Make sure to store them away, especially if you don’t have your own gym at home. If you keep them in enclosed spaces like your closet, make sure to clean them with a rag to keep the surface dry. Because of its plastic cover, the dumbbells are easy to clean and sweat and water gets easily wiped off without much effort.
  • Purchase a stand if need be – If you own a stand, it means you don’t have to strain your back whenever you try to pick up your dumbbells. This is also a safety precaution, especially if you have pets or kids in the house. Accidents may happen if someone trips on it, so it’s better to place it on a stand.

Tip #5: Find Out What Comes With Your Order of Bowflex Dumbbells

Most stores don’t just sell you the dumbbells, others come with accessories, memberships and guarantees, depending where you get it from. When purchasing your  Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, know exactly what comes with your order so you can make the most out of it. If it comes with guarantees and warranties, make sure to note down the conditions so if you run into trouble, you can get your money back or have your unit replaced.
Like with all purchases, buying the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells need not be a stressful experience. Just simply do your research, shop around first, and be cautious about where you get your dumbbells, so you can be happier with your purchase and use it to the fullest to achieve your weight training goals.

Top 5 Dumbbell Chest Workouts That Are Easy and Effective

If you’d like to have rippling chest muscles not just for the summer, but all-year round, the best way to get them is to perform a dumbbell chest workout regularly. However, not all workouts of this variety are equal in ease and effectiveness. Some might require a weeks to show results, while others give you the muscles you need in the target areas that need them the most.
Below are some of the most effective and easiest chest workouts available today. All you need are a pair of dumbbells and a bench. Even with relatively light dumbbells, these workouts are proven effective and safe, even for beginners.
Bench Presses
Although bench presses are the easiest and most common form of dumbbell chest workouts, they are by far the most effective at developing your chest muscles.
  1. Lie down with your back presses flat on a bench. Hold a dumbbell on each hand at chest level alongside your body. Your palms should be facing your feet.
  1. Hold the dumbbells straight up. Your arms should be straight, with your elbows almost locking. After a tiny pause, lower your arms slowly back down to the starting position.
  1. Remember to exhale while straightening your arms and inhale while you’re lowering them back down to the original position.
For beginners, you can begin by doing 10 repetitions before taking a short rest, and gradually increase the number of repetitions as your body is getting used to the exercise. You’ll know once you’ve mastered a phase when the burning sensation in your arms and chest area are almost non-existent. When this happens, you may increase your repetitions per set. You may also do the neutral grip variation of this workout. The only difference is that instead of facing your feet, you palms should be facing each other.
Incline Bench Press
This variation of the typical bench press targets the upper pectoral muscles, shoulders and arms. While bench presses work with any type of bench, the inclined variety needs a workout bench in order to perform it accurately.
  1. The starting position is similar to a typical bench press, with you lying down and your back flat against the bench. Hold a dumbbell on each hand alongside your body at chest level. Your palms should face forward.
  1. Hold the dumbbells straight up. Similar to a typical bench press, your arms should be kept straight with your elbows nearly locked. After a short pause, lower your hands back to the starting position.
  1. As with the typical bench press, remember to exhale while raising your arms, and inhale when going back to the starting position.
To perform the neutral grip version of the incline bench press, simply switch your palm’s position so that they are facing each other, rather than forward. To work on your lower pectoral muscles and upper abdomen area, you can adjust your bench so that it declines, rather than inclines.
Lying Fly
The lying fly specifically targets muscles in your shoulders, armpits, upper arms and the sides of your chest area. While these are a bit more challenging compared to the bench press, they are still easy to do. You may want to start with light dumbbells if you don’t have much upper body strength.
  1. Lie down on the bench with your back flat against it. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, hold them on either side of your body level with your arms outstretch to the side, elbows slightly arched.
  1. Raise your arms until they are above chest level and side by side, similar to the second position of the bench press.
  1. After a slight pause, place your arms back to the starting position.
  1. Remember to maintain the angle of your arms at all times, with your elbows slightly bent.
Similar to a bench press, there is an incline variation of this exercise. The incline variation specifically targets the upper and side chest area. The steps are the same, just simply adjust your workout bench.
Straight-Arm Pullover
Aside from working your pectoral muscles, this is also a great exercise for the triceps, shoulders and lateral muscles. This is a great workout for widening your upper body and expanding your rib cage.
  1. Lie down with your back nearly on the edge of the workout bench. Using a single dumbbell, grip it with both hands with your arms extended right along your chest area.
  1. Extend dumbbell straight up. Your arms must be perpendicular with the floor. After a slight pause, lower it back to the original position.
  1. Throughout the entire exercise, remember to maintain your elbow’s angles so your arm remains extended.
Bent-Arm Pullover
Another type of pullover workout, the bent-arm pullover is used with heavier weights. The elbows remain flexed in order to support the extra weight. While the straight-arm pullover is better for beginners, this workout is used mainly by bodybuilders as it is more effective at building pectoral muscles quickly.
  1. Lie down on the bench with your back at one of the edges. Grasp one dumbbell for each hand below head level with your elbows flexed at a 90-degree angle.
  1. Raise your arms until the dumbbells are close to your chest. Remember to keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle while doing this.
  1. After a short pause, lower your arms back to their starting position.
  1. Remember to exhale while raising your arms and inhale while lowering them.
Additional Reminders When Performing a Dumbbell Chest Workout
As with all types of workouts, remember to perform breathing and warm-up exercises beforehand, especially if it is your first time. You may use spotters at the beginning, so you won’t strain yourself. When performing these exercises, remember to keep your movements controlled and steady, or else it will strain your muscles and cause you pain.
Remember that chest workouts using dumbbells are effective and easy if you follow the instructions right. You’ll know the workouts are working when you feel a tolerable burning sensation in the target areas. Your body may be sore during your first try, but this will vanish as you progress with your regimen. Most important of all, results don’t come in the blink of an eye – even if you don’t feel the change at first, just keep at it and remember to never rush or exert more effort than you’re capable of. Workouts should not only be healthy and effective, they must also be safe above all.