Dumbbells for P90 training

[dirtybeatfreak]

Hey all, I've decided to get off my bum and start working out/getting fit. I found the P90/P90X working programs and have decided to start on the Power 90 one (p90X looks too intense lol). The reason I chose one of these programs is I have no idea whatsoever on weight training/cardio etc and figured following this would be a good place to start as it's all laid out for you and will be a good foundation to learn the different exercises you can do etc. Anyway, one thing that isn't explained is the weight of the dumbbells you should use.

Don't know if it's relevant but I am 32, 5"8 and weigh 14st/196lbs. I do go for walks (5 miles or so) most weekends but have not exercised properly for a long time so am more than likely VERY unfit.

So what weight should I buy?? I don't want to buy too light as that's obviously pointless but I would like to start off at the bottom of 'worth doing the weight' if that makes sense. I am guessing I would need a little lighter than normal as the p90 is mixed in together rather than a minute in between each set of reps? I thought about just going to local sports shop and feeling them for myself but what worries me is getting the right weight for the exercise I am doing, standing there holding them and whatnot is going to be much easier then when I am using them for actual exercise??

Thank-you for any advice in advance, hope I make some sense at least lol

 

[alexalex]

The weights you'll be using will be very subjective depending on fitness levels, natural size/strength and the actual exercises from day to day.

I started doing P90X and was using between 8-12kg each side depending on the exercise (bicep curls are a lot easier to go heavy on than lateral shoulder raises, for example) and you generally wont need weights that are anywhere near your maximums because you're doing multiple sets and multiple similar exercises

My advice would be to pick up a set of adjustable dumbbells from Gumtree, select a weight you can feel working but isn't overly taxing and just have a run through the workout and see how it feels, adjusting up/down as you go
An adjustable set will take up less space than fixed weights and you can easily add weight as you get stronger. I never got to find out how high the weights would've got because i couldn't stand the presenter guy and jacked it in after about 2 weeks!

edit: it may also be worth getting a set or resistance bands like these ones for starting out - they can go from being very easy to very difficult depending on how much slack you leave, take up sod all space and work just as well as dumbbells but on the (potential) downside they dont give you specific, measured progress on your spreadsheets

 

[dirtybeatfreak]

thanks alexalex, looked further into your suggestion and found some made by a company called 'Bodylastics'.. am going to give them a try I think