Are there any safe add-on weights to add 2.5 to 5 pounds to a given hex dumbbell?
Asked by
ETpro (
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)
March 14th, 2010
I have a small cast iron hex dumbbell set. I have sets of 15, 20, 25 and 40 pound weights. I’d like to extend them by being able to make the 25 pound 27.5 or 30 pound, and likewise the 40s into 42.5 or 45 lb.
Does anyone know of a safe (not going to fall off on the living room floor) add-on weight. I have seen ones with magnetic attachments, but I really don’t trust them to hold onto cast iron, as it isn’t all that magnetic. We have limited storage room, and I really don’t want to go out and buy4n or 5 more sets of dumbbells.
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9 Answers
I wouldn’t trust any add-ons. I have the Bowflex SelectTech, but they’re expensive. That difference in weight is negligible. It’s not how much you lift, it’s how you lift it. Practice good form, flex the hell out of the target muscle, don’t just go through the motions. Never bounce the weight or use momentum to pull a weight. There should be a slight pause in the rest position. Count 1 second up, contract as hard as possible, and do a controlled 3 second count for the down. Then tell me you don’t feel it. If you didn’t, you’re not doing it right. Good luck.
Bowflex!
Saves Space
Saves Time
Saves Money
@coogan & @windex Thanks. I al;ready have the money in the set I have, but before our next move, I might sell them just to avoid lugging them along, then invest in the Bowflex when we get settled in a new place.
Or you can just get those weights that you can strap to your wrists or ankles. Those could add 2.5 lbs to whichever dumbells you are using b/c they are on your arms and not the dumbbell (and I’m sure more stable and safe).
It’s alot more practical than buying a bowflex. I always preferred free weights to the bowflexes anyway.
@mrrich724 that sounds like a good way to get jacked playing Donkey Konga!
@ETpro The SelectTech’s aren’t all rainbows and sunshines. They’re a bit awkward to use for certain exercises due to the width of the bars (to accommodate the weights). Alternatives include PowerBlocks (Dick’s Sporting Goods sells them). Harbinger resistance bands are good, but only for exercises where the band is really stretched.
@coogan How about playing tennis on a Wii. Great idea. We have a Dick’s Sporting Goods here, so I will check out their offerings next time I am around there. Thanks.
@ETpro If you have a Play It Again, I got $200 off my Select Techs because they were sold out and I got the floor model. As for the Wii, don’t cry if someone loses their balance and DK smashes your big screen. I’ll shed a tear and pour a 40 over that one.
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