Fat Loss, Dumbbells Only

MomOf2KD · 10-07-2008, 02:45 PM

Hello,

I'm new here, though I've been counting calories and doing a bit of cardio since July. As of now, I've lost 23 pounds. However, I'm still considered obese. Obviously, I have a long way to go.

I've decided to become more focused on strength training. I've ordered this book and it should be here within the next day or two. I have a couple questions though.

I know this book is basically focused around building muscle. Yet, I've heard that it's nearly impossible to build muscle while eating at a deficit. Will my eating at a calorie deficit negate the point of the program? Also, I only have dumbbells to workout with. I don't have a barbell. Nor do I have one of those racks that are required to get the barbell onto the shoulders. There are no gyms around here and I simply don't have room in my house to put a rack if I wanted to spend all that money on one. In saying all that, does the book offer dumbbell alternatives to exercises?

Please tell me I haven't wasted money in ordering a book that I can't use!

Thanks in advance.

Edit: My apologies. It seems I've posted this in the wrong section. I should have posted in the New Rules of Lifting For WOMEN instead of this original one. Sorry about that.

Lost Dog · 10-07-2008, 02:50 PM

You'll use the book, don't worry.

If you're new to lifting, you can put on some muscle, even at a deficit.

There are db versions of most exercises, but read the book and post in here, and we'll help you out with the specifics.

Welcome aboard.

stingo · 10-07-2008, 06:38 PM

As I understand it, weight training helps you preserve your muscle/lean mass when you're in a calorie deficit, so you probably should be doing some sort of resistance training.

As for the dumbbells, I'd think you could get close enough with using them (they did me no harm when I was doing NROL), especially since if that's what you have to work with, that's what you work with. The only impediment might be back exercises like lat pulldowns, unless you have a chin-up bar or other such equipment.

Cynic · 10-07-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stingo

The only impediment might be back exercises like lat pulldowns, unless you have a chin-up bar or other such equipment.

I've seen some of the experts sub pull-overs for pull-ups/downs. Whether or not it's a good sub, I don't know.

However, pull-up bars are cheap.

MomOf2KD · 10-08-2008, 09:52 AM

Yes! I just got it today. I'll read it and ask if I have questions. Thanks again.