getting weights for home use

Dubhlinner

Just looking for some kit for days I miss or can't make the gym.

I already have a pull up bar.

for bent over rows I tend to do about 22-28kg for 6-12 reps depending on weight

Flys about 12- 16kg for 6-12 reps depending on weight.

So I'm guessing to get adjustable dumbbells that I can fit 30kg on for the rows. though maybe 35 would be better thinking of the long term.

anyone recommend somewhere to order? second hand or new is fine. In Ireland (or UK if they deliver at reasonable prices to northern Ireland)

thanks

rubadub

amazon.co.uk have a few types of 20kg dumbbell sets with free delivery. They might still be on offer.

Dubhlinner

I'm actually thinking of going to argos now.

thinking either this one here:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9003156/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports+and+leisure%7C14419152/c_2/2%7C14419152%7CWeights+and+strength+training%7C29022084/c_3/3%7Ccat_29022084%7CWeights+and+dumbbells%7C14419310.htm#pdpFullProductInformation

or

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3028302/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports+and+leisure%7C14419152/c_2/2%7C14419152%7CWeights+and+strength+training%7C29022084/c_3/3%7Ccat_29022084%7CWeights+and+dumbbells%7C14419310.htm

Both seem reasonable, plus it includes a barbell which means I could use it for overhead presses and light squats too.

The first one seems to be a generic brand, and the other being york. The york equivelent of the 50kg set is £60. wonder is there any point paying that compared to the generic one for £45

rubadub

Those are both vinyl sets, this means the "plates" are plastic containers filled with cement. They are bulky and degrade over time, nobody here ever recommends them. The bulkiness means you can only fit so many on a dumbbell. Cast iron is the way to go. These vinyl kits usually only have weak hollow bars which will begin to bend if you put more weight on.

If you are more serious about training you might want an olympic set from the start, rather than upgrade later.

The other difference to watch is the plate sizes

pro power
# ncludes:
# 6 x 1.25kg.
# 4 x 2.5kg.
# 6 x 5kg.
# 2 x 35.5cm spinlock hollow bars with rubber sleeves.
# 6 x spinlock collars.
# 1 x 165cm spinlock bar.

york
* 6 x 1.25kg.
* 6 x 2.5kg.
* 2 x 5kg.
* Total combination, vinyl weights 32.5kg.
* 2 x 45cm spinlock bars with plastic sleeves.
* 4 x spinlock collars.
* 1 x 165cm spinlock bar.
* 4 x locking collars.

the york one as it has more 5kg plates, I would prefer this, some might not. I know the kits are different sizes but you can get 20kg dumbbell sets with different plate arrangements.

Dubhlinner

Ah I see. cheers. Maybe better shelling out for these ones then

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9003204.htm#pdpFullProductInformation

• 6 x 0.5kg.
• 6 x 1.25kg.
• 4 x 2.5kg.
• 4 x 5kg.
• 2 x 35.5 solid spinlock bars.
• 1 x solid spinlock barbell.
• 6 spinlock collars.
• 50 weight combinations.
• Total weight combination, discs 40.5kg.
• Total weight including spinlock bars 50kg.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3008250/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports+and+leisure%7C14419152/c_2/2%7C14419152%7CWeights+and+strength+training%7C29022084/c_3/3%7Ccat_29022084%7CWeights+and+dumbbells%7C14419310.htm#pdpFullProductInformation

• 6 x 0.5kg, 6 x 1.25kg, 4 x 2.5kg, 4 x 5.0kg discs.
• 2 x 35.5cm spinlock bars.
• 1 x 140cm spinlock bar.
• 6 spinlock collars.
• 50 weight combinations.
• Total weight combination of cast iron discs 40.5kg.
• Total weight including spinlock bars 48kg.
• Training wall chart included.

The york one £90, pro power £80.

was thinking about olympic bar but I also want dumbbells so might end up too expensive, these ones have both covered at those prices.

rubadub

I only have a standard set myself, the york one. Some of the plates have rusted over time but otherwise I am happy enough. It would take most people 2 trips to carry the stuff to the car so you might want to bring a helper, or have them hold half it till you come back.