Sorry it's been so long in between posts the last few weeks. I've had to put a lot of the time I normally spend blogging into prepping and programming for my joint venture with the Jiu-jitsu school. We've got some really exciting things in the works, and it's taking quite a bit of my time right now.
Anyway, let's take a look at the tools you need for getting big. One of the key differences between lifting to get strong and lifting to get big is that isolation of some individual "show" muscles becomes important. To assist in this, it is important to add some dumbbells to the list of equipment we bought for getting strong.
The dumbbells will allow you to add in some unilateral exercises like single arm dumbbell: rows, bench presses, overhead presses. They will also allow you to get some better curl variations like reverse, hammer and Zottman.
For home dumbbell purchases, I like to recommend the power block, if you can swing it. They are expensive, but you'll be set for life with a full range of dumbbells from 5 - 90 lbs. in 5 lb. increments.
If the power blocks don't fit into your budget, I recommend that you start with 3 sets of dumbbells. Pick a weight that you can curl for 5 reps, overhead press for 5 reps and bench press for 5 reps. Once you grow out of a weight, pick up a pair of plate mates to save some dough. This way you can reduce the total number of dumbbells you need to purchase.
Until next time:
Train smart; eat right!
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