Beginner weight lifter, what weight dumbbell should I start with?

[ghostgirl97]

I'm 16 and I'm training for a half marathon in the Spring and I want to start strength training but I don't know where to start. I have $200 that I've saved to put towards weights and various equipment that I'll need, but I don't know what to get. What size dumbbells should I start with? What sizes should I buy to work towards lifting? I don't want to look freakish or look like the lady hulk, I just want to tone up my upper body which will help with my balance hopefully. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

[red324]

lol. This is cute. Just use a weight that you can lift without straining too hard and then when you feel it's getting too easy for you then move up to a heavier weight. I'm assuming you're trying to workout out arms. I would buy some 5 pound weights then move up to 10 pounds. You might be able to start off with 10 pounds. They have them at walmart and you can test them out before you buy them.

[ghostgirl97]

I took your advice and got a pair of 5lb weights. Could you recommend to me how many reps I should do and how frequently? Thanks!

[red324]

I'd do like 10 reps with a minute break in between each and repeat that like 3 or 4 times. The idea is to workout your arms so you really want to do it until you can't lift them anymore. So after like four sets your arms will probably be too tired to lift anymore. Now remember if you feel like it's too easy for you then buy heavier weights. Maybe just be careful with them and you can just return them so you don't waste money. Just don't hurt yourself. Take it easy at first.

[Rodismus]

Since you're a beginner start with exercise bands. One they're cheaper so the barrier to entry is lower if you don't continue with it. Two they're easier to use in small spaces and travel with. Three as long as you have a door or chair near you, you can do every exercise you would do with dumbbells.

[Anonymous]

get a membership at a community gym because $200.00 is not going to buy you the right kind of equipment

you will never look like a hulk unless you take steroid or are an unfeminine female to start with

I lifted weights and I never got even close to looking hulk-like, in fact it is pretty hard for women to bulk up unless you just have a genetic leaning towards it.

[Theguyoverthere]

Just try out all sorts of different weights. It's gonna vary with the exercise you're doing anyway. Try a lower weight, if it's too easy, go up and just go up until you find what is challenging for you.

[Sexydncr]

Buy those adjustable dumbbell things.