Dumbbell Weight Set

Free weights. It seems that people from all over are touting dumbbell workouts to be the best thing since sliced bread. Of course, this is for good reason: they can work, when done correctly.

However, dumbbell workouts might not be the right thing for you in all occasions.

Dumbbell Workouts For Rookies

Here's the deal, if you are going to incorporate dumbbell workouts into your routine, make sure you do them first, before any machine work. I'd even put it in front of your cardio portion.

Why you might ask? Well, mainly it's because you'd like to be fresh when you are doing dumbbell workouts. If you do the other parts first, you may tire out the smaller stabilization muscles that you rely on so much during a dumbbell routine.

In other words, you run the risk of dropping the weight on your face!

Also, if you are just getting started out with dumbbell workouts, be sure to choose the correct weight. Most people can lift a certain amount via a machine but you definitely have to take the stabilization aspect into account when you are lifting dumbbells. Reduce the weight a bit to give those muscles a chance to "catch up".

Then, you can go heavier on the machines to really set everything on fire.

(And yes, this means you too ladies!)

In conclusion, should you include dumbbell workouts in your routine. Absolutely. Should you make sure to ease into them? It's depends on your level of activity.

If you aren't using any dumbbell workouts, make sure to start. You won't regret it.

(Unless you drop one on your face!)

Resources - Tell Me About It