my gym's dumbells only go to 80lbs, what to do?

[TripleTrouble]

I've maxed out the heaviest dumbells my gym has 36kg/80lb. I've done 3 sets of 15 reps with solid form on the dumbell chest press. The gym is not a bodybuilding gym but the closest gym with heavier dumbells is just too far.

Any ideas on how to add extra resistance to the dumbells? Maybe strap a few pounds onto each dumbell? Anyone successfully done this?

[chazzy1864]

Do other exercises before you do DB bench?

[jolanar1]

Do Flys instead of bench for chest? Switch to incline/decline? Super sets?

[mobikwa]

Do you own a pair of wrist straps? The ones traditionally for deadlifting.

Un-loop them so they're just long and straight. Loop one through a 10 or 25 lb plate. So the part that normally goes around your wrist is now around a plate. Now wrap the other end around your dumbbell, just like you would on your barbell for deadlifting. Grab the wrapped dumbbell and start lifting, make sure the plate hands on the outside of your body so it doesn't hit you in your head.

[DJAuto]

Either pre-fatigue Chazzy suggested, or just perform higher repetition sets of DB press and use something like BB press as the progressive compound movement. Many years ago, the gym I went to only went up to 100 lbs. A few regulars and I used to tape 5-10 pound plates to the sides to make them heavier, but I wouldn't promote this reckless and dangerous behavior.

[ironwill2008]

Maybe strap a few pounds onto each dumbell?

Not a good idea; anything you might use to temporarily increase the weight of the 'bells could fail. And it's not likely that your gym management would allow you to jack-leg the equipment anyway.

Concentrate on other exercises that allow you to increase the load, such as Barbell Presses and/or machine work.

[IDrinkBloodLOL]

Can you do 10 reps of dumbbell flies with good form using 80 lb dumbbells?

[Faust24]

Get a new gym, its not a bodybuilding gym yet you want to be a body builder... you need the right tools for the job.

Do barbells instead of dumbells, or even do machines

[ramone2485]

Do other exercises before you do DB bench?

I'd suggest this. Do some other workouts that work the same muscles, and get them tired before you do this then. Like maybe an overhead extension or french press. Those should get your triceps tired, then do the DB press.

[Rasputin4]

Do barbell bench followed by dumbbell bench.

You can build overall upper pushing power then really finish off your pecs.

[Okapi]

don't add weight to the dumbbells, that never ends well. If you absolutely cannot switch gyms, then I'd recommend barbell benching (even if you're training solo) simply because you don't have other options. And if you don't want to go that route, then drop sets will be your best bet. 80s to failure, then 70s to failure, then 60s to failure

[TripleTrouble]

Do you own a pair of wrist straps? The ones traditionally for deadlifting.

Un-loop them so they're just long and straight. Loop one through a 10 or 25 lb plate. So the part that normally goes around your wrist is now around a plate. Now wrap the other end around your dumbbell, just like you would on your barbell for deadlifting. Grab the wrapped dumbbell and start lifting, make sure the plate hands on the outside of your body so it doesn't hit you in your head.

Will try this on my next chest workout, another 10lbs per dumbell sounds amazing right now. I've tried a lot of different chest workouts but the flat dumbell hits my chest really well. Will probably do no more than strap 10bls due to safety but will try it out and see.

Thanks brahs.

[mobikwa]

Will try this on my next chest workout, another 10lbs per dumbell sounds amazing right now. I've tried a lot of different chest workouts but the flat dumbell hits my chest really well. Will probably do no more than strap 10bls due to safety but will try it out and see.

Thanks brahs.

I recall seeing a video of a pro (maybe, he was big) bb'er doing this with at least 25's. Everyone commented that it was a good idea then. I tried finding the video but what the hell do you search for?

[419superman]

^^ im pretty sure i saw that video, but it was some guy in the ghetto who was HUGE and duck taped weights to his forearms.


true story.

[davidlaboza]

Pre-exhaust your chest with other exercises. Or, superset with plyo push-ups.

Plyo push-ups to failure straight into DB Bench press for 10 reps. Do that for 3 sets.

[TKD]

use resistance bands.

loop the band behind you back and keep hold one an end looped in each hand.

[TripleTrouble]

use resistance bands.

loop the band behind you back and keep hold one an end looped in each hand.

Good idea, will try this also. Reps to you sir.

Btw my gym has had many people request heavier dumbells but the lazy a$s manager of the gym said he won't be ordering them in because they're apparently 'unecessary'. Would love to see his face when I'm pressing my 100lb bad boy contraptions (if safety allows of course).

If anyone can find a vid of the dude pressing weighted dumbells talked about earlier ^ reps will be sent your way

[RelentlessFocus]

how low do you go with the weight? i wouldnt worry about going heavier unless you're bringing them right down to chest level...

[notbigenoughyet]

Good idea, will try this also. Reps to you sir.

Btw my gym has had many people request heavier dumbells but the lazy a$s manager of the gym said he won't be ordering them in because they're apparently 'unecessary'. Would love to see his face when I'm pressing my 100lb bad boy contraptions (if safety allows of course).

If anyone can find a vid of the dude pressing weighted dumbells talked about earlier ^ reps will be sent your way

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfw1vRgv5gQ

Done.

[ShannonSmith15]

Bro 80 pounds is enough make do with what you have.
Start with 80 then do a drop set till you get to 50 and do that 4 times

[UTCasey]

Try one arm bench with the 80 pound dumbell. Also, work on your shoulder press with the 80's.

[MWorkz18]

I've maxed out the heaviest dumbells my gym has 36kg/80lb. I've done 3 sets of 15 reps with solid form on the dumbell chest press. The gym is not a bodybuilding gym but the closest gym with heavier dumbells is just too far.

Any ideas on how to add extra resistance to the dumbells? Maybe strap a few pounds onto each dumbell? Anyone successfully done this?

Either continue doing sets with the 80's, just very slow, so you feel the burn... Or personally, I'd find a new gym, obviously they don't have the equipment you want for your training program, so you might as well go out and find a local gym that does have what you want. If you're serious about your workouts, then your gym is your second home, so you might as well find a place you love, not just a place that is "acceptable".

[legdaybestday]

Go to the other gym and stop complaining that it is too far. Buy a bike or take a bus. Do what you need to do to reach your goals.

[Chesticles2]

If you can do 7 second eccentric and concentric contractions during db press and give 12 solid reps I will pay for your new gym membership and drive you there myself.
Do with what you got where you are...if not, change gyms today. No excuses brah

[Partyrocking]

1 arm dumbbell bench- will be harder. Do some dips and use dumbbells or plates for added resistance, bench on an incline, floor press,