Full Dumbell Workout vs Using Machines

[Splash23]

Hey guys, how much of a difference is there between using dumbells to workout the entire body as opposed to using machines + other equipment? I'm thinking of getting adjustable weights so I can add/remove weights when necessary and use these to workout my body. I can't really afford $500 gym membership every year. Am I wasting my time or do I really need machines to help me?

Does anyone know the best workouts purely using dumbells? Especially the chest/back/quads. I've seen a lot of videos but I can't vouch which of them are actually effective.

Thanks

[deeprooted]

Buy yourself a power rack, a bench, a barbell and weight plates and do a workout with squats, deadlifts, bench presses and overhead presses...

[ironwill2008]

Am I wasting my time or do I really need machines to help me?

No exercise is a 'waste of time;' just about anything you mght do will have at least some benefit to it. Obviously, some routines/protocols are more effective than others, but if you're limited by the equipment you have available, what's 'best' becomes a moot point.

Use what you have.

Does anyone know the best workouts purely using dumbells?

While there's no single 'best' workout, this dumbbell-only routine is a good one:
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/wor...nly-split.html

[villageidiot8]

Also most gyms offer great deals like mine ATC 15.00 a month and no commitment. Ironwill is correct there is no such thing as a bad workout routine.

[coachstitchhy]

I'm on a routine thats fully possible (and demonstrated) with dumbells and either a bench or stability ball. I'm not going to put out a bb.com competitors name here- but I do it. And it works very well.

[Splash23]

No exercise is a 'waste of time;' just about anything you mght do will have at least some benefit to it. Obviously, some routines/protocols are more effective than others, but if you're limited by the equipment you have available, what's 'best' becomes a moot point.

Use what you have.




While there's no single 'best' workout, this dumbbell-only routine is a good one:

Thanks for the link.

So say I were to train with dumbells for a month as opposed to incorporating machines, how disadvantaged would I be? I mean, I CAN afford a gym membership but I just don't find it cost-effective in the long term.