Dumbell weights...

I have recently decided to start weight training at home, but I am unsure of the weight that I need to use.  I can comfortably use 5 lb weights.  Do I need to graduate to 8 lbs or is 5 lbs enough? 

I'm kind of new to this (I'm actually using 5lb weights at home as well), but I would say that if you're comfortably using 5lb weights, maybe increase the reps/sets you do? This will make it more challenging. Just an idea :)

I use 5lb weights also. 5 pounds is good because youre trying to tone, not built muscle right? Like, I'm trying to lose some of the fat on my arm, not pump it up to have a big muscle when I flex. The best way to lose the fat is to do many reps of a lighter weight. 5 lbs is perfect for me, but like gwyinivere said above, its all about what youre comfortable with. But yea, unless you want to be ripping the muscle in order to build it up with a heavy weight, what youre doing is great, just do a lot of reps. :)

If its easy then you need to increase the weight. 

Don't worry about bulking up because it takes a lot more than a few pounds of dumbbells for a woman to have huge muscles. 

Try to do the exercises in sets.  For example, 3 sets of 12 or 3 sets of 15.

Thank you all for your advice.  Maybe I will try to increase  the reps to start with and when that gets easy, I will increase the weight. 

I really don't want to bulk up.  My arms are the one area of my body that I can't seem to tone very well.  Increasing reps hopefully will help.  I will let you know!

Check out this website for weight lifting myths/advice for women.

Exerpt:

"Dispelling the Myths
1. Lifting Weights Makes You Muscle-Bound
While strength training will help you build muscle, women simply don't have enough testosterone, a key hormone for building muscle, to become muscle-bound and appear masculine. The muscle you are able to build lifting weights will only improve your appearance and femininity.

4. You Must Lose Weight First Before You Lift Weights
Last but not least is the myth that you should lose weight before you start lifting weights. This myth exists because women often become discouraged when they diet and lift weights since the weight loss that occurs isn't reflected on the scale. This is because the weight lost is body fat, not the muscle you need to stay healthy. Lifting weights while dieting will help you keep the muscle you have ensuring the weight you lose is body fat. Studies confirm this showing that combining aerobic exercise, dieting, and strength training leads to greater losses of body fat and weight than when you only diet or diet and do aerobic exercise. "

Thanks!  I will check the website out right now!

I absolutly hate those myths.  I suggest strenght/resistance training to everyone. 

Body fat by far is the best way to record results. 

Definately lift heavy, I do and my arms are starting to look real sleek and sexy.  I use 15 - 20lbs bicep curls.  10-15lbs tricep curls and a lot more weight for my chest and back. I keep increasing the weight too.   No bulk just lean, tone muscle

Lift heavy it wont bulk you up but will make you strong, good for your bones as well!

I think doing the reps slower will help too, if you want to stick with your 5 lbers.

Good for you for adding weights to your routine. Lift as heavy as you can, safely. Women frequently underestimate their strength.

A lot of women on this site have been following weight training programs such as New Rules of Lifting for Women, or Starting Strength (I think that's the correct name), which emphasize using free weights and high weight, low reps for muscle building and fat burn. Not one of us has "bulked" up - most have lost inches and changed our body composition - so you're safe to try if you're interested.

Another great source, to add to those mentioned above,

www.stumptuous.com (that may be the link referenced above, I didn't open it yet.  

So go for the 8s and higher and have fun :)

Although 5 lbs are good for a start be sure to start working ot heavier.

Also check out the Pink Dumbell thread

It depends on the exercise. You may well be able to lift 8's right off the bat in  exercises that involve the big muscles (like legs for squats), while you need to stick to the 5's for a while longer for instance for triceps. You'll find out when you start doing the exercises. If you keep it up, you'll soon need higher than 8!

I can bench 100lbs, squat over 145 lbs (5 times), deadlift almost 200lbs and I'm still waiting for this "bulk" to show up.

The whole time I've been doing my weight loss I've always used 8 pound dumbbells. I can lift them pretty good now, but still struggle with some circuit training moves with them. I actually downgraded a bit and got 5 pounders for the moves I find most difficult. Usually a big no no to those who are majorly serious about weight lifting.

The general rule is once you can use a weight pretty easily without any struggle you should move up a bit and once that is no longer a struggle you move again. (sadly, I don't have the money to keep buying weights. Hell I don't even have a gym membership because of it.)

I think the best form of weight lifting in my own experience is using your own body weight, I personally think it is more effective. Less expensive too! Ha Ha.

I say do what works for you. I really think it matters on what your true goals are. Women are not made to get majorly bulky, so there are no worries in that. To get total bulk I imagine you would have to take steroids. Heh.

I kind of follow my own rules. I'm me, why the hell try to be someone else? If it works, then it works.

Edit to add: Very impressive, Spiro! :)

Original Post by silentdeadlyrose:

I think the best form of weight lifting in my own experience is using your own body weight, I personally think it is more effective. Less expensive too! Ha Ha.

Edit to add: Very impressive, Spiro! :)

Thank you!

Using your own weight is best as long as it's still challenging. Obviously body weight squats and deadlifts are NOT enough or the best for everyone. Those are cardio moves for me, not weight lifting.

True, like I said it depends on goals, motives and how your body works.

Whats everyone's opinions on resistance bands? I keep hearing all this hype and I've looked at them, but don't know if they are truly worth it.