Dumbell workout

[Eurox]

I use dumbells as weight training mainly for my upper body, at the moment im doin sets of 20 reps per routine. I use the correct weights for my strength so does anyone know how long i should use these weight per session, how many sessions per week and what other forms of exercise go well with dumbell training to help build up strength and stamina. Thanks!

[MunkeyBoy]

It depends on a number of things Eurox, your goals, your age, your size and strength and how long you have been training. If you visit menshealth.co.uk you can browse the forum boards on there, they are full of useful information that should help you out.

Good luck.

[landie]

You should rest a day after vigorous exercise to let the body recover. So alternate days would be OK.

[Clanad]

As MunkeyBoy states, it really depends on your goals.  If your goal is endurance than high reps with lower weights is appropriate, however, if muscle development and strength are the goals then you should decrease the reps to say, 10 or 12 but increase the weights by at least ten percent. Additionally , check with a trainer or some other knowledgeable source to vary the workout.  The same muscle group can be worked in different manners to produce different results.  Example;  the common bicep curl will produce more muscle mass if done from a bench sitting position rather than standing since the chance for assistance (especially at higher weights) from other muscle groups is reduced.  Be sure to use appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements, and rest, rest, rest... (you are breathing correctly during the workout, aren't you?)

[El D]

If you are over 16 and want to get big and strong you have to lift big - drop the reps to 5-8 dont exercise for more than 45-60 mins and up your protein and sleep. Concentrate on the big compound moves - and though I have never been there I expect mens health forum will be full of the same bollox about exercising their magazine is.