Dumbbells decoded
We get to grips with how these versatile weights could help power up your slimdown
Weightlifting. Does the mere mention of the word conjure up images of an oiled-up Mr Universe, pumping iron and posing on the podium? Well, put down that baby oil…because you don’t have to want arms like Arnie’s to benefit from a set of dumbbells.
As well as toning you up and improving your body confidence, regular strength training could help boost your slimdown: as you build lean muscle your metabolism increases, which means your body burns more energy, even when you’re resting. And you don’t need to wait until you’ve lost weight to give it a try – anyone, at any fitness level, can start including strength training as part of their Body Magic.
So if you’ve decided you’re ready to add in some weights, a set of dumbbells is a good place to start. Unlike a weights machine, they’re compact and versatile, making them ideal for using at home. And, as well as being suitable for dozens of exercises, dumbbells require greater control and balance than a machine – which means you engage more muscles every time you use them. ‘As a pair – or even on their own – dumbbells are ideal for muscle-toning “resistance” exercises for the whole body,’ says Slimming World personal trainer Fiona Morrison.