Reddit reviews CAP Barbell 40-Pound Adjustable Dumbbell Set with Case

Well, if you REALLY only care about cost above all else, get some of these and then go down to your local sports sore (preferably locally owned, not big-box) and get some more weights based on how much you need. However, these guys go from 5-45 lbs and come with a stand for $250. I really love my PowerBlocks, but they were like $400 with a stand.

I am 28, trying to lose a few pounds after modifying my goal weight down 5 pounds (to 130). I tried last round to get away from daily weigh-ins, but that was a disaster so I am back to keeping track of my weight every day.

I get exercise primarily in the form of running. (It makes me sad baiser that you said you hate running!) I have been running for almost a year, but only about 5 months outside. I am currently training for my second half-marathon, and for my 30th birthday I want to run 30 miles, so I'll be building that mileage up over the course of the next year or so.

My main goal for this round is to add in some consistent strength training (minimum 2x per week). I just bought this so I have no excuse not to get stronger.

Edit: SOLD

I've got a 40 lb adjustable dumbbell set and 4x 10lb plates I'm looking to get rid of. Cost me a total of ~$100, would be willing to let them go for $50 OBO.


Here's the set: https://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-40-pound-Adjustable-Dumbbell/dp/B000VCDXNS

Here are the 10lb plates: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001103EDS/

If budget is really a concern, then no equipment workouts, like Convict Conditioning, are the best choice.

If you want equipment, just get a gym membership, it will pay for itself pretty quickly. I bought a $40 dumbbell set thinking that I'd just add on weights as I needed them. You will almost certainly need to buy weights faster than you come out ahead financially. The next step up is 4 10lb plates, which is ~$40, and that brings your weight total to 80lbs. The next is 4 20lb plates, which is ~$80, and brings your weight total to 160lbs. If you're doing squats or deadlifts, you'll outstrip this within a few months if you follow a linear-gains program like StrongLifts or Starting Strength. Consider that StrongLifts has you start squats with just the bar (45lbs) and increases weight by 5lbs each session (3 sessions/week). You're at 160lbs in less than 8 weeks, making your investment of ~$160 at least twice as expensive as most gym memberships for the given time.

If you want to do barbell training, you should also invest in a bench and rack, which can be costly in terms of both space and money. This is a good idea long-term if you can afford it.

I'm going to recommend an exercise program to you called Strong Curves. It's designed specifically for women and focuses on building lower-body strength (specifically in the butt) to enhance our figures.

It has its own subreddit, /r/strongcurves, and the community there is very helpful. The sidebar has tons of useful information to help you get started. If you want to see some butt transformations, just search the word "progress" in the subreddit search and you'll see people going from butts like yours to really very substantial butts.

The SC book outlines about 5 different plans that range from plans for complete beginners, to plans for people without access to a gym, to plans for people that want to go all out. All the exercises in each plan are described in details with pictures in the book. You can also Youtube each exercise for in depth descriptions of how to do each one correctly.

More about the book: you can buy/pirate/borrow/check out from the library. Here's a link to amazon. I found my first copy on piratebay, but bought a used copy online because it's nice to have a physical book to reference.

I've seen a lot of progress using it and I'm a couple months in. The beginner's plan suggests an hour long session 4 times a week. You can totally skip the warmups at first just to get a feel for everything. With a set of dumbells (I have these), it's extremely approachable and very effective. I think it will give you a lot of confidence.

Ugh, my husband does this too. We have this set with a few extra plates and he leaves his weight on there and screws them in so tightly that it's a struggle for me to get my (much, much lighter) weight on there.

Argh! Silly husbands.

Yeah, it helps to have a routine. I found it easier after forcing myself for 2-3 days, the 4th/5th day got easier to do. I also have a hard time keeping myself motivated day after day.

I got these last summer: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VCDXNS/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

It was like $7 cheaper than. But I find I can have each dumbbell with a different weight, allowing me to work on different muscles without needing to swap weights, making it easier to stay motivated as less work is needed. The point of this for me was to just get my body to wake up in the morning and to kick up my metabolism early in the day, before eating anything.

Also, doing this in the background helps too. Like I wake up and often watch last nights daily show or some late night thing. So instead of just sitting there and watching the 20-30 minutes, I will stand and do the weights while watching it.

As for the eggs and sausage, The night before, cut up a regular sausage (the ones that are just a bit bigger than a hot dog). Cut it in half length wise, and then into cubes. And put them in a small tuperware into the fridge. In the morning take it out and throw it on a pan that has heated up a bit. Toss the sausage around until it starts to cook and sizzle. While it cooks mix 2 eggs, a pinch of salt/pepper, and a tablespoonish of milk. Add a tad of oil (if needed, depends on your sausage) and pour the eggs over the sausage. Cover for ~ 2 min.

On a plate put some mixed greens, I like a 50/50 spinach/Lettuce blend, with a balsamic vinaigrette drizzled over. When the omlet can slide around the pan: flip it, sprinke some shreded cheese, and slide off the pan onto the plate, letting one half flop over the other. Sprinkle with more salt/pepper as desired.

Takes about 5 minutes to do, and is really tasty. cleanup is a plate, bowl, Tupperware, pan, spatula 2 forks and a knife.

These have worked great for me the past couple years:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VCDXNS/

2x20 pound (adjustable) dumbells (or up to 35 pounds on one), and you can easily buy more weights to add if you want/need.

I use CAP adjustable dumbbells with 10, 5, and 2.5 lb plates. These can go from 7.5 lbs to 85 lbs per dumbbell (that's the limit unless you add 25lb plates which is awkward). Just like with a barbell, it's easy to start with whatever weight you need now and pick up extra plates later as you get stronger.

http://www.amazon.com/Cap-Barbell-40-Pound-Dumbbell-Set/dp/B000VCDXNS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300954275&sr=8-1

cheaper, more duable, and expandable to any future needs.

I really like my adjustables.

http://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-40-pound-Adjustable-Dumbbell/dp/B000VCDXNS?ie=UTF8&keywords=dumbbells&qid=1465303345&ref_=sr_1_7&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-7

Another treadmill is an option, or a stationary bike (I have this one and I like it, it's nothing fancy though), an elliptical, or a set of dumbbells that you can use for both strength and for added weight when doing an aerobic workout.

Of course there are others, but those are my suggestions. Look on Craigslist or something similar and see if you can get something for free or cheap, then you might be able to get more than one! Unless you're well off, then go straight for more than one from Amazon. ;)

I got these two adjustable kettlebells to use at home and they are amazing. This one adjusts from 5lb to 8lb to 12lb, and this one starts off at 20lbs and you can add up to 3 plates to it (5 or 10lbs) to make varying sizes. I also got this adjustable dumbbell set. Those 3 things along with a few sizes of resistance bands and I can do pretty much any exercise I want at home!

I was in the same boat. I got a set of these from amazon for like 50 bucks. I've been doing like 20 mins a day alternating between arms exercises and weighted squats and I'm already seeing an improvement after ~10 days. Let me know if you want info on my routine. I'm only doing smalltime stuff now, but it's right for my level and you gotta start somewhere.

I have and like these:

http://www.amazon.com/Cap-Barbell-40-Pound-Dumbbell-Set/dp/B000VCDXNS/

They are adjustable and don't really max out assuming you have the plates to load. I have loaded 100lbs on these with no issue.

I started SL about a month ago -- also almost no upper body strength. No shame in the dumb bells. I'll see if I can find it, but there are some posts about it around here. It only took me a couple weeks to work up to the bar on almost all of the exercises (still using dumbbells for Overhead Press, though).

I started with the dumbbells that you can load weights onto: something like these. at a home gym to get comfortable building some weight.

It wasn't long at all until I moved to the bar (and it did get easier once I could use the bar.) Seriously, you'll be surprised at your progress in just a couple weeks. I still think that SL is a great beginning programming for learning form and incrementally building strength.

In just a couple weeks, I noticed a SIGNIFICANT difference in my upper body/core strength when I went to pick up my kayak...it was like "oh this used to be hard/impossible" now I felt like "what, did someone switch this thing out for a lighter one?" Have fun!

I'm exactly a week ahead of you! I don't have weights yet and today's workout was disappointing without them - I didn't feel like I brought it.

Anyway, these seem pretty reasonable if you get the free shipping on them. Hope that helps! :)

I have no shame - I got mine from either Target or Walmart I think. I'm not talking about one of the nice "block" sets where you can snap them in and change them easily. These are basically two threaded handles with weights and spin-collars to lock them on. They take an extra 20-30 seconds to change, but it's worth the several hundred dollars you mentioned.

Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Cap-Barbell-40-Pound-Dumbbell-Set/dp/B000VCDXNS

I've been using Phrak's GSLP, just with adjustable dumbbells, plus a few sets of 1" weights at 1.25lb, 10lb, and 25lb, also from amazon.

Basically you can put this together just with amazon.

Here's the replacements I used:

• Upper body:
  
  • one-arm DB OHP
    
  • one-arm DB bench press, using a couple floor risers similar to this as a bench
    
  • one-arm DB rows
    
  • DB curls, or chinups (if have chinup bar)
    
• Lower body:
  
  • DB swings
    
  • DB clean and push-press
    
  • DB reverse lunges
    
    Increases:
    
    
• for upper body, since all lifts are one-armed, just increase the weight by 1.25lb plate each time (instead of 2.5lb on a bar, it's 1.25lb on a dumbbell). Yes, this means you'll have a slightly unbalanced DB, but 1.25 is very low; it's easy to balance by gripping close to that side
  
• for lower body, increase by 2.5lb per DB (instead of 5lb on a bar)
  
  

I would buy cast iron plates, if you're looking to get a set that will last you a while. I would consider this over this. The advantage of cast iron (aside from durability) is that it will be easy to find additional plates as you grow.

To me, there is no reason to buy new weight plates. In the US we have a used sporting goods chain where you can easily get used plates for $.59/lb. If you get a good deal on weight plates, you could get new dumbbell handles with spin-lock collars. For dumbbell handles, look for heavy, all metal construction with collars that spin freely.

Honestly, why aren't you building a gym at home? All you need is two dumbbell bars, an olympic weight bar, a pull up rack, and enough space to do pushups comfortably and sit all the gear so its not in the way. It is cheaper to own these than paying the gym membership.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VCDXNS/
For the dumbell parts and smaller plates
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0029NLDL6/
For larger plates, individual
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004X166VO/
1 inch threaded bar

And for a pull up rack, get a Stamina or XMark power tower. They have a bunch of different models, get one that fits your needs.

Unless you're a body builder, this is all most people need unless they're focusing on very specific things.

$57 with prime

I like my burgers with plenty of pickle in them.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VCDXNS/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These

I bought these on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VCDXNS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It comes with the plates to take a single dumbbell up to 30lbs, or do two 15s. You can also purchase additional plates if you need to go higher.

I haven't experienced any clanking with this set so far. I make sure to set the rubber stoppers at either end of the plates and screw the cap on as tightly as I can, and I've had no issues at all.

I'm only on the first month, but I've found that (at least at this point) I can successfully modify "The Booty-ful Beginnings". I'm pretty weak though, so I won't need to worry about reaching the limit of my dumbbells for a bit. There is a section of Strong Curves for at home, so that might be what you're looking for.

I use an exercise ball, yoga mat, [these dumbells] (http://www.amazon.ca/Cap-Barbell-RSWB-40TPB-Dumbbell-Pounds/dp/B000VCDXNS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426466158&sr=8-1&keywords=dumbbells) - I found them for under $50 not so long ago though - and my couch. I think I'll grab a chin-up bar soon though. Working well so far, and will until I need more than 40lbs... After that I might just have to go to the gym, but depending on your goals it might not matter as much.

This whole wishlist is health items because I work out to P90X.

Sadly I cannot afford my weights or yoga mat yet so I make due; but some day I'll be able to work out and truly lift weights (instead of bands) during the lifting days, and do the yoga days at all (no mat = no yoga).

Well anyway this is a cool contest :)

• These Bluetooth Headphones. - Bluetooth is awesome, and you don't know what you're missing if you don't have them. And these have over the ear hooks so ear shape doesn't matter!
  
  
• This Dashcam - It is the best recomended overall at /r/Dashcam and i think everyone needs a dashcam these days. or this one, which is the recommended dual cam by the same subreddit.
  
  
• These Dumbbells - Because why have a huge rack of different weight dumbbells for working out when you can build your own from this set.
  
  
• This Jacket - Because any woman could use a heavy duty utility jacket that is cut for her to wear during yardwork, hiking, or other outdoor activities.
  *
  
• This Knifeblock - because the traditional wood ones take up a lot of counter room, are usually specific to the knives that came with them, and the knife you want is hard to locate without a few guesses.
  
  
• This Car adapter Outlet - because between the cellphones GPS units, Bluetooth adapters, and whatever else you use in your car, you know 1 (or maybe 2) USB outlets isn't enough. And you know your car has extra cup holders.
  

You could try secondhand stores or gym equipment resalers for dumbbells. Something like this would take up a lot less space than individual dumbbells, and may be cheaper than Bowflex-style adjustables (depending on your needs, obv).

I own a flat bench like this that stands up in the corner when I'm not using it. I use a stability ball if I want to do something like an incline dumbbell press at home, but a foldable incline bench like this might also work well.

Running shoes and a running app if you have a smart phone. May not be available depending on the weather.

You can get a 40 pound adjustable dumbbell set (20/20 or ~35 on one) on Amazon for $40-$50. (I used this when starting out, it's cheap and fine quality.)

/r/bodyweightfitness

Maybe a pull up bar if you can install it wherever you live.

Also move away from the second-hand-smoke-source if at all possible.

I felt the same way like last week. I would suggest thinking about your future or things that make you feel good. For some ideas, how about:

A) New clothes. Shirts, Pants, Shoes, Jacket? :)

B) Bathroom. a Body Brush, Shower Gel, Lotion, Shavers, Bath Salts/Gel.

C) Personal entertainment items. Video Games, Books, Movies, Microphone for your PC, MP3 Player. Could be anything that you've been thinking about.

D) Self-improvement. Barbells, Medicine Ball, Aerobic Stepper, Protein Powder, Running Shoes, Water Bottle.

Hope this gives you an idea :)

Yes I have dumbbells. https://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-40-pound-Adjustable-Dumbbell/dp/B000VCDXNS/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1466800475&sr=1-4&keywords=cap+dumbbell

Two sets of these.

Sure, though you might want to invest in adjustable dumbbells which will "grow with you" for a while, so to speak.

Bulking is all about moving heavy objects. You can find heavy things anywhere, sometimes for free.

This set of dumbbells would be a good start for a small investment.

You can take a cheap yoga ball and fill it with water up to a weight that's heavy for you and use it for a lot of things. Then fill it up a little more every few workouts. Look up slosh ball exercises.

Call around to some local tire shops and see if you can find a large used tire to take home for free and use that for tire flips.

Make your own atlas stones

Resistance bands are cheap and can work well

The trusty iron gym you can find at WalMart

Single bags of sand or concrete are the best bang for your buck for heavy and cheap I'm not sure how durable sand bags are but you can try making some and using those for modified dumbbell exercises

You can also find great deals on used weight sets on craigslist which can sometimes get you a good sized set of plates, a bar and dumbbells. You can get a set of 1" plates and a bar and still do a lot of things with them without needing a bench. Typical used pricing for these is less than $0.25/lb so you're looking at $50 for 200lbs of weight.

I would strongly recommend something like this: http://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-40-pound-Adjustable-Dumbbell/dp/B000VCDXNS#

You can then also use the plates with something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Threaded-Chrome-Barbell-60-Inch/dp/B004EFYPBC/ (For legs, even /r/bodyweightfitness will tell you bars are useful for legs. With a bar at least you can deadlift, at least easier than with DBs -- if you try DL with DBs, don't smash your junk!)

Note that those are all "standard" (ie 1in) bars, vs "Olympic" (2in) bars. Standard are cheaper, but barbells for standard tend to only go up to ~250lbs (decent but not super heavy for legs stuff. You'll have to do volume if you max out at 250+). On the plus side, standard 1in dumbbells have "spin locks" which I find super useful for home gym things.

Going from 30lb-40lbs with those is just the cost of 10lbs worth of plates (which can often be found for $1-1.50 per pound), much less than the cost of a new set of 40lb DBs. Plus, bar if you want one.

Also, 1in plates and handles/bars are almost always, everywhere, for sale on craigslist, often for very cheap.

I have a similar set as the one on Amazon and bought plates as I needed them. I can currently load up 90# on each handle. (Can't do much with it - I use that weight for deadlift progression..)

That's a reasonable start to a home gym -- inexpensive, compact, versatile.

Maybe both, how about building it up instead of just do it slowly, like the first purchase buy a cheap bench, barbell and some dumbbells, i tried out a pair of dumbbells that are 60$ and goes up to 40 pounds on each, they hold up well. Meanwhile when you are building up a home gym, you should get the 1 year membership. Here are the dumbbells. http://www.amazon.com/Cap-Barbell-40-Pound-Dumbbell-Set/dp/B000VCDXNS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1375707402&sr=8-2&keywords=dumbbells

Good for the money.
http://www.amazon.com/Cap-Barbell-40-Pound-Dumbbell-Set/dp/B000VCDXNS

Using the bands is an option but I prefer the dumbbells with P90X workouts. As for what you "should" start with, it really depends on what your current physical state is. The guide that comes with it will help you figure it out. You will work your way into the heavier weights. Just get started!!

Why? They are so poor quality, and longer. Bad to use, and flimsy. So much cheaper to get something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-40-pound-Adjustable-Dumbbell/dp/B000VCDXNS/ref=sr_1_4?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1412353968&sr=1-4&keywords=dumbbell