I need to gain weight. Or should I say muscles.
I have a mesomorph, a lean body type; fast metabolism allows me to eat as much without gaining weight.
That is also due to the fact I like to stay active: biking, walking, running, or playing Tumbang Preso when I was a too young to have a Dora the Explorer haircut and nobody would mind.
Moving to Canada has turned me into vegetarian. I still eat a lot. Most of what I eat grow in the ground and purchase from the store.
Some are organic. Some are gluten-free or GMO-free.
Oh, and I stopped drinking dairy milk. My favourite is Almond milk, a non-dairy product. And there’s also the coconut milk which is good for mushroom stroganoff.
So what does my diet leads to?
I wouldn’t gain weight at all. Not possible. I can tell if something is adding up and it is more likely in my belly which is not proportion at all. So I committed myself to start weightlifting.
I maybe lean–and could be mean with those muscles.
Not quite. I intend to use strength for the greater good. I don’t see myself joining bodybuilding contest or become Johny Bravo’s counterpart.
The No-Cost DIY Dumbbells
At first I used the empty 1 L empty soda bottle, Downy, and Purex containers.
They worked alright. I’m lifting; I felt the weight but honestly it’s not working.
Work smarter and not harder.
I was working hard with little effect. Sometimes it is best to admit early that a new approach is needed to reach a goal: gaining muscles.
There goes my frugal-fanatic self in the corner about to make a worthy investment in equipment.
The Real Deal with Real Results
I first bought two three-pound dumbbell at Canadian Tire.
And I felt it’s heavy but then I quickly move on to five-pound dumbbells.
Tip: Neoprene dumbbell is better than metal. The former isn’t cold and easy to grip.
YouTube has always been my buddy exercise. I watched yoga, Zumba, cardio workout from different channels of YouTubers.
My favourite channel is LiveStrong; it has various workout videos. And don’t forget to listen to meditation music; I recommend YellowBrickCinema.
Back to lifting.
My dumbbells weight are:
- Three pounds for light cardio workout
- Five pounds for warming up
- Seven pounds for serious lifting
- Ten pounds for the latest challenge
I’m not sure if I’ll be adding more dumbbells anytime soon.
But recently, I bought body bars on sale at work. The bars, well, are old yet probably 90% off the price compare to brand new bars.
It’s all worth it once you find out the good and the best benefits of working out with dumbbells.
Benefits of Weightlifting
Let’s learn more about the advantages of weightlifting from LiveStrong.com:
- Muscle fights fat
- Reduce depression symptoms
- Fight osteoporosis
- Be better at sport
- Move with ease
- Lower your diabetes risk
- Better heart health
- Better blood sugar control
- Prevents back pain
- Improved balance
- Ladies, you won’t get bulky (I told you so)
- It will make you mentally stronger
- You’ll look (and feel) better
Are you sold on starting a weightlifting routine? Next, I’ll share tips on how you can invest in dumbbells without spending too much.
Where to Shop Fitness Equipment for a Great Deal
Aside from buying dumbbells from your local shop, you can also buy online:
1. Amazon.ca
I’ve been shopping online in Amazon.ca (affiliate link) for several years and collecting Visa points through the Amazon Visa. Whenever, I find something with a huge discount I use the Amazon Visa.
The advantage in buying on Amazon.ca instead of the Amazon.com is that shipping is free for orders over $25.00; not bad isn’t.
Tip: You can have a different shipping address; it could be a relative’s or friend’s house, a place where someone can receive the package usually from the delivery man from Canada Post .
2. Kijiji.ca
If you are the type who like a personal encounter with a seller then Kijiji is a great choice.
One thing that you will like in Kijiji is that you can haggle for the price (make tawad like in Divisoria or any bangketa). My friends were able to buy dining set, DLSR, sunglasses, bookshelves etc.
Most of the seller are honest about any defect, still it is best to ask if in doubt. You don’t want to have any argument when you pick up the item and decide not take it.
I have no experience in buying or selling on Kijiji although I’ve used it for job hunting. Either way, be wary. Meet the seller in a public place with a friend for security.
Tip: When I started using dumbbells, I have no idea that I will soon have to buy a rack. For now my dumbbells are lying on the floor. But as a neat freak, I want them stack up on a rack . . . in the future.
I’ll keep checking online for fitness deals because I’m in no hurry to spend. Better stay focus on staying fit.
Final Thoughts
For any fitness goal the hardest part is staying motivated. It’s easy to buy the equipment but consistency doesn’t come easily.
Every now and then, I weren’t able to use my dumbbells for a couple of days but I try not to make it a big deal. But I have to make sure I do stretching routine which improves flexibility allowing you to avoid accidents.
One last thing, I didn’t have any scary biceps but I do have toned arms (goal!). So don’t be afraid if you’ll have a bodybuilding physique.
If that is your goal, then nothing should stop you other than yourself.
Start lifting those dumbbells. Breathe. Lift. Enjoy the workout!
Let me know what is your favourite exercise to have toned arms?
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