After training in a garage most of my life, I didn't have access to the best equipment. I had to make things up as I went in order to get stronger. At times I was at the limit for barbell and dumbbell weight and would have to utilize anything I had access to in order to make strength gains. I would hang left over cinder blocks onto my barbell, even loading up a book bag full of bricks as a cheap alternative to a weighted vest (I think I saw that one in an old 80's horror movie which I can not take credit for!). I guess you can call what I'm about to tell you as a "Quick Fix" and not necessarily a solution. Think of this advise almost like a "Tire Patch". It's doesn't take the place of a new tire, but this patch will temporarily get you to where you need to go. Tire Patch Training is going to be part of an ongoing series for your training dilemmas. This may very well help with your current situation.
Training in a weight room with missing dumbbells? OK, you just spotted a 65lb. dumbbell in the far left corner of the gym floor (as if it were left for dead like road kill on a deserted highway), but you need the other 65 pounder in order to perform your dumbbell chest presses.
Training in a weight room with missing dumbbells? OK, you just spotted a 65lb. dumbbell in the far left corner of the gym floor (as if it were left for dead like road kill on a deserted highway), but you need the other 65 pounder in order to perform your dumbbell chest presses.
(I don't even think there is a 65lb. dumbbell on that floor.)Here's a better scenario for you. After busting your "Kahonnas" for the last six months in your training (at the local gym), you are finally ready to increase your one arm dumbbell rows. As complete excitement pumps through your veins, you suddenly realize you are at the gym's 100lb. dumbbell limit. The excitement is quickly replaced with hostility and most likely profanity knowing your personal record will have to wait another day.
(Your Local Gym)Keep in mind: If you are training at a gym that has dumbbells which only go up to 100lbs., the gym is saying two things to you. One, you will only be as strong as those 100's. Two, no one stronger then those 100's trains here!
(Have you seen this guy at your gym? Maybe he was auditioning for Terminator 4.?.)
You might be asking yourself "What the hell can I do?" For starters, try practicing your acceleration mechanics by sprinting to the front desk and cancelling your gym membership. Finding a gym that offers more weight and stronger members is always an option. Unfortunately this may not be practical for your current situation. A kid in high school may only have access to their schools weight room or like most gym memberships, you are locked in a contract and unless you pay your way out, you ain't going nowhere! Here's what to do:
(Every good business starts with a great name!)
Go to your local sporting good store as in Sports Authority, Modell's, Dick's, ect. and pick yourself up a pair of adjustable 20lb ankle weights. You will probably spend $50.00 bucks at most. The adjustable ankle weights are usually slotted with 1/2 pound increments of weight with a secure velcro strap. These ankle weights will give you the ability to utilize half pound increments all the way up to 20lbs. Do you know how many options this gives you for increases with dumbbell weight that you currently do not have? Note: (It's like having adjustable dumbbells from a half pound all the way up to 20lbs. in half pound increments). Better yet, your current gym may have them laying around in the designated "Functional Equipment Area" and this, my friends, is free!
(Notice the slotted 1/2 lb. increments.)For your first training dilemma, in order to make up for the missing weight, get the next weight you have available to you. Hopefully it is a 60lb. dumbbell and all you will have to do is strap five pounds of ankle weights around your wrist to make up for the missing 65lb. dumbbell you do not have.
"The Patch"Your second training dilemma is much easier. Strap on the desired weight around your wrist to increase the load of the movement. For your one arm dumbbell row, throw on anywheres from 2-10 lbs. of weight to "break through the chains of repression" that your gym's 100lb. capacity is holding you at! This video will give you an idea on another way the ankle weights can come into use. Notice that they are on both wrist:
Remember "Tire Patch". This is a "Quick Fix" and does not take the place of dumbbells. I gave examples of why and how this can be used. I would hate to see a gym full of guys using ankle weights around their wrists as if it were the way to go. Always choose dumbbells over this method. Only use this if you do not have access to the real thing. Happy New Year! Good luck and get strong.
A side note:
Although the ankle weights are in fact extra weight which can be added in the absence of dumbbells, it does not fully carry over to grip and wrist strength. If it did, then the extra weight would have to be held in the hand instead of around the wrist. In the end, nothing is better then the real thing.
Another side note:
Always place the ankle weight around your stronger arm. You want to attack your weaker links in the gym so your weaker side should always use the working dumbbell weight. This way grip and wrist strength will not be compromised on your weaker side.
