I just can't hold the weights!

bumble42 · April 2012

In doing leg exercises I try to use heavy weights. I workout at home and use dumbbells and I cannot hold my heavy weights. I have really weak hands because of my profession. So I'm wondering if I do more reps w lighter weights if that will still benefit me? I'm not trying to lose weight, just maintain, but I cannot hold these weights. I'm talking I can't hold my 20 lb dumbbells so I'll use 10 or 15 lbs instead but do a lot more reps. Still good, or no?

stpetegirl · April 2012

What profession gives you weak hands?

bumble42 · April 2012

I'm a dog groomer and they're weak from overuse

JW28 · April 2012

Using lighter weights just means you're getting a different kind of workout. I'm slightly confused about how overuse leads to weak hands - do you have an injury? I'd think using your hands a lot would mean they'd be stronger. If you aren't injured, I'd suggest doing as many reps with 20lbs as you can (until your hands can't take it), then go lighter for the rest of the workout. Maybe your hands will get stronger. If you don't care how strong your hands are and just want a leg workout, get a barbell and use that for weight (put it on your shoulders - your legs will have to support the weight, but your hands won't).

Joenali · April 2012

I would imagine that your hands would become stronger over time. But what do I know about dog grooming??

robinsokj · April 2012

Do you stretch your hands ever?

bumble42 · April 2012

Well maybe they're not weak, but with dog grooming they are always in the gripping position, if that makes sense. In other words, the position you use to hold weights is the position my hands are in all day with grooming and they really hurt. I'm not injured, but the area of my thumb and palm are always sore. I try to stretch, but it doesn't help much. I guess it's like carpal tunnel from the same motion all day every day. Wow, I'm not good at articulating today.

stpetegirl · April 2012

I know that straps exist, I don't know if they are the answer here. But I thought I'd throw that out.

Sadlebred · April 2012

Perhaps the OP means that her hands are tired and/or sore after using them all day. A friend of mine that was a dog groomer used to say that hers hurt after working all day.

bumble42 · April 2012

Yes, sadlebred, I believe that is what I'm trying to say. Thank you. You made it much simpler for me.

*Krista* · April 2012

You could try resting them on your shoulders or holding them up at your shoulders.

gumiberg · April 2012

Buy some weight lifting straps. They are like 10 bucks.

PunkinButter · April 2012

I know I have terrible grip strength. You could try traditional forward or back squats with the big bar. Pistol squats and jump lunges provide a good lower body workout with no weight. Also, I've found that its easier to grip weights while wearing gloves (the bars rub my hands and I've got sweaty palms).

gt7301b · April 2012

How about using resistance bands or using the machines?

Brit's Luna154 · April 2012

*Krista*:
You could try resting them on your shoulders or holding them up at your shoulders.

This.

When I use dumbbells for leg exercises that are too heavy for me to hold throughout the sets I usually (well, if it works for that exercise anyway) put the weight on my shoulders and just use my hands to keep it steady.

aswartzw · April 2012

Brit's Luna154:
*Krista*:
You could try resting them on your shoulders or holding them up at your shoulders.

This.

When I use dumbbells for leg exercises that are too heavy for me to hold throughout the sets I usually (well, if it works for that exercise anyway) put the weight on my shoulders and just use my hands to keep it steady.

Me too.

Sorry about your hands. That sounds miserable.

I just can't hold the weights!

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