subject: Why Dumbbells Should Be In Your Cardio Workout [print this page] Most folks think that dumbbells (DBs) should just be used for strength training, and don't really have a place in a cardio workout. This really just isn't true.
Now, it is true that DBs are usually used for strength training. And that's fine. You should be doing strength training in conjuction with your cardio workouts, anyway. Strength training builds muscle (something cardio alone won't do). In addition to being stronger, the extra muscle you'll build will burn more calories at rest.
(Or, in other words, it takes more calories to maintain muscle than it does fat. So, if two people weigh the same, are the same height, and have roughly the same bone structure, if one is muscular, while the other is fat, the muscular one will actually burn more calories just maintain his body. This allows you to eat the same, but actually lose weight. It's like passive weight and fat loss!)
But here is the other thing - many DB movements can be very taxing to perform. Because they are so taxing, they get you breathing hard pretty quickly. And in reality, this is all you need for a cardio workout anyway - to just get breathing hard.
Try this - grab a DB of any size (it can even be a small one) in one hand. Put it on the floor in front of you. Now, pick it up, and put it overhead (this is a clean & press). Repeat this 8-10 more times with that hand. After you're done, switch sides, and do it with the other hand.
Are you breathing hard? Very likely so. Repeat this process with each hand for just 4-5 sets and see how tired and winded you get. You'd be amazed at the cardio workout you can get in as little as 10 minutes.
Then add in other exercises like snatches, swings, rows, squats, jerks, and more (either google these exercises for descriptions or find a quality trainer to help you out).
You'll find that you're not only losing bodyfat quickly, but you're also building a great body, too!
by: Matt Wiggins
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