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I had the same issue when I moved. My solution was to buy a cheap bench, a set of adjustable dumbbells, and a doorframe pullup bar. You can accomplish most of

I had the same issue when I moved. My solution was to buy a cheap bench, a set of adjustable dumbbells, and a doorframe pullup bar. You can accomplish most of the same things as SS by doing the dumbbell equivalents of the exercises. Legs are the main issue, but you can do Goblet Squats, Bulgarian Splits, and Reverse Lunges. They're not quite as good as the barbell versions, but you don't need a spotter, and you're doing it at home. You put on workout clothes when you wake up, spend 25 minutes working out, shower, and go to work. It takes away all of the friction. I wound up actually working out 3x as often and spending less total time at it.

rufugee 10y ago
Do you see results like many have seen from SS? I've read that dumbbell workouts aren't necessarily as effective as barbells but I like the convenience of doing it from home. I've got a set of 50lb Powerblocks, an exercise ball I use as a bench, and a power tower (https://amzn.com/B0098MAYNY https://amzn.com/B0098MAYNY), but I'm ineffective at it as I don't have a good plan, so I've fallen back to mostly jogging. Would you mind sharing your routine?
- cameldrv 10y ago
  I'm happy with the results, but this is an 80/20 thing. I'm going for minimum time and money, and maximum adherence to the routine. This means do it at home, 30 sec-1 min rest between sets or superset, 8-10 reps per set since I'm not going for pure strength. I'd consider getting a small bench. They're under $50 for a small unobtrusive one on Amazon. I do 3x a week alternating routines: A) Goblet Squats 3x8-10, Dumbbell Bench Press 3x8-10, Dumbbell Rows 3x8-10 each arm, Situps, 3 sets B) Dumbbell Reverse Lunge 3x8-10, Dumbbell Press 3x8-10, Dumbbell Bicep Curls 3x8-10, Hanging Leg Raise, 3 Sets. At 50 lbs, the Goblet Squat won't do much, so I would substitute something like a Bulgarian Split Squat. You'll be upgrading your powerblocks in no time...
  - projektir 10y ago
    This seems smart, I should probably look into something similar. I wanted to add weights as well, but didn't want to invest in a full-on power rack just yet.
  - jf22 10y ago
    >You can accomplish most of the same things as SS by doing the dumbbell equivalents of the exercises. "Most" With 50lbs dumbbells? After 1 year of starting strength 50lbs dumbells won't be enough. After never working out before and eating at a calorie deficit I was able to lift these weights after a year of SS. 165 Bench 300 Deadlift 105 OHP 200 Squat 150 Rows "Most" isn't accurate. 80/20 isn't accurate because you are simply not getting the results SS would give you.
    - ZeroFries 10y ago
      I've got a pair of adjustable dumbbells which go up to 85 pounds, and that's enough for me (315 bench 495 deadlift 195 OHP 385 squat 255 rows). I just do higher reps for the exercises which are hard to overload on. Get creative with the exercises (split squats instead of back squats), go to failure, and the training effect should be similar.
      - jf22 10y ago
        I'm curious how you got to a 495 lbs deadlift with two 85 lbs dumbbells?
        ZeroFries 10y ago
        I should clarify I didn't get a 495 lbs deadlift with only dumbbells. I'm simply stating I can get a good workout with them. I do glute-ham raises and high rep stiff-legged dumbbell deadlifts, and while my deadlift hasn't really gone up since I've mostly stopped doing them, it hasn't gone down either.
yulaow 10y ago
Just invest in a power-rack or half-rack, and you will be capable of doing heavy barbell squat (and also heavy bench press) in total security
- cameldrv 10y ago
  No argument on that, but the expense of a good power rack and barbell set, and the space required is far higher than a small bench and a set of adjustable dumbbells. My version costs less than $200 and takes up about 3 sq ft and can be tucked behind or under other furniture when not in use. It's an 80/20 thing.

rufugee 10y ago

Do you see results like many have seen from SS? I've read that dumbbell workouts aren't necessarily as effective as barbells but I like the convenience of doing it from home. I've got a set of 50lb Powerblocks, an exercise ball I use as a bench, and a power tower (https://amzn.com/B0098MAYNY https://amzn.com/B0098MAYNY), but I'm ineffective at it as I don't have a good plan, so I've fallen back to mostly jogging. Would you mind sharing your routine?

cameldrv 10y ago
I'm happy with the results, but this is an 80/20 thing. I'm going for minimum time and money, and maximum adherence to the routine. This means do it at home, 30 sec-1 min rest between sets or superset, 8-10 reps per set since I'm not going for pure strength. I'd consider getting a small bench. They're under $50 for a small unobtrusive one on Amazon. I do 3x a week alternating routines: A) Goblet Squats 3x8-10, Dumbbell Bench Press 3x8-10, Dumbbell Rows 3x8-10 each arm, Situps, 3 sets B) Dumbbell Reverse Lunge 3x8-10, Dumbbell Press 3x8-10, Dumbbell Bicep Curls 3x8-10, Hanging Leg Raise, 3 Sets. At 50 lbs, the Goblet Squat won't do much, so I would substitute something like a Bulgarian Split Squat. You'll be upgrading your powerblocks in no time...
- projektir 10y ago
  This seems smart, I should probably look into something similar. I wanted to add weights as well, but didn't want to invest in a full-on power rack just yet.
- jf22 10y ago
  >You can accomplish most of the same things as SS by doing the dumbbell equivalents of the exercises. "Most" With 50lbs dumbbells? After 1 year of starting strength 50lbs dumbells won't be enough. After never working out before and eating at a calorie deficit I was able to lift these weights after a year of SS. 165 Bench 300 Deadlift 105 OHP 200 Squat 150 Rows "Most" isn't accurate. 80/20 isn't accurate because you are simply not getting the results SS would give you.
  - ZeroFries 10y ago
    I've got a pair of adjustable dumbbells which go up to 85 pounds, and that's enough for me (315 bench 495 deadlift 195 OHP 385 squat 255 rows). I just do higher reps for the exercises which are hard to overload on. Get creative with the exercises (split squats instead of back squats), go to failure, and the training effect should be similar.
    - jf22 10y ago
      I'm curious how you got to a 495 lbs deadlift with two 85 lbs dumbbells?
      - ZeroFries 10y ago
        I should clarify I didn't get a 495 lbs deadlift with only dumbbells. I'm simply stating I can get a good workout with them. I do glute-ham raises and high rep stiff-legged dumbbell deadlifts, and while my deadlift hasn't really gone up since I've mostly stopped doing them, it hasn't gone down either.

yulaow 10y ago

Just invest in a power-rack or half-rack, and you will be capable of doing heavy barbell squat (and also heavy bench press) in total security

cameldrv 10y ago
No argument on that, but the expense of a good power rack and barbell set, and the space required is far higher than a small bench and a set of adjustable dumbbells. My version costs less than $200 and takes up about 3 sq ft and can be tucked behind or under other furniture when not in use. It's an 80/20 thing.