While there are many weight loss workout routines out there, a good weight loss workout routine would make use of weight lifting. Why? Because it is one of the best ways to help your body burn calories and rev up your metabolism.
That said, not all weight loss workout routines are the same. It is very important to find a good weight loss workout routine, if you do not, you will be just wasting your time. How would you know if a weight loss workout routine you have chosen is good or not?
If your weight loss workout routine focuses on isolation movements with light weights, you are wasting your time. The key to a proper weight loss workout routine are compound movements that require large muscle groups to do the work.
However, do not think you can just grab a pair of dumbbells and pump some iron. I mean, sure, you can do that, but if you do not know how to execute basic movements, you can injure yourself.
The flat-bench press certainly qualifies as a basic compound exercise, and a great one at that. The M&F Book of Exercises explains how it should be performed with dumbbells.
Flat-Bench Dumbbell Press The dumbbell version of the popular bench press allows a slightly greater range of motion for a deeper stretch and stronger contraction while making each side work independently, calling more stabilizer muscle into play.
As a result, you cannot go as heavy as you would when using a barbell. You can still train for strength (three sets of 4-6 reps) or size (three sets of 8-12 reps), or even do a little of each during your workout.
Do this press early in your workout with fairly heavy weights and low to moderate reps.â€
Grip Grasp the dumbbells with an overhead (palms-forward) or neutral grip (palms facing in, which puts a little more stress on the upper pecs and anterior deltoids).
Movement Lower the weights under control to a point just outside your lower pecs – your elbows should point directly outward at the bottom – but do not go too deep or you will overstretch your shoulder joints.
Press the weights up and in to full arm extension without locking out your elbows. The weights should meet above your chest and almost touch.
Position Keep your feet flat on the floor and spread them apart for balance.
Tip For more power, press through your feet as you drive the weight upward without overarching your back. If you put your feet up on the bench, you will lose that advantage.