This article is for the woman who wants to start on her physical health journey, but isn’t quite sure where to begin; A personal story and sharing what I did. Yo-Yo dieting and weight fluctuations were finally too much for me and I knew I had to choose to do things differently this go-around. Choosing strength training with dumbbells over cardio (even HIITS) when I first started giving myself some self-love and self care was the BEST decision ever!

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is a purely experience-based story by the author. The author is not a health care professional. Always consult a physician before starting ANY health-related endeavor. If you follow in the author’s footsteps, you must do so at your own risk.

Starting Light, Thinking Big

When I first dipped my toes into strength training, I was intimidated by the idea of lifting weights. I honestly had pictured those women gym-influencers, lookin’ all cute in their gym attire, lifting that heavy weight. But then I realized I was no where close to being that girl (and did I even WANT to be that girl? Ya know?). Ultimately I shook that visual from my brain and decided that starting with light dumbbells was the key to beginning MY physical transformation.

I began with manageable weights that allowed me to focus on form and control. It was all about building a strong foundation without overwhelming myself. I had made the decision to not drop the weight fast, but gain strength and lose inches with the weight decreasing steadily…letting the number on the scale be just a number.

Best. Decision. Ever!

Gradual Gains: Leveling Up My Dumbbell Game

Here’s where the magic happened. Instead of trying to lift heavy from day one, I took a slow and steady approach. As my muscles grew stronger and more resilient, I gradually increased the weight of my dumbbells. This incremental progress not only prevented injuries but also kept me motivated by celebrating small victories along the way.

• Week 1-2: Started with 5-pound dumbbells to master the basic moves.
• Week 3-4: Moved up to 8-pound dumbbells as my confidence and strength soared. I also started doing full body movements which really make me sweat! I love it!
• Week 5-9: Transitioned to 10-pound dumbbells, feeling the burn and loving every minute of it. I also kept the full body movements because that’s the sweet spot girl.
• Week 10+: I’m up to 12-pound dumbbells at the time of writing this article, but am ready to invest in a set of 20-pound dumbbells for a few of my moves that have become too easy with the 12’s.

Strength training combo moves example: I found this Instagrammer who does very similar movements as me. I don’t follow this person (I’m the freak who does her own thang 99% of the time). Don’t judge me, mmm k?! And if you wanna see EXACTLY what movements I do, you’re gonna have to sweet talk me into that (use the comments to do this, ha!)

Muscle Toning: Feeling the Burn and Loving It

Strength training with dumbbells wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about toning my muscles and transforming my physique from the inside out. Each gym time (even with 99% of the time interrupted by my four children, mind you) left me feeling empowered, knowing that I was investing in my strength and resilience. The more I sweat, the better I felt.

So let’s talk about these combo movements— they’re my go-to secret weapon with the goal of reaching killer core strength! And all I need are my trusty dumbbells! Imagine blending two exercises into one seamless flow; that’s the magic right there. Whether it’s a squat to press or a lunge with a bicep curl, these combos torch calories, tone muscles, and keep my workouts fresh and exciting.

Plus, using dumbbells adds that extra resistance, making every move count and maximizing my gains. It’s efficient, effective, and perfect for my minimal home gym setup. Trust me, once you try combo movements with dumbbells, you’ll wonder how you ever worked out without them.

Why Dumbbells? Because They’re Versatile AF

Dumbbells are like the Swiss Army knife of fitness equipment—versatile and essential. Whether I’m targeting my arms, shoulders, legs, or core, these bad boys have got me covered. Plus, they’re easy to store which is a total win-win.

Seeing Results: From Strength to Self-Love

As I continued to really get into my exercise routine, I found that the changes I was seeing weren’t just physical. Strength training with dumbbells helped me reclaim my identity and embrace the strong, beautiful woman I was becoming. Each rep was a reminder that I could handle anything life threw my way, both as a caregiver and as a powerhouse woman.

Here’s the tea: Building muscle with dumbbells didn’t just transform my body—it transformed my mindset. I went from feeling like a broken shell to standing tall with confidence and pride. And trust me, babe, there’s nothing sexier than a woman who’s strong inside and out.

You’ve totally got this!

If the thought of working out gives you hives (it did me too), remember, you are WORTH fighting for. If you aren’t where you want to be with your physical health, start with dumbbells (after consulting your physician of course). Girl you are worth the fight. Worth the sweat. Worth ALL of the damn things. Read that again.

Stay fierce, stay fabulous and get to lifting, boss!

With all my love and strength, Bri