Need suggestions how I can increase weight on my PowerBlocks

[kloan]

The obvious first choice would be to get the add-on weights, which would give me up to 90lbs, but that kit's expensive and I don't have the spending money right now unfortunately.

So I've been trying to think of ways I can increase the weight. I'm maxed out with arm exercises with them, so I've kinda stalled with my progress as far as bi's go.

Anyone have any clever ideas how I can make these things heavier, but in such a way that it's accurate weight?

I was thinking of those weighted ankle things.. but most of them are sand filled and are way too bulky. I did find a set that had iron bars in them, but it still looked like it would be too bulky.

Another thing I was thinking was using some flat iron plates in the same dimension as the PBs, but I have no idea where I could find something like that. If I could find them, I could attach them with velcro straps or something similar.

Suggestions definitely appreciated.


They look like these, but mine are the Classic Elite 5-50 set. I could add the weights one both ends or on the top flat surface, both sides to keep it even/steady.

http://bookreviewsandmore.ca/uploaded_images/Powerblocks01-722239.png

[Ritch]

What about tampering with some sort of resistance band on the blocks with the bands placed under your feet or something. I`ve seen this in a home gym book before, the combination of free weights with bands seems interesting.

[Ritch]

Or some chains! Make you feel like Hercules...

[Ritch]

Don`t forget to stand on a bosu ball to make the exercise "harder" lol...

[Andre]

sell them and buy the upgraded set... or buy a gym membership :)

[tiramisu]

Or sell them and buy standard weights at a buck a pound.

[kloan]

sell them and buy the upgraded set... or buy a gym membership :)
Would cost me more to buy the upgraded set than it would to buy the addon weights.
Gym membership isn't an option.


Or sell them and buy standard weights at a buck a pound.

Ok, lets take a look at that for a minute.

Cost of my PowerBlocks: $300 cash, would get around $250 selling them used.

Cost of 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50 = 390 x 2 = 580, so $580 and doesn't even match what I have (I didn't include the smaller weights).

Let's say I don't need the smaller incremental weights. So 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 = 245 x 2 = $490..... $490 for dumbbells that don't even match what I have.

But that only brings me to 50lbs, which I'm already at. So now I need to buy 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 to match the 90lb addon kit. That would cost $1060 for the additional weight. Which doesn't even give me the flexibility to add weight in 2.5lb increments like the PBs do.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, but I don't appreciate the snobbery. There's nothing wrong with using PowerBlocks. It's not like you get a better workout with iron dumbbells than you do with PowerBlocks. Weight is weight.

I am looking for ideas how I can add some additional weight to my PBs so that I can at least get up to 60lbs with them. Such as finding a way to affix 2.5lb, 5lb iron plates to each end, etc.

If you guys can't offer me any real help, please don't bother posting. I'm not interested in your comments if they derived from the attitude that PowerBlocks aren't worthy of your praise or admiration compared to iron weights. This isn't a Bowflex we're talking about here, it's still free weight.

Not only that, but for a person with a home gym, the PowerBlocks are very logical and economical solution. You can have a huge rack full of dumbbells in the whole range of weight, or you can have 2 handles with a quick and easy way to adjust increments depending on the exercise you're doing. This isn't 24 Hour fitness, this is a small home gym on a budget.


Ritch, I can't tell if you're making fun or not.

[tiramisu]

Would cost me more to buy the upgraded set than it would to buy the addon weights.
Gym membership isn't an option.



Ok, lets take a look at that for a minute.

Cost of my PowerBlocks: $300 cash, would get around $250 selling them used.

Cost of 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50 = 390 x 2 = 580, so $580 and doesn't even match what I have (I didn't include the smaller weights).

Let's say I don't need the smaller incremental weights. So 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 = 245 x 2 = $490..... $490 for dumbbells that don't even match what I have.

But that only brings me to 50lbs, which I'm already at. So now I need to buy 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 to match the 90lb addon kit. That would cost $1060 for the additional weight. Which doesn't even give me the flexibility to add weight in 2.5lb increments like the PBs do.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, but I don't appreciate the snobbery. There's nothing wrong with using PowerBlocks. It's not like you get a better workout with iron dumbbells than you do with PowerBlocks. Weight is weight.

I am looking for ideas how I can add some additional weight to my PBs so that I can at least get up to 60lbs with them. Such as finding a way to affix 2.5lb, 5lb iron plates to each end, etc.

HOW ABOUT if you don't have any useful suggestions to my dilemma you keep your comments to yourselves?

cost of 2 adjustable dumbbell $20,
cost of 230 pounds worth of pancake weights $230

It's not my fault you bought really expensive useless shit. Getting mad at me won't help.

[kloan]

cost of 2 adjustable dumbbell $20,
cost of 230 pounds worth of pancake weights $230

It's not my fault you bought really expensive useless shit. Getting mad at me won't help.

I'm not mad at you or anyone else.

I actually don't know what pancake weights are. Can you please explain?

PowerBlocks are far from useless. They're as useful as any weight you use to lift. It was the most economical thing I could find. No different than you shopping at Rona to buy parts to make your own equipment. I don't see the difference than me trying to come up with some solutions to this quandary.

[RagingRandy]

^^^^ I think he just means standard plates. You could get 4 x 25lbs., 8 x 10lbs., 4 x 5lbs., and 4 x 2.5lbs.

That will give you 210 lbs. in plates. If you want 1" plates I have a bus load.

[kloan]

I'm still not sure what he's suggesting.

Olympic handles cost more than $20 each... They're more like $35 each with collars. They're also quite a bit larger than the PBs.

[tiramisu]

standard handles with spin locks....

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000N9FFXK/ref=dp_image_text_0?ie=UTF8&n=3375251&s=sporting-goods

standard weights


once you have plenty of 10's - buy a few of the professional dumbbell handles

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dumbbell-Handles-SDH-SET-SDH-1-to-SDH-6-TOTAL-*6-Pairs*_W0QQitemZ230417654341QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ2 0091229?IMSfp=TL091229181009r28244

They are about $20 a piece and are good for a 20 pound range you change the weight with a big allan key.

I used the spinlocks for several years and have only recently started collecting the dumbbell handles and pretty much only in the sizes I bench with as I like the flat dumbbell for a kick up.
With the spinlocks it still works but it is not as tidy.

[RagingRandy]

The only suggestion I can offer is ankle weights. I think you can get them up to 10lbs.. Some you can adjust the weight on. You can wrap them around the ends.

[kloan]

standard handles with spin locks....

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000N9FFXK/ref=dp_image_text_0?ie=UTF8&n=3375251&s=sporting-goods

standard weights


once you have plenty of 10's - buy a few of the professional dumbbell handles

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dumbbell-Handles-SDH-SET-SDH-1-to-SDH-6-TOTAL-*6-Pairs*_W0QQitemZ230417654341QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ2 0091229?IMSfp=TL091229181009r28244

They are about $20 a piece and are good for a 20 pound range you change the weight with a big allan key.

I used the spinlocks for several years and have only recently started collecting the dumbbell handles and pretty much only in the sizes I bench with as I like the flat dumbbell for a kick up.
With the spinlocks it still works but it is not as tidy.
Ok, well that's the thing. I knew about the spin lock handles and I opted not to go with them because I find them tedious. I've used spin lock before and I always got frustrated with how long it took to change the weights...

The fixed end handles are even more of a pain to deal with, because first of all depending on how many plates you want to have on the handle, you have to have different sizes to accommodate the plates, they can only have so many on each one, as is shown in that auction. The other issue being the allen nut takes even more time to adjust than the spin lock, and when I'm in the middle of a workout, I get frustrated when I have to do tedious things such as unscrewing/screwing on end caps, etc.

Which is why I purchased the PowerBlocks. They're the only solution I know of that allows one to change the weight quickly. There are other select-weight products on the market, but honestly the quality is really bad. I had the Nautilus select-tech... bulky frickin things those were, and plastic coated... garbage.

The PowerBlocks are a good product. Obviously if I had a lot of money, I'd get a full range of dumbbells. And if I had $200 to spare, I'd go back to the store where I bought mine and pick up the 90lb addon kit.

I guess I'm just going to have to find a way to affix these iron plats that I have. Rubber/velcro or something.


The only suggestion I can offer is ankle weights. I think you can get them up to 10lbs.. Some you can adjust the weight on. You can wrap them around the ends.

That's actually the first thing I thought of. I checked out a few different products, seems only one actually has iron rods in it. But the whole thing is too bulky to attach to the weights. All the padding, straps, etc.. make the things pretty large.

I wonder if magnets would work. Really big ass, specific weight, magnets.

edit:

huh, looks like they do exist.. bloody expensive though!
http://www.adamantbarbell.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=228&products_id=573

[kloan]

I think I have an idea.

I can get some strong magnets to hold the weight plates on, instead of getting weighted/measured magnet plates themselves.

BINGO!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370271429926

I got two sets... so 18 magnets in total, 9 each handle.. will probably need 8 each handle (4 each end) to use the 5lb plate on either end. This is perfect. I'll be able to increase each side by 10lbs now.

[RagingRandy]

Not sure I would trust magnets securing plates that could fall on my melon.

[kloan]

Not sure I would trust magnets securing plates that could fall on my melon.

Well I wouldn't either. I'm going to test it out thoroughly before I put it through it's paces, but I'm pretty sure it'll be fine. The magnetic plates would have been a more ideal solution, but way overpriced.

I just did a bit more Google searching, and actually found another person that used the same solution with his PowerBlocks. He said the magnets were enough to hold 2.5lb plates securely. So I might not be able to get up to 60lbs on each one, but even 55lbs is good enough to at least buy me some time. I've been stuck with 50lb for a while now, and even 55lb curls will benefit me now.

I haven't been using them for overhead work anyway, so for what I need right now I think it'll suffice.

[Talo]

If your not going to buy the add ons ( which you should ) than you should get sopme bands or chains...

You don't have that many options here.

[kloan]

If your not going to buy the add ons ( which you should ) than you will have to use bands or chains...

You don't have that many options here.
Of course that would be the best solution... if I had the cash I would, since the shop I bought them at was going to give em to me for $200 cash. I have spent most of my savings living down here, and really ****ed things up for myself. I've been selling a bunch of stuff trying to get some funds together for my move in the Spring. Most likely headed to Vancouver.

N-E-Wayzzzz..... didn't you see my post above? MAGNETS... ;)

It'll work, honest. :cool:

(Man, my moods are all over the frickin place recently... bloody rollercoaster.....)

[Talo]

N-E-Wayzzzz..... didn't you see my post above? MAGNETS... ;)


Ummm , yes i did.

[kloan]

Ummm , yes i did.

Oh, ok well it didn't seem like you did since you didn't acknowledge it as a feasible option.

Anyway, I got the magnets today.

One word: FANTASTIC!!!! :D :D :D

They work PERFECTLY! These things are super crazy strong. They're tiny little things (about the size of a dime), but just three of them placed on the 2.5lb plate snaps the plate firmly on the side of the PowerBlock. It takes a fair amount of force to remove them, so they're not going anywhere. I would gladly use these above my head with zero fear of them falling off.

These are strong enough that I'll be able to use the 5lb plates, I will just use an extra magnet for each one.

Very happy I had an idea and was actually able to make it work. So many times I come up with ideas, spend money on stuff, and it falls short of my expectations. So I'm elated this worked out as well as it did.

Edit: awww... not quite strong enough for the 5lb'ers.. oh well, even getting another 5lbs each handle is good for now. I might look into getting some olympic handles though, so thanks for the suggestion Tiramisu. I'd be better off in the long run with those.. cheaper to buy extra plates when I need em rather than these pricey addon kits.

[HULK]

I've got the same problem - my powerblock only goes up to 90. The 90 to 130 add-on kit cost huge bucks. :( The things you could do with money...:)

[kloan]

I know eh. These add on kits are overpriced.. couple hundred more to get to 90lbs, and another few to get to 130.

The magnets work well for adding another 5lbs total to each handle, but that'll only get me so far.

[Ritch]

what if you put another magnet over the 5lbs you put on to then add on another 5 lbs? But if you plan on training at home guys, just make it happen and get the weights, you`re gonna need them sooner or later.

[kloan]

it would put too much load on the magnets that are holding the first plate on...

im probably going to eventually go the olympic handle route, and get some more plates. will still be cheaper than buying the add on kit if i can find a good deal on some used plates.

[PdH]

iim probably going to eventually go the olympic handle route, and get some more plates. will still be cheaper than buying the add on kit if i can find a good deal on some used plates.

Yeah, that seems like a good idea Kloan. Magnets, WTF?

[kloan]

Yeah, that seems like a good idea Kloan. Magnets, WTF?

yep, they're strong mofos... considering they're only the size of a dime. though one already broke on me... seller told me the stronger they are, the more brittle they get. just have to be a lil more careful with em.

takes 3 magnets each 2.5lb plate to get a secure 'grip'.

[Ritch]

But tell me Kloan, when you`re doing dumbell presses of sorts, do the dumbells tend to want to stick to your head when they come close to it since you`ve added the magnets? :laugh

[kloan]

But tell me Kloan, when you`re doing dumbell presses of sorts, do the dumbells tend to want to stick to your head when they come close to it since you`ve added the magnets? :laugh

why would i have a metal plate in my head? :confused:

anyway, i cant do presses right now because of my shoulder.

[Ritch]

why would i have a metal plate in my head? :confused:

anyway, i cant do presses right now because of my shoulder.

Never mind...

[kloan]

Never mind...

hahahaha..... popped that balloon. :mock

[Ritch]

I guess you do have a metal head after all, lol...