Light-Weight Dumbbell Exercises for Burning Calories, Building Muscle

Can't lift heavy weights? Apparently it's not an issue, folks. It's being reported that you can use a five-pound dumbbell to shed calories and build muscle just like the guy next to you benching 250lbs. Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it is true that you can still burn calories by using small weights. How so? Glad you asked...

You did ask, right?

Men's Heath reports, "Light weights allow you to perform movements with greater speed and explosive power," according to the publication's Fitness Director BJ Gaddor. Furthermore, a light-weight dumbbell "stimulates your fast-twitch muscle fibers, challenges your cardiovascular system, and elevates your heart rate."

To get yourself in shape with just a five-pound dumbbell, practice the below move: the Dumbbell Discus.

Seriously, don't let go of that dumbbell, folks. 

Be sure to perform the Dumbbell Discus for 20 seconds with 10 seconds of rest immediately afterward. For the best results, perform the exercise for four minutes straight, alternating sides each time.

Check out a couple more dumbbell exercises below via Men's Health's Instagram account: