Q&A for How to Get Big Muscles Using Dumbbells

Yes, but be patient. You aren’t going to see any gains just by lifting for 1-2 weeks and then calling it quits. Change takes time, so stick with it once you start!

If your goal is just to improve your strength, you technically don't need any equipment at all. Pushups, pullups, crunches, and burpees are all great callisthenic exercises that will make you stronger. If you do want to weight train, look into getting adjustable dumbbells. That way, you can adjust the weight to modify your workouts as needed, and you'll only need the one set of weights.

The goal is to feel some burn towards the end of your set without being totally exhausted. If you're brand new to weightlifting, grab a light set (5-20 pounds depending on what feels comfortable) and try to do 22 bicep curls. If you get all the way to 22 without breaking a sweat, add weight. If you can't even get to 14 reps without your arms giving out, remove 5 pounds and try again. Once you find a weight where you feel a burn but you aren't compromising your form by the 22nd rep, that's your starting weight.

You can! Some squat exercises only require one dumbbell, and you can do curls with one arm and then just switch arms after you've completed each set. However, you are a little limited with what you can do. If you can afford it, it may be worth investing in a new set of dumbbells.

Yes! Physical activity is important even when you're 14, and you can certainly do some light weightlifting if you're a teenager. However, you're better off not overdoing it and you probably shouldn't strength train with heavy weights until you're older. It's important to talk to your doctor first if you're thinking about lifting heavy weights at 14, since it may not be the best thing for your body right now.

You can get stronger by training your muscles and by exercising. Also, nutritional supplements may help.

Technically yes, so many exercises can be done with dumbbells. Chest -- press (incline, flat and decline). Also with chains, back -- single arm dumbbell row, decline bench pull-over. Shoulders -- shrugs, seated press, front dumbbell raise, milk jug, reverse fly. Legs -- holding dumbbells squats, lunges, calf raises and with careful leg extensions can also be done. Aim for 8 to 12 reps lightweight for strength and 6 to 8 for mass (big show muscles).

You can start by performing three sets of eight reps in the first week. As your body adapts and you feel more comfortable, increase by three reps per week.

You will probably kill your arms and joints. Start out slow, but still push yourself.

There are protein powders and drinks that are specially formulated for diabetics. Those are probably your safest bet.

That is debatable. To play it safe, you should wait until you are at least 18, unless approved by a doctor or medical practitioner.