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I don't see any muscle at all in my arms ; I'm 98KG , with BMI of 28.

Is it possible to get some improvement using dumbbells only at home ?

It is a mystery to me how people build their muscles , is there any technique to follow ? Or is not possible for Obese people ?

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  • Being obese doesn't prevent your body from building muscle per se (assuming that you can perform activities that will stress those muscles), but fat may cover up the muscle that is built so it's not visible.
    – G__
    Feb 2, 2015 at 21:58
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    My BMI is 30, but I'm probably a lot stronger than you, I bench 225 (a bit over my own weight), can do about 7 pronated chins and so on. Guess what, I can't really see a lot of muscle definition either. So the answer is to lose bodyfat as Greg said. Otherwise you can spend years building muscle without actually seeing it.
    – Mårten
    Feb 3, 2015 at 5:17

3 Answers 3

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There's a pretty good answer here that you may want to consider. It specifically is talking about at home exercises, so I'll let that speak for itself. If you need any help with what those exercises look like, check out exrx.net.

Is it possible to get some improvement using dumbbells only at home ?

Yes, although I think you'll find that a few other cheap pieces of gear will make a huge difference. Tack on a pullup bar and a kettlebell and you'll have a formidable home training system.

It is a mystery to me how people build their muscles , is there any technique to follow ? Or is not possible for Obese people ?

If you want the most effective methods for strength training and you're starting from a fairly novice prospective, you will get phenominal results from something like Starting Strength or Strong Lifts 5x5. Those are barbell programs which will require access to somewhat expensive gear. You'll either need to buy it yourself, go to a properly equipped gym (most are not), or have a friend who has gear like that.

A properly run home fitness program can be very effective, but it will never be on par with a barbell strength training program (like the fore mentioned Starting Strength or Strong Lifts 5x5.).

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  • Maybe it's just me, but, I find it fascinating that you can predict the results someone will get without knowing anything about them.
    – rrirower
    Jan 30, 2015 at 18:20
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    I can predict that if he won't live to 1000 and that he needs to eat and drink; some things are fairly well studied, and how to make people strong is up there.
    – Eric
    Jan 30, 2015 at 18:43
  • I would add that the heavier (more obese) you are, the more your fat will hide/obscure the muscle that you've built.
    – Moses
    Jan 30, 2015 at 19:16
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    "he won't live to 1000", not with that attitude he won't.
    – user2861
    Jan 31, 2015 at 5:06
  • I have got 12kg and 20kg kettlebells , I'm using 20 for swings . Any interesting thing that can be done on this using them ?
    – nish1013
    Jan 31, 2015 at 14:41
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I would say start with your diet and simply increase your overall activity levels. So eating cleaner, probably eating less (although I'm not a fan of caloric deficits by not eating enough). And start by walking every day for like an hour or something.

The exercises I think are the most beneficial are the larger compound ones, squat and deadlift. These do require technique though and if you don't want to spend the time and energy to acquire this bodyweight exercises may be the way to go.

About the arms question: If that really is your only goal, just curl until you can't curl no more.

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  • "About the arms question: If that really is your only goal, just curl until you can't curl no more." Do you mean dumbell curl ? What should be the weight ? So just keep doing curl until unable to do so ?
    – nish1013
    Feb 1, 2015 at 20:15
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Is it possible to get some improvement using dumbbells only at home ?

Improvement is always possible through consistent dedication to a routine. If you're willing to stick with one here is what I would recommend. Go to Bodybuilding.com's Arms Workout Database and pick something labeled "beginner" like this.

It is a mystery to me how people build their muscles , is there any technique to follow ? Or is not possible for Obese people ?

It is very possible for obese people to build muscles - don't let your current body deter you from the body you want! The secret is consistency and determination. Having a diet for optimizing muscle building will also help. There are many great questions on here about that and if I had one off hand I would promote it. Please search this SE for one.

Most importantly, do not give up. Progress is slow and at times painful, but it's not going to be easy. Its going to be worth it.

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