While lifting heavy weights definitely delivers results when trying to slim down and grow muscles, you can still get lean and ripped by doing multiple reps with moderate weight.
Jade Jenny, CrossFit coach and owner of Champlain Valley CrossFit, says, "Heavy low-volume and light high-volume illicit two very different effects." So if you don't have access to a barbell with plates, try this upper-body workout — all you need is a pair of medium-weight dumbbells and a non-bouncy medicine ball.
5 Wall walks (or a 30-second handstand hold if this is too hard)
10 Plank dumbbell rows (5 per side)
15 Ball slams
10 Shoulder to overhead press
5 Triceps push-ups
Complete this workout five times. Descriptions for each move are below.
.
When you're first learning this move, go for a lighter medicine ball, such as a 10-pounder. Make sure it's not bouncy, so it doesn't fly up and hit you in the nose.