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8 reps just because I'm trying to build strength and muscle. Are you saying it should be more reps per set? 10-12 maybe?

Yes, very encouraging! It's been a battle... I've been on and off with it for a while now. Progress seems to happen quite slowly even when I am consistent with it, but I'm beginning to wonder if I'm not eating enough. Also maybe not focusing on compound exercises enough. My routine looks something like this: Day 1 Bench Press - 3 sets x 8 reps Triceps Extension - 2 sets x 8 reps Curls - 2 sets x 8 reps Lateral Raises - 1 set x 8 reps Shoulder Press - 2 sets x 8 reps Ab Exercise (don't know what it's called) - 3 sets x 8 reps Day 2 One Arm Row - 3 sets x 8 reps Wide Row - 3 sets x 8 reps Deadlift - 3 sets x 8 reps Calf Raises - 1 set x 8 reps Squats - 3 sets x 8 reps, although like I said, I haven't figured out how to comfortably get a heavy lift with dumbbells When I'm motivated, I alternate from day to day, but lately I've been skipping a lot of days. Is this a well balanced workout regime? Is it too much or not enough? I'm now just kind of realizing that I'm not gonna change overnight, so I have to learn to be happy with small, gradual improvements. Sometimes I get discouraged and say to myself that even if I work out consistently, it'll still be a years before I'm anywhere near where I wanna be. Hopefully joining this message board will keep me positive and inspired!

Scrawny, vegan, weight lifting newbie here. I inherited these Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells that go up to 52.5 lbs each So my question is... Is it difficult to gain muscle with only dumbbells and no barbells?