Earlier quoted context omitted.
I've got a pair of adjustable dumbbells which go up to 85 pounds, and that's enough for me (315 bench 495 deadlift 195 OHP 385 squat 255 rows). I just do higher reps for the exercises which are hard to overload on. Get creative with the exercises (split squats instead of back squats), go to failure, and the training effect should be similar.
I'm curious how you got to a 495 lbs deadlift with two 85 lbs dumbbells?
Re: Ask HN: What keeps you from exercising?
#241I should clarify I didn't get a 495 lbs deadlift with only dumbbells. I'm simply stating I can get a good workout with them. I do glute-ham raises and high rep stiff-legged dumbbell deadlifts, and while my deadlift hasn't really gone up since I've mostly stopped doing them, it hasn't gone down either.