If you’re a fan of fitness anime, you’ve probably been asking one question: how heavy are the dumbbells you lift release date? The official announcement for the anime adaptation of the popular manga series was a major moment for fans. This series combines humor, genuine exercise science, and inspiring characters in a way that’s both entertaining and motivational. Let’s look at the details of its release and why it became such a hit in the fitness community.
How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift Release Date
The official release date for the “How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?” anime was announced in early 2019. The series premiered in Japan on July 3, 2019. It ran for one cour, totaling 12 episodes, with an additional OVA released later. For international veiwers, the simulcast was handled by Crunchyroll, making it available to a global audience almost immediately.
Where to Watch the Series Today
Finding the show is straightforward. It’s still widely available on major streaming platforms. Here are your main options:
- Crunchyroll: The primary home for the series, offering both subtitled and dubbed versions.
- Funimation: Also hosts the English dub of the anime.
- VRV: Includes Crunchyroll’s catalog, providing another access point.
Why the Release Was So Anticipated
The manga, written by Yabako Sandrovich and illustrated by MAAM, had already built a strong following. People loved its unique premise: a high school girl starts weightlifting to get fit, guided by a impossibly muscular trainer. The anime promised to bring those workouts and gags to life with animation and voice acting.
Key Factors Driving the Hype
- Unique blend of comedy and accurate fitness information.
- From the creator of the popular series “Kengan Ashura.”
- A growing real-world interest in weightlifting among anime fans.
What Makes This Anime Unique for Fitness Fans
Unlike many sports anime, “Dumbbell” serves as both a story and a practical guide. Each episode features real exercises, explained with correct form. The characters struggle with motivation, diet, and plateaus—things every gym-goer faces. It demystifies weight training, showing it’s for everyone, not just bodybuilders.
Real Exercises Featured
The anime doesn’t shy away from specifics. You’ll see detailed segments on:
- Bench Press technique and common mistakes.
- Proper form for squats and deadlifts.
- Isolation moves like bicep curls and tricep extensions.
- The importance of warm-ups and cool-downs.
Applying the Anime’s Lessons to Your Routine
Watching is fun, but the real value comes from applying its lessons. The series emphasizes fundamentals over magic solutions. Here’s how you can start.
Step 1: Focus on Form Over Weight
Just like Hibiki learns, rushing to lift heavy is a recipe for injury. Start with a weight you can control perfectly for 8-12 reps. The anime often shows characters correcting their posture, a crucial detail many beginners overlook.
Step 2: Consistency Beats Intensity
You won’t see change from one workout. The characters train regularly, and so should you. Aim for 2-3 strength sessions per week, allowing for rest days in between for muscle recovery. This is a core message throughout the show.
Step 3: Nutrition is Part of the Program
The anime dedicates time to diet, debunking myths. It shows that eating enough protein and managing calories is essential. You can’t out-train a poor diet, a lesson Akemi learns quickly.
Common Beginner Mistakes (And How the Anime Addresses Them)
The series cleverly uses humor to highlight errors we all make. Recognizing these can save you time and frustration.
- Skipping the Warm-Up: Machio always insists on a proper warm-up to prevent injury.
- Comparing Yourself to Others: Hibiki starts envious of others but learns to focus on her own progress.
- Neglecting Leg Day: A classic joke, but the anime stresses that lower body workouts are vital for overall strength.
- Poor Hydration: Several scenes show the characters drinking water, reminding you to do the same.
Building a Simple Starter Plan Inspired by the Show
Inspired to start? Here’s a basic two-day split routine any beginner can follow. Remember to consult a doctor before beginning any new exercise program.
Day 1: Upper Body Focus
- Push-ups (or knee push-ups): 3 sets of as many as you can do.
- Dumbbell Rows: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per arm.
- Overhead Dumbbell Press: 3 sets of 10-12 reps.
- Dumbbell Bicep Curls: 3 sets of 12-15 reps.
Day 2: Lower Body & Core Focus
- Bodyweight Squats: 3 sets of 15-20 reps.
- Dumbbell Romanian Deadlifts: 3 sets of 10-12 reps.
- Walking Lunges: 3 sets of 10 steps per leg.
- Plank Hold: 3 sets, hold for 30-60 seconds.
The Lasting Impact of the Series
Since its release, the anime has fostered a unique community. It bridged the gap between anime culture and fitness culture. Online forums and social media groups popped up where fans shared their workout results alongside fan art. It proved that educational content can be wildly entertaining when delivered with charm and carisma.
FAQ Section
When was “How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?” officially released?
The anime officially premiered on July 3, 2019, in Japan. International streaming began the same season.
Is there a season 2 release date announced?
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a second season. The manga has plenty of material, so fans remain hopeful.
Where can I watch the English dub?
The English dubbed version is available on both Funimation and Crunchyroll’s platforms for subscribers.
Are the workouts in the anime actually effective?
Yes, the exercises shown are based on real strength training principles. However, they are simplified for narrative purposes. Always seek professional guidance for a personalized plan.
What is the best order to watch the series?
Watch the 12 main episodes in order from 1 to 12. The OVA (Episode 13) can be viewed after completing the main series, as it contains standalone stories.
Who is the main character?
The protagonist is Hibiki Sakura, a high school student with a love for food who decides to take up weightlifting to manage her weight. She is trained by the expert bodybuilder, Machio.
Final Thoughts
The official release of “How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?” gave us more than just a fun anime. It provided a genuine gateway into fitness for many people. Its lasting popularity stems from its respect for both the craft of weightlifting and the needs of its audience for relatable, humorous storytelling. Whether you’re looking for motivation or just a good laugh, this series delivers solid value. So why not give it a watch, and maybe, pick up a dumbbell yourself? You might find the process more enjoyable than you expected.