I know this is a really stupid question...but I can't figure it out! So, please excuse my ignorance here!

When using dumbbells for an exercise such as a bench press, for example...if I am using a 10 lb. dumbbell in each hand, do I say I'm pressing 10 lbs. (i.e. each arm is pressing 10 lbs.), or do I say I'm pressing 20 lbs. total, both arms combined??

Same question for Hammer Strength equipment. If I have 25 lbs. on each handle, does that mean I'm doing reps with 25 lbs. or 50 lbs.? I feel really dumb asking these questions, but I just don't know the answer!

Finally, on various weight machines, where the plates are only labeled 1, 2, 3, etc. (instead of how many pounds they are), is there a way to know exactly how much one is lifting? I'd really rather be saying 40 lbs. rather than 4 plates, but it seems it differs depending on the machine.

Thanks for any information you can give me!
Rachel

If i'm doing 8lbs w/ each arm I say 8lb.
If i'm holding 2 8lb weights w/ one arm I say 16lbs.

Not sure if I am right but that is how I posted in my gym log.

It really doesn't matter which way you record it, as long as you know what you meant on that particular exercise. Writing down the heavier weight might psychologically enhance you to believe you are doing more, you wouldn't believe how much of a mind game that weight-training is.