You don't need to buy heavier weights to build muscle, try this trainer's five exercise hacks first

Woman holding light dumbbells by her shoulders. She is in a domestic setting.

Outgrown your light dumbbells? Before you invest in heavier weights, there are a few muscle-building tricks you can use to make your workouts more challenging. For example, looping a light resistance band around your dumbbells.

More ways to train harder with the weights you already own are demonstrated in this informative workout video by fitness instructor Fiona Judd. Judd, who runs the FitFionaJ app, says that while she advocates increasing the load to build muscle if you have the space and budget for more free weights, you can also try her five tips first to keep challenging yourself with lighter weights.