Use the comfortable SoftGrip TM hand weights instead of dumbbells.
The product was developed by a patient during a physical therapy session. She was having difficulty grasping the 2 pound dumbbell prescribed to her. She wanted something that would conform to her grasp, be comfortable, and unintimidating. SoftGrip TM hand weights are also great for light workouts and for the arthritic patient. The SoftGrip TM has the following attributes: it is easy to grasp and grip; comfortable; soft but not floppy, unintimidating; color-coded to indicate weight; stores on standard Cuff(R) weight rack (10-0150 on page 19); inexpensive; made in USA by makers of the Cuff(R) weight; 1 year warranty.