bicep curl - barbell vs dumbbells

[MAYNARDSMOM]

I did STS #30 today (shuffled the Oct rotation a bit ). While doing the barbell curls for the life of me I could only squeak out 6 reps with my 85%RM using a barbell. Using dumbbells at the same weight I was able to do them all. What's up with that?

Love the guns I've developed with STS!!! Thanks!!

 

[gettingfitmom]

ME TOO!!!! What gives?

 

[MAYNARDSMOM]

ME TOO!!!! What gives?

Good to hear it's not just me then!

 

[MAYNARDSMOM]

Bumping since I felt the same issue today doing chest/back work.

 

[kathryn]

IMO, it's because the barbell locks you into a very specific position and motion path, while using dumbbells allows you to find a more natural path for your body, perhaps just a slight difference in angle or position that is the strongest for you. (Also, I think it sometimes is easier to use a bit of body English while using dumbbells without realizing it).

 

[MAYNARDSMOM]

IMO, it's because the barbell locks you into a very specific position and motion path, while using dumbbells allows you to find a more natural path for your body, perhaps just a slight difference in angle or position that is the strongest for you. (Also, I think it sometimes is easier to use a bit of body English while using dumbbells without realizing it).

Thanks Kathryn! Therefore it's good to mix it up & use both.
Oh how I dread the barbell though I know I know - it's good for building muscle so I'll do it w/o whining!