Barbell French Press

[mercee28]

I have been lifting for a few years at the gym and with cathe tapes, but for some reason I can't execute these properly. I have no problems with dumbells and wonder if I should just always substitute those for the barbell at all times.

I have to drop down to 20lbs on the barbell when doing these and I still feel like the barbell is going to come crashing down on my forehead. Can someone please give me some tips. thanks so much!

 

[Bobbi]

I am always amazed that Cathe can use the same weights for various body parts. I have to drop for triceps. I can go a little heavier for biceps, heavier for chest, add a little more for back and add again for legs but I do not use the same weights for all my parts!



B http://www.plaudersmilies.de/natur/twinkle.gif obbi

 

[Jennifer V]

I'd like to know too!

I find that it is difficult for me to keep my wrist stable during the exercise - I feel the strain with 20lbs. I don't know how Cathe does it with her weightload!

 

[mercee28]

RE: I'd like to know too!

Bump

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Mercee28! It is absolutely appropriate to substitute dumbbells here. You should always use what you can handle with proper form. Although the barbell offers a bit of variety to the exercise, it is of no benefit if you are not able to do it properly. So yes, stick with dumbbells (I actually get a better workout with dumbbells;-)).