Does it really make a difference if one uses dumbells rather than a barbell? Yesterday whilst doing Pure Strength for Legs I couldn't pick the barbell up in front of me for plie squats, that's a first for me, obviously I was somewhat tired. There have been other times when I have a hard time getting the barbell over my head when I'm fatigued. So, if you're holding the same amount of weight does it really matter?
Barbell versus Dumb Bells
- Thread starter annie2867
- Start date
kathryn
Cathlete
Annabel,
There are some differences between using a barbell and a dumbbell, but in my opinion, dumbbells have several advantages. When you use dumbbells, you're using more stabilizing muscles to hold the weights in place (I'm thinking of pressing moves like overhead presses and bench presses), so you might have to use less total weight (ie: if you usually press a 50# barbell, you may have to use 20# or 22.5 pound dumbbells). ALso, the your stronger side can't help your weaker side.
I also think that dumbbells are safer for home use. If I get stuck on a bench press with dumbbells, I know I can more safely manoeuver out of the situation with dumbbells than I could with a bar. A recent issue of Muscle and FItness hers had an article on dumbbell routines and cited several advantages over bars.
There are some differences between using a barbell and a dumbbell, but in my opinion, dumbbells have several advantages. When you use dumbbells, you're using more stabilizing muscles to hold the weights in place (I'm thinking of pressing moves like overhead presses and bench presses), so you might have to use less total weight (ie: if you usually press a 50# barbell, you may have to use 20# or 22.5 pound dumbbells). ALso, the your stronger side can't help your weaker side.
I also think that dumbbells are safer for home use. If I get stuck on a bench press with dumbbells, I know I can more safely manoeuver out of the situation with dumbbells than I could with a bar. A recent issue of Muscle and FItness hers had an article on dumbbell routines and cited several advantages over bars.
suzannaerin
Cathlete
Hi - I've had the same trouble! My legs can handle a lot more weight than I can load onto my barbell and SAFELY hoist over my head. I invested in a squat rack. What I do is load my barbell with plates, and put it on the rack. Then I back up into the rack and set the barbell on my shoulders!! Works great. When I'm done doing my reps, I just back up to the squat rack and slip the barbell onto it. If you don't want to get a rack or go to the trouble of using it, I'm sure dumbbells will work for you. Suzanne
suzannaerin
Cathlete
squat rack
Hi - I bought the squat rack second-hand from someone at work (their son used to play high school football & buying him the rack was a lot more economical than getting him a smith machine). You can get them at Sports Authority. It isn't something you can hide anywhere, unless you can stash it in the back of a closet and haul it out when you need it. It looks kind of like a big "U". When your barbell is on it, it looks like a goalpost. Mine is kind of heavy, too. Good luck! Suzanne
Hi - I bought the squat rack second-hand from someone at work (their son used to play high school football & buying him the rack was a lot more economical than getting him a smith machine). You can get them at Sports Authority. It isn't something you can hide anywhere, unless you can stash it in the back of a closet and haul it out when you need it. It looks kind of like a big "U". When your barbell is on it, it looks like a goalpost. Mine is kind of heavy, too. Good luck! Suzanne