Barbell vs Dumbells

[exercise-lover]

I noticed a lot of Cathe's DVDs use barbells. I'm willing to purchase one, but thought I'd see what everyone thinks first. Can you substitute dumbells for the barbell and have it work as well, or are barbells worth it? What does it do that dumbells won't? Thanks.

 

[bitmover]

I can't believe no one has answered this. You can substitute dumbells for the barbell. I did that for a long time, but did finally spring for a barbell. The difference is in how the the weight feels, since it is balanced differently. I cannot do the description of the difference justice. Maybe someone else will chime in. I think it's possible to go heavier with a barbell.

-Beth

 

[kathryn]

You can definitely substitute dumbells for a barbell. In fact, for many exercises (especially upper body), dumbells have advantages over a barbell, in that they help develop both sides evenly and work more stabilizing muscles. And I can't think of any exercise that can't be done with dumbells instead of a barbell.

On the other hand, a barbell often does feel more comfortable than dumbells for squats and lunges, exercises where it's sometimes difficult to find a comfortable position for dumbells.

 

[dlavie]

What Kathryn said.

It's also why you get a more balanced workout using free weights versus a machine. One arm or leg can do the work for the other on a machine.

I wouldn't attempt squats with dumbells, I'd use the barbell. With my coordination I'd lose my balance and fall down. klutz!