dumbells vs. barbell?

Stephanie0523

Stephanie0523

Cathlete
Hi Cathe or anyone who can help --
I've been doing Cathe workouts for a few years, and I only use dumbells. I haven't really the space for barbell equipment, as we live in a small house. This has limited my lifting abilities -- my max weight for dumbells is 12 lb. So 24 pounds is the max I can lift now. Does anyone else not use barbells? Am I doing myself a huge disservice? I'm thinking about buying 15 or 20 lb dumbells, but I don't know if I should spring for a barbell instead and just MAKE room. What do you guys think?
 
I know about small space, my apt doesn't offer much. With what individual dumbbells cost you can get a small set or weights & barbell. Walmart has two great sets, one is 55lbs with a two-piece barbell for $20.00 and a 100lb set with a 2 piece barbell for $40.00. These sets are great. 55lb has 4-10 lb plates, 2-5lb plates & a 5lb bar. The 100lb has those plus 2&1/2 plates, giving you lots of variation. I use dumbbells as well, but you'll find there's a nice difference when you're using the bar. The 2 piece bar is very strong & sturdy. Hope that helps a little.
 
i also live in an apartment. i bought a barbell and gave it away. i kept banging it against the wall and it was so much easier to use dumbells.i also didnt want to bother with putting plates on and off. since i also use dumbells,it took up too much space.and if you buy it your stuck with it unless u can find a buyer.i find dumbells effective enough to put on your side for squats.

laura
 
That's what I was thinking. I found an ad for some adjustable dumbells that are 40 lb total. I think I'll get those for heavier lifting so that I don't have to mess with barbells and plates. Maybe one day we'll have a weight room in our next home (ah what a dream), but until then, I think I'm going to have to stick with this. Thanks Laura!
 
Academy Sports and Outdoors here has them for $34.99. I forget the weight break-down per dumbell, but it's max 20 lb per dumbell (40lb total). I thought it was a good deal. They also have a dumbbell tree to put your dumbells on for $12.99.
 
How does one properly do barbell squats with dumbbells?

I've just started incorporating weights into my workouts. I have 2 lb, 3 lb, 5 lb, and 1 10 lb dumbbell.

For barbell squats I've just held two of the dumbbells palm facing forward up by my shoulders. Is that ok or is there a better way to do these?

Other than barbell squats, I figure the barbell helps with form, but dumbbells (at the same weight) should work just as well? Is that true?

Thanks,
April
 
April, That's how I do the barbell squats -- with the dumbbels rested on my shoulders, palms forward. It has worked really well for me. I was doing them with two 12 lb dumbbells, but recently started with two 20 lb weights (only for her heavy-lifting workouts). It is a little uncomfortable resting that heavy of a dumbbell on my shoulders, but I'll get used to it. I think the end result should be the same. I sure hope so!
 
when i do squats with dumbells i hold them on my sides. usually 10-12 pds in each hand. putting them on shoulders is harder so you'd use a lighter weight.

laura
 
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