Power Hour w/dumbbells

[workout junkie]

How many do this workout with dumbbells instead of a barbell? Specifically the chest press and triceps french press?

I haven't done this workout for awhile - just finished a S&H rotation and now want to work on endurance. I'm so used to using dumbbells for chest and triceps, not sure what the benefits of using a barbell would be. I prefer a barbell for bentover rows and crazy eights, but don't want my strong side to take over in the chest & triceps exercises. Though maybe it's not as big of a deal for endurance workouts...

Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this...

Thanks,
Melissa

P.S. I felt so strong doing my Slow & Heavy workouts, but when I did Muscle Endurance for the first time in a long time the other day (the biceps work especially) I felt like such a wimp!

 

[red_mct]

I have no comment about your barbell vs. dumbbell question (I prefer dumbbells myself as I think it's more a pain than anything to be constantly shifting barbell weights around), but I hear ya on the ME thing! I have yet to do all of the bicep reps. I swear that is the workout where they stop showing the other ladies in the crew because CATHE IS THE ONLY ONE STILL STANDING! }( }( }(

Cheers,
Marie

 

[Runcrazy]

Melissa I use dumbbells. I had an elbow injury years ago and need a little more freedom of movement that using the dumbbells provide because of the speed of the exercises. So I use dumbbells for both those moves. However I do use the barbell for the others (like squats). It's just those 2 exercises. Also I don't think it matters that much...it's just what Cathe choreographed the exercises with.

Jo

 

[lfcjasp]

Melissa, I've been lamenting our lost barbell for ages. It's buried in either a shed or our garage...has been since we moved here nearly 15 years ago!!! So I get by with my dumbells and frankly, with my dicey elbow and shoulder, these work beautifully. Sometimes I think controlling two dumbells versus handling only a single barbell is harder. JMHO!

 

[scm]

I like to use dumbbells too. The only exercise I can't do comfortably with db's are clean-and-press, done in ME.
Susan C.M.

 

[ldy_solana]

for most of the bicep and tricep work i prefer dumbbells for some reason i can't get proper form doing her exercises with the barbell. like when doing lying extensions(or skullcrushers to some) i get pain in the elbow but using the dumbbells i can go all reps with her without a problem. same with her crazy 8's. i just lose it midway thru her set but with dumbbells i can finish up with a great burn. most of the other body parts i still mix it up with barbell and dumbbells b/c for me my chest will work harder with a barbell(and heavier)then with dumbbells.

you may have to play with but if you still don't like to use the barbell then don't. its your workout and you have to tailor it to you.

kassia

When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be
disappointed to discover they are not it -- Bernard Bailey

 

[workout junkie]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I used to do PH with a barbell just because that's what Cathe did in that workout, but I think I will sub dumbbells for at least for some of the exercises. I'm supposed to do it tonight, but my back is so sore from HSC. I think it's all that band work, really gets me in places regular weight work doesn't hit. Anyway, thanks!