trouble with barbell

[lizzyc]

When I use Cathe's weight training videos(PS,MIS,bodymax,cardio and weights) I have a hard time with the barbell, expecially when she does crazy 8. I can hardly get through half of it. I always end up using dumbells that are the same weight as my barbell.
My question is, am I cheating myself by wimping out on the barbell or are the dumbbells just as effective.
Thanks,
Lizzy

I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but I'm hoping someone will agree with me.

 

[Aquajock]

Actually, when I used the barbell for biceps work I found myself cheating because my dominant arm, the right arm, always wound up doing more of the work than the weaker left arm.

Plus, I always had trouble with barbell biceps work because it kept my wrists and hands in a fixed position that became very uncomfortable throughout the entire range of motion. I found that when I switched to dumbbells of equal combined weight I could do the lifts much more comfortably - as comfortably as hard lifting for biceps can be - because my wrists could turn in a bit at the top naturally.

IMHO I don't think you're wimping out if the combined weightload of the dumbbells equals the weightload of the barbell.

A-Jock

 

[lizzyc]

Thanks Annette,
That's what I was hoping to hear. I'll stick with the dumbells and maybe throw in a set with the barbells.
I only have trouble when I do biceps, so it must be the wrist issue. It hurts!!
Thanks again,
Lizzy

 

[hippahips]

Hi Lizzy. Boy, am I glad you started this thread. I thought I was the only one who seemed to have trouble when using barbells for bicep work. And it's not just the crazy 8's I have trouble with. The first time I used a 30-lb. barbell for biceps I couldn't get through the routine. But I had no trouble with it when I switched to a pair of 15-lb. dumbbells. I always thought it had something to do with the equipment and the way my wrists were positioned. Thank you A-jock for clarifying the issue. I still do use the barbell every now and then simply for variety.

Pinky:7