Dumbell vs barbell

John de la Garza · 04-19-2007, 08:40 PM

I know there are advantages to using dumbells. What are the advantages of doing say overhead press with a barbell over dumbells?

I'm trying to set up a basic workout for my dad. I want the least amount of equipment but with out compromising the quality of his workout at all.

Bill Ripley · 04-20-2007, 05:12 AM

No advantages IMO, just different animals. DB workouts are great for people who want a minimum of equipment to fool with.

Leah Turner · 04-20-2007, 05:18 AM

But if one tends to go weaker w/ their left arm, for example w/ the chest press, then using dumbbells won't allow that, as one can cheat w/ a barbell.

Graham Tidey · 04-20-2007, 07:12 AM

Yeah, you get a little more wobble with dumbells, which mean the stabiliser muscles kick in.

Also, it's one more thing to potentially hit you in the head.

Cal Jones · 04-20-2007, 08:24 AM

On the plus side, you can't get stuck under 'em. :-)

William Hunter · 04-20-2007, 08:48 AM

A major advantage of the BB is that you can use more weight, and stimulate more muscle tissue.

If there is a history of shoulder problems he may benefit from the unilateral aspect of DB's.

Matt DeMinico · 04-20-2007, 01:34 PM

The PT I regularly see (who is REALLY good by the way) is very leery about barbell workouts if they can be subbed with dumbbells. Basically, barbell workouts prohibit the natural rotation in your shoulders and back when you go to do a movement.

Try this: Try doing a 45-lb (barbell) press. Now, do the same thing, except take two 20-lb dumbbells, and press them one at a time. Notice the difference in how you move your shoulders and back, there should be some natural shifting of weight, rotating, etc.

I've run into shoulder issues doing barbell exercises, and she suggested just using dumbbells. Now, maybe you can get away with using a barbell, or even using two dumbbells at the same time, but for me, I try to avoid those, and do them sparingly, and make SURE as heck that I do them with the proper movement (keeping my shoulders pressed BACK) to prevent the rotator cuff and tendons from being injured.

John de la Garza · 04-20-2007, 03:49 PM

I value not get hurt over functional fitness, but in real life I come across times where I lift things that represent a barbell more than dumbells.

It also, seems that doing a press with a barbell uses my triceps more.

Blair Robert Lowe · 04-20-2007, 07:34 PM

Dumbbell OHS squat with DB at OHS bar distance really suck. It's cake with a bar holding it up there.
I say go DB. Every exercise is tougher with DB than a BB.

Thomas Grippo · 04-21-2007, 02:22 PM

....if you're a "motor moron" the bb (closed chain-fixed distally) may be a better option.I think Matt also makes a good point.

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04-19-2007, 08:40 PM	#1
John de la Garza Member Profile: Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Garden Grove ca Posts: 212	I know there are advantages to using dumbells. What are the advantages of doing say overhead press with a barbell over dumbells? I'm trying to set up a basic workout for my dad. I want the least amount of equipment but with out compromising the quality of his workout at all.

04-20-2007, 05:12 AM	#2
Bill Ripley Member Profile: Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Watkinsville GA Posts: 48	No advantages IMO, just different animals. DB workouts are great for people who want a minimum of equipment to fool with.

04-20-2007, 05:18 AM	#3
Leah Turner Member Profile: Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Latrobe PA Posts: 383	But if one tends to go weaker w/ their left arm, for example w/ the chest press, then using dumbbells won't allow that, as one can cheat w/ a barbell.

04-20-2007, 07:12 AM	#4
Graham Tidey Member Profile: Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Lisbon Alameda Posts: 393	Yeah, you get a little more wobble with dumbells, which mean the stabiliser muscles kick in. Also, it's one more thing to potentially hit you in the head.

04-20-2007, 08:24 AM	#5
Cal Jones Member Profile: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: London England Posts: 795	On the plus side, you can't get stuck under 'em. :-)

04-20-2007, 08:48 AM	#6
William Hunter Member Profile: Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Rome GA Posts: 967	A major advantage of the BB is that you can use more weight, and stimulate more muscle tissue. If there is a history of shoulder problems he may benefit from the unilateral aspect of DB's.

04-20-2007, 01:34 PM	#7
Matt DeMinico Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sterling Heights MI Posts: 1,939	The PT I regularly see (who is REALLY good by the way) is very leery about barbell workouts if they can be subbed with dumbbells. Basically, barbell workouts prohibit the natural rotation in your shoulders and back when you go to do a movement. Try this: Try doing a 45-lb (barbell) press. Now, do the same thing, except take two 20-lb dumbbells, and press them one at a time. Notice the difference in how you move your shoulders and back, there should be some natural shifting of weight, rotating, etc. I've run into shoulder issues doing barbell exercises, and she suggested just using dumbbells. Now, maybe you can get away with using a barbell, or even using two dumbbells at the same time, but for me, I try to avoid those, and do them sparingly, and make SURE as heck that I do them with the proper movement (keeping my shoulders pressed BACK) to prevent the rotator cuff and tendons from being injured.

04-20-2007, 03:49 PM	#8
John de la Garza Member Profile: Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Garden Grove ca Posts: 212	I value not get hurt over functional fitness, but in real life I come across times where I lift things that represent a barbell more than dumbells. It also, seems that doing a press with a barbell uses my triceps more.

04-20-2007, 07:34 PM	#9
Blair Robert Lowe Member Profile: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 7,948	Dumbbell OHS squat with DB at OHS bar distance really suck. It's cake with a bar holding it up there. I say go DB. Every exercise is tougher with DB than a BB.

04-21-2007, 02:22 PM	#10
Thomas Grippo Member Profile: Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Basking Ridge NJ Posts: 44	....if you're a "motor moron" the bb (closed chain-fixed distally) may be a better option.I think Matt also makes a good point.