Dec 02, 2010 1:14 AM GMT
Trying to work on my chest, but the benches by the barbells are usually taken. Is a dumbbell press just as good?
Barbell v. Dumbbell on press
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Dec 02, 2010 1:14 AM GMT -
Dec 02, 2010 1:40 AM GMTIt's actually better, because it's harder to control the dumbbells. With a barbell, you have both hands controlling one weight, with dumbbells, you have two weights to control. -
Dec 02, 2010 1:53 AM GMTIf you've never tried a unilateral bench press with dumbbells, give it a try. You'll probably be surprised by how hard it is and you'll put you'll stabilizer muscles and abs to work too. I don't do it all the time, but when I throw it in, I definitely feel it!
Here is a video although I do it with my whole torso on the bench.
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Dec 02, 2010 2:08 AM GMTI was told it's actually safer--you don't need a spotter (at least not as much), and you can just drop dumbbells on the floor when you fatigue. Can't do the same for barbells. -
Dec 02, 2010 2:54 AM GMTGood. I was kind of hoping for this type of answer. I really prefer doing the dumbbells and can definitely feel a difference between using them and the barbell. Also less hassle with equipment and spotters. Thanks for the tip Sashaman, I'll try that tomorrow. -
Dec 02, 2010 2:57 AM GMTI almost always use dumbbells. Same thing with declines and inclines. But, I HATE asking for a spotter, so I have an ulterior motive for it.
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Dec 02, 2010 4:08 AM GMTMy two cents - a combination of both is best. For me, the downfall with dumbbells is that lifting really heavy wts (125 pound +) is not realistic without some real help and when you get that help it is kinda awkward. So, for me, maxing out with wts is easier with a barbell and is also easier on the spotter. And as you get older or start maxing out with wts, injuring the elbow joints is easier with a dumbbell.
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Dec 02, 2010 4:15 AM GMTI've heard from a lot of people that dumbells are also way better because they allow you a better range of motion than a barbell. couple that with the benefits you get from having to do more "stabilizing" with the dumbells and they are the clear better choice in my opinion.
