Barbell or dumbbell

Josh · 05-07-2002, 07:32 PM

Hi all,

From various opinions that I read in my threads in this forum, I gather that some people prefer exercises using dumbbells better than using barbell, while some seem to be okay with barbell exercises.

So I wanna ask, what is the benefit of using dumbbell against using barbell in an exercise (for instance, bench press, shoulder press, etc)? Also vice versa, the benefit of using barbell instead of dumbbell?

How would using dumbbell affect the muscles being worked on which differ from using barbell, and vice versa?

-- Josh

**Prince** · 05-07-2002, 07:35 PM

the main benefit of using dumbbells is they incorporate more synergistic (balancing) muscles.

Josh · 05-07-2002, 09:10 PM

If so, then actually using db does not improve the effectivity on the major muscles being worked on themselves, instead it helps the other supporting muscles. In other words, using db contributes mainly to the overall body workout, but does not necessarily work more effectively on the main muscles themselves. Is this understanding correct? -- Josh

cornfed · 05-07-2002, 09:18 PM

Yes and no. The balance required by db's actually can, depending on the muscle being focussed on and the depth of your press, form and contraction.
I've found that db's, particularly in presses and flyes, are better for mass gains, as you have more freedom to squeeze. But For isolation, I'm gonna plug for hammer strength.

I don't use bars except for BB curls and military (only 1 of the 6exercises I base my shoulder routine on).

But how people do DB rows, I'll never get

lean_n_76er · 05-07-2002, 09:27 PM

Yes, what Prince and CF said. I couldn't add anything to that!

irnmnps · 05-08-2002, 06:09 AM

I broke my clavicle which caused me to have different distance between my shoulder and center of chest - so dumbells allowed me to work heavier and deeper that olympic bar.

Scotty the Body · 05-08-2002, 11:17 AM

I think a combo of all three, db, BB, and machines is important for total muscle development.
Sometimes when your progress is slowed or stoped a simple switch from DB to BB or Machine is all that is needed to start progress going again.

ragingbull · 05-10-2002, 10:08 AM

I have worked with DB for several years and enjoy the results that I have seen but, using a BB enables me to shock the muscles when needed while maintaining perfect form. I incorporate both in my routine. As far as machines go, I stopped using them after I injured myself with the smithmachine, it cause severe shoulder problems that I am still recovering from 3 years later.

jagleaso · 05-11-2002, 01:08 PM

DBs are the only way to go. The whole one arm bent over row thing I kinda dont get though...

Scotty the Body · 05-11-2002, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jagleaso
DBs are the only way to go. The whole one arm bent over row thing I kinda dont get though...

Welcome to IM Jagleaso, what don't you get about bent over one arm rows? I find them better than seated rows as your less likly to use momentom to move the weight.

Robboe · 05-11-2002, 05:27 PM

I tend to use more BB for lower body and more DB for upper body.

Not exclusively though, of course.

Lightman009 · 05-11-2002, 06:50 PM

As in everything, a good combination will give the best results.

LittLe FraNk · 05-15-2002, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lightman009
As in everything, a good combination will give the best results.

i agree simply

maxxlina · 05-15-2002, 11:04 PM

I prefer dumbbel

KryptoAllez · 05-16-2002, 09:54 AM

I use anything and everything!

Keeps the boredom away and the muscles growing!

Yanks20 · 05-16-2002, 10:54 AM

in my experience most PL's use BB for shear power and mass and DB more for cutting.

me personally i prefer using BB any time i can!

Snake_Eyes · 05-16-2002, 10:55 AM

Dumbells for cutting? Explain.

Yanks20 · 05-16-2002, 11:02 AM

BB is shear power and great for overall growth. DB require a lot more concentration and stabalization of the muscles being used, from personal experiences i have noticed when switching routines up i get much more cut/ripped using DB then when using BB.

Snake_Eyes · 05-16-2002, 11:03 AM

Wouldn't that be more a function of diet?

Yanks20 · 05-16-2002, 11:07 AM

not in my case, i switch the routines and exercises around whether i'm bulking or cutting

Robboe · 05-16-2002, 04:53 PM

Ah, so DB's get you cut.

riiight...

LittLe FraNk · 05-17-2002, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prince
the main benefit of using dumbbells is they incorporate more synergistic (balancing) muscles.

this is what its bout....
the wise man has spoken...

CJMAJOR · 05-17-2002, 08:56 PM

I have to disagree. The stablizer muscles are used more when using dbs versus a barbell. I don't see how using a db instead of a barbell or machine would make a person cut. I am a firm believer that cutting is all about diet.

Neil · 05-17-2002, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Snake_Eyes
Wouldn't that be more a function of diet?

Yes.
I don't see the difference between a DB or a BB having any effect on cutting.

LittLe FraNk · 05-19-2002, 06:41 PM

hi rep training i belive is for cutting if you use low rep training hi weight it more frequently for hypertrophy right...

LAM · 05-19-2002, 10:39 PM

Increased definition is the result of lowered body fat. db's are not for "cutting" nor is a high-rep routine. The only truth in performing higher reps (8-12) is that rep ranges will produce a greater increase in GH levels than low reps <6 .

GH is the strongest hormone when it comes to fat loss as it enables brown fats to be released for use as energy by the mitochondria.

ians · 05-20-2002, 02:49 AM

In my current chest routine i firstly use DB's - both flat and inclined - as my main mass builders. Then i move to BB's - again both flat and inclined - but use higher reps in order to flush the muscles with blood and increase the microtearing in the muscles ! Then i do flat bench DB flys to finish off !

I think the best thing is try both DB's and BB's and see which work best for you ! Everybody's different - what works for one person may not work for another !

Robboe · 05-20-2002, 05:43 AM

Litte frank, that ain't true man.

Keep your training no different from bulking when cutting. A routine that builds muscle while bulking will help retain it when cutting.

All you may wanna consider doing is lowering volume a bit. But even that isn't madatory.

**gopro** · 05-20-2002, 08:32 AM

Both barbell and dumbell training have their benefits. They should both be incorporated into a complete training regimen.

What I do like about dumbells is...

-the need to use more stabilizing muscles to perform the movements

-the ability of dumbells to increase ROM on some exercises

-the fact that a "stronger message to contract" is given by the nervous system to a muscle being trained unilaterally

-the fact that with dumbells you can slightly alter hand/wrist position, and/or plane of movement to make an exercise more comfortable and effective

Xeldrine · 05-29-2002, 02:54 PM

I like to train heavy so if they make a 300 lb. dumbell than I'll switch until then f**k it!

05-07-2002, 07:32 PM	#1
Josh Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Indonesia Posts: 337	Barbell or dumbbell BODYBUILDING SUPPLEMENTS High Quality Supplements For Bodybuilders and Athletes. www.ironmaglabs.com Hi all, From various opinions that I read in my threads in this forum, I gather that some people prefer exercises using dumbbells better than using barbell, while some seem to be okay with barbell exercises. So I wanna ask, what is the benefit of using dumbbell against using barbell in an exercise (for instance, bench press, shoulder press, etc)? Also vice versa, the benefit of using barbell instead of dumbbell? How would using dumbbell affect the muscles being worked on which differ from using barbell, and vice versa? -- Josh

05-07-2002, 07:35 PM	#2
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,200 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	the main benefit of using dumbbells is they incorporate more synergistic (balancing) muscles.
	Support the Board Sponsors: SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements AtLargeNutrition - Optimize Your Body MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! CHECK OUT THIS NEW 6-PACK-ABS PROGRAM!

05-07-2002, 09:18 PM	#4
cornfed Sweet 'lil Innocent Mod Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: serenity now insanity later Posts: 1,802	Yes and no. The balance required by db's actually can, depending on the muscle being focussed on and the depth of your press, form and contraction. I've found that db's, particularly in presses and flyes, are better for mass gains, as you have more freedom to squeeze. But For isolation, I'm gonna plug for hammer strength. I don't use bars except for BB curls and military (only 1 of the 6exercises I base my shoulder routine on). But how people do DB rows, I'll never get
	- "If I ever run into Dave Grohl, I'm gonna kick his fuqqin' ass... because he sucks and he wrote this cheese-dick song for Ozzy that I have to fuqqin' play on and I'll never forgive him for that. Foo Fighters is a fuqqin' candy-ass girl band but you've got that mother-fuqqer submitting songs [for the album], and those douchebags from the Offspring, too." "...Dave Grohl? Fuq Dave Grohl! ...you're getting this guy to write songs for Ozzy? Just because he played drums for fuqqing Sh!tvana?" --- Zakk Wylde --- ---Dimebag Darrel RIP---

05-07-2002, 09:27 PM	#5
lean_n_76er Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: right where I want to be Posts: 2,225	Yes, what Prince and CF said. I couldn't add anything to that!
	Where there is smoke, there is not enough lubrication!

05-08-2002, 11:17 AM	#7
Scotty the Body I'm Dead Sexxxxy!! Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Canada Posts: 4,970	I think a combo of all three, db, BB, and machines is important for total muscle development. Sometimes when your progress is slowed or stoped a simple switch from DB to BB or Machine is all that is needed to start progress going again.
	Cool

05-07-2002, 09:10 PM	#3
Josh Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Indonesia Posts: 337	If so, then actually using db does not improve the effectivity on the major muscles being worked on themselves, instead it helps the other supporting muscles. In other words, using db contributes mainly to the overall body workout, but does not necessarily work more effectively on the main muscles themselves. Is this understanding correct? -- Josh

05-08-2002, 06:09 AM	#6
irnmnps Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: So Cal Posts: 7	I broke my clavicle which caused me to have different distance between my shoulder and center of chest - so dumbells allowed me to work heavier and deeper that olympic bar.

05-10-2002, 10:08 AM	#8
ragingbull DB Extrodinare Elite Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Kansas Posts: 138	I have worked with DB for several years and enjoy the results that I have seen but, using a BB enables me to shock the muscles when needed while maintaining perfect form. I incorporate both in my routine. As far as machines go, I stopped using them after I injured myself with the smithmachine, it cause severe shoulder problems that I am still recovering from 3 years later.
	Striving everyday to getting Bigger, Better, and Better Looking. The later is a struggle.

05-11-2002, 01:08 PM	#9
jagleaso Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8	DBs are the only way to go. The whole one arm bent over row thing I kinda dont get though...
jagleaso Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8

05-11-2002, 05:27 PM	#11
Robboe Designer Supplements Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Newcastle Posts: 5,151	I tend to use more BB for lower body and more DB for upper body. Not exclusively though, of course.
	Being held down by The Man

05-11-2002, 06:50 PM	#12
Lightman009 UCSB Student Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 300	As in everything, a good combination will give the best results.
	Just Shut Up and LIFT.

05-15-2002, 11:04 PM	#14
maxxlina Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hongkong Posts: 23	I prefer dumbbel

05-16-2002, 09:54 AM	#15
KryptoAllez Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Dover, DE Posts: 138	I use anything and everything! Keeps the boredom away and the muscles growing!

05-16-2002, 10:54 AM	#16
Yanks20 Yanks Rule! Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: New York Posts: 243	in my experience most PL's use BB for shear power and mass and DB more for cutting. me personally i prefer using BB any time i can!

05-16-2002, 10:55 AM	#17
Snake_Eyes Real American Hero Join Date: May 2002 Location: Nevada Posts: 221	Dumbells for cutting? Explain.

05-16-2002, 11:02 AM	#18
Yanks20 Yanks Rule! Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: New York Posts: 243	BB is shear power and great for overall growth. DB require a lot more concentration and stabalization of the muscles being used, from personal experiences i have noticed when switching routines up i get much more cut/ripped using DB then when using BB.

05-16-2002, 11:03 AM	#19
Snake_Eyes Real American Hero Join Date: May 2002 Location: Nevada Posts: 221	Wouldn't that be more a function of diet?

05-16-2002, 11:07 AM	#20
Yanks20 Yanks Rule! Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: New York Posts: 243	not in my case, i switch the routines and exercises around whether i'm bulking or cutting

05-16-2002, 04:53 PM	#21
Robboe Designer Supplements Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Newcastle Posts: 5,151	Ah, so DB's get you cut. riiight...
	Being held down by The Man

05-17-2002, 08:56 PM	#23
CJMAJOR Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 103	I have to disagree. The stablizer muscles are used more when using dbs versus a barbell. I don't see how using a db instead of a barbell or machine would make a person cut. I am a firm believer that cutting is all about diet.
CJMAJOR Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 103

05-19-2002, 06:41 PM	#25
LittLe FraNk Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: with god Posts: 202	hi rep training i belive is for cutting if you use low rep training hi weight it more frequently for hypertrophy right...
	LittLe FraNk

05-19-2002, 10:39 PM	#26
LAM Gym ratt/Part-time pimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 7,384 Photos: 2	Increased definition is the result of lowered body fat. db's are not for "cutting" nor is a high-rep routine. The only truth in performing higher reps (8-12) is that rep ranges will produce a greater increase in GH levels than low reps <6 . GH is the strongest hormone when it comes to fat loss as it enables brown fats to be released for use as energy by the mitochondria. Last edited by LAM : 05-19-2002 at 10:44 PM.
	Dumbest statement made in the Anabolic Zone for Nov TBD ----------------------------------------------------- What you talking about Willis ?

05-20-2002, 02:49 AM	#27
ians Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: England Posts: 126	In my current chest routine i firstly use DB's - both flat and inclined - as my main mass builders. Then i move to BB's - again both flat and inclined - but use higher reps in order to flush the muscles with blood and increase the microtearing in the muscles ! Then i do flat bench DB flys to finish off ! I think the best thing is try both DB's and BB's and see which work best for you ! Everybody's different - what works for one person may not work for another !
	Stats - 6'1", 92kgs (203lbs), BF ~10-11%

05-20-2002, 05:43 AM	#28
Robboe Designer Supplements Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Newcastle Posts: 5,151	Litte frank, that ain't true man. Keep your training no different from bulking when cutting. A routine that builds muscle while bulking will help retain it when cutting. All you may wanna consider doing is lowering volume a bit. But even that isn't madatory.
	Being held down by The Man

05-20-2002, 08:32 AM	#29
gopro NGA/IFPA Pro Bodybuilder Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Florida Posts: 10,465	Both barbell and dumbell training have their benefits. They should both be incorporated into a complete training regimen. What I do like about dumbells is... -the need to use more stabilizing muscles to perform the movements -the ability of dumbells to increase ROM on some exercises -the fact that a "stronger message to contract" is given by the nervous system to a muscle being trained unilaterally -the fact that with dumbells you can slightly alter hand/wrist position, and/or plane of movement to make an exercise more comfortable and effective
	Monthly columnist for Muscular Development and Ironman magazines. VPX Sponsored Athlete/Board Rep www.prrstraining.com Time to GROW Without Plateau! Personal Training Gopro is available for online personal training, dietary guidance, and contest prep coaching. Send me a PM or e-mail if interested. Thank you.

05-29-2002, 02:54 PM	#30
Xeldrine Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 53	I like to train heavy so if they make a 300 lb. dumbell than I'll switch until then f**k it!

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