Bench question...

[DIVINITUS]

I have a question about which is better, barbell bench or dumbell? (for mass) Lately, most of what I have read has suggested flat barbell press coupled with incline dumbell press. I don't have a workout partner, and the times of the day when I lift there is no one else in the gym, usually. I say this because when I barbell bench, I feel like I can't push myself like I can when I use dumbells because the lack of a spotter.

I know dumbells work important stabilizer muscles, but am I missing out on overall mass building at all with just using dumbells? Currently, I work chest on Mondays, so every 2 or 3 Mondays i try to switch from barbell to dumbells for that week.

Any info/suggestions would be great........

 

[Tank316]

Originally posted by DIVINITUS
I have a question about which is better, barbell bench or dumbell? (for mass) Lately, most of what I have read has suggested flat barbell press coupled with incline dumbell press. I don't have a workout partner, and the times of the day when I lift there is no one else in the gym, usually. I say this because when I barbell bench, I feel like I can't push myself like I can when I use dumbells because the lack of a spotter.

I know dumbells work important stabilizer muscles, but am I missing out on overall mass building at all with just using dumbells? Currently, I work chest on Mondays, so every 2 or 3 Mondays i try to switch from barbell to dumbells for that week.

Any info/suggestions would be great........

db's are great for mass and they work well w/o a spotter. i think what your're doing is fine.also on a side note, i have in the past used 130's through 150's for strength purposes as well, with spotters though. this isnt a ''brag statement'' by no means, i'm only stating that you can get power and strength through the use of db's

 

[Brad140]

I usually use dumbells whenever I don't have a spotter,alot safer than barbell.Just drop em when you hit failure.

 

[Arnold]

not sure I agree with that, I think dumbbells can be more dangerous when you reach faliure without a spot.

 

[Brad140]

How is that?You let go of them,they hit the floor.When you hit failure you are usually at the bottom of the rep also.

 

[Arnold]

what if you hit failure towards the end of a rep and your triceps give out, where do the dumbbells go?

on your head!

 

[Brad140]

Yea but on DB Benching you use a wider grip,hence it will fall to the floor.Now onto barbell,where will the bar go?Either your chest,face,or break your ribcage...Which would you rather have?

 

[Charger]

I somewhat agree with Prince, I have went to failure with DB Press and had it drop on my chest.
I also know now when that is about to happen and will brigh the weight down and then drop them.
As for BB Bench, have you tried using a portable bench in the squat rack? Set the safety bars at chest level, this way you can set the weight on the bar if you reach failure and unable to reset the bar.

 

[firestorm]

I think both are dangerous if not done properly or without a spotter on heavy weights. I've been stuck under a straight bar before and it fuqinng hurts when you can't dump it but I still think it's a bit safer then DB's. A straight bar at least you can control a little better on the downside when you reach failure. DB's,, Well sheeeit,, when the triceps of one arm or both God forbid fail when you almost reach the top of a rep,, you better haul ass or should I say head and chest outta the way. I've almost hit myslef in the face before and HAVE brought a DB down hard onto my chest several times and it also hurts like a SOB. You run a bigger risk of the damn thing coming down on your face with a DB I believe.

 

[Mudge]

I've went to failure with dbs, they leave a nice mark on your chest for awhile. I had 3 red stripes on my left side for about 2 or 3 days. I dont go high on the chest with flat bench, with incline I do.

 

[MatthewO]

Hmmm your thread has been hijacked a bit, but the answer for you div is:

No, you are not missing out on your development by using dumbells. Just remember that they can be dangerous as well.

 

[DIVINITUS]

10-4 guys ....thanx Matthew0