WTF is up with my bench?!

[crazyotter]

I do almost all chest work with dumbbells but every once in awhile I`ll get on the barbell flat bench to mix it up a bit.

The problem is that I can rep 120lb dumbbells for about 20 reps consistently but can only get 315lbs on barbell for maybe 3 reps. Is there really that much of a difference between the two movements that is could cause that much of a drop in power? I always thought that DB lifts were harder than BB lifts.

 

[Cork]

The problem is that I can rep 120lb dumbbells for about 20 reps

Skeptical internet user is skeptical. Video?

It's no surprise though, you aren't used to the technique. It would be like saying you're awesome at walking lunges, why can't you squat big? It just takes time back under the bar to grease the groove. If you did BB more consistently, it would increase.

 

[hypo_glycemic]

I do almost all chest work with dumbbells but every once in awhile I`ll get on the barbell flat bench to mix it up a bit.

The problem is that I can rep 120lb dumbbells for about 20 reps consistently but can only get 315lbs on barbell for maybe 3 reps. Is there really that much of a difference between the two movements that is could cause that much of a drop in power? I always thought that DB lifts were harder than BB lifts.

Why worry about numbers on the bench when benching is quite dangerous to say the least.. DB movements are much safer--but making bench a ego lift will only tear something moving forward. I can bench 500 but I don't because you contract your muscles with lighter weight and various angles. It's -for me- all about volume!!! Good luck...

 

[crazyotter]

Skeptical internet user is skeptical. Video?

It's no surprise though, you aren't used to the technique. It would be like saying you're awesome at walking lunges, why can't you squat big? It just takes time back under the bar to grease the groove. If you did BB more consistently, it would increase.

I`d be skeptical too, but I`m not hear to get a pat on the back for my DB performance. Just trying to figure out the drop off.
I actually hate doing BB movements I just like to gauge myself against the guys who are always under the bar. But if this is a common happening as far as drop offs go then I`m not going to worry about it.

 

[crazyotter]

Why worry about numbers on the bench when benching is quite dangerous to say the least.. DB movements are much safer--but making bench a ego lift will only tear something moving forward. I can bench 500 but I don't because you contract your muscles with lighter weight and various angles. It's -for me- all about volume!!! Good luck...

I totally agree with you. It just I know I am way stronger than these guys who are putting up the BB better than me. Maybe its just an ego thing. But I`m not going to fuck with BB anymore. I just wish my gym had bigger DBs! lol

 

[brazey]

How many reps can do get with a 240lb bb? You get good at what you practice.

 

[crazyotter]

How many reps can do get with a 240lb bb? You get good at what you practice.

not sure about 240lbs but I can put up 225lbs for a solid 15-18 reps with good form.

 

[ctr10]

It's normal couple years ago I did flat dumbells 120's for 6, when I tried 225 barbell I was embarrased,Our bodies just were not used to the movement, now I do both movements and the strength is there

 

[stfuandliftbtch]

I do almost all chest work with dumbbells but every once in awhile I`ll get on the barbell flat bench to mix it up a bit.

The problem is that I can rep 120lb dumbbells for about 20 reps consistently but can only get 315lbs on barbell for maybe 3 reps. Is there really that much of a difference between the two movements that is could cause that much of a drop in power? I always thought that DB lifts were harder than BB lifts.

Possibly because your ROM on dumbbells, not going down all the way or up..easier to cheat with dumbbells than barbell, because with barbell you physically see the bar hit the chest.

 

[Ezskanken]

Hand placement DB compared to BB, same angle? Some people tend to go more 45'ish with DB's, where with BB you are foced to be squared...

 

[crazyotter]

Hand placement DB compared to BB, same angle? Some people tend to go more 45'ish with DB's, where with BB you are foced to be squared...

No, Im def more angled with my DBs.

 

[indrox1]

Totally diffrent exercises. Ask any real powerlifter. Its all in the technique to push up big weight on bench. I personally dont care about flat bench anymore. To many damn injuries throughout my life. But if its an ego thing then start benching but be safe and do it right.

 

[crazyotter]

Totally diffrent exercises. Ask any real powerlifter. Its all in the technique to push up big weight on bench. I personally dont care about flat bench anymore. To many damn injuries throughout my life. But if its an ego thing then start benching but be safe and do it right.

I`m not going to mess with it anymore. My right shoulder gets a dull pain every time I do BB bench. Thats one of the main reasons I switched to DBs a few years ago.

 

[Diesel618]

In the words of Phil Heath, "There are a lot of guys who can put up 405, but not that many quality chests." If it's a good chest you're after, stick with DB's and Hammer machines for pressing.

 

[indrox1]

In the words of Phil Heath, "There are a lot of guys who can put up 405, but not that many quality chests." If it's a good chest you're after, stick with DB's and Hammer machines for pressing.

This ^^^^

 

[LAM]

I do almost all chest work with dumbbells but every once in awhile I`ll get on the barbell flat bench to mix it up a bit.

The problem is that I can rep 120lb dumbbells for about 20 reps consistently but can only get 315lbs on barbell for maybe 3 reps. Is there really that much of a difference between the two movements that is could cause that much of a drop in power? I always thought that DB lifts were harder than BB lifts.

the mechanics of the exercises are sufficient enough that there is no carry over in performance from one to the other. the difference in the mechanics changes the neurological adaption to each exercise.

 

[IR0NASSAULT]

If you are worried about your bench why not just switch every time you do chest. One workout do more BB stuff the next more DB, problem solved.

 

[Gissurjon]

I`d be skeptical too, but I`m not hear to get a pat on the back for my DB performance. Just trying to figure out the drop off.
I actually hate doing BB movements I just like to gauge myself against the guys who are always under the bar. But if this is a common happening as far as drop offs go then I`m not going to worry about it.

Post a vid man.

 

[32bulkcycle]

You do realize that you're saying that you can do 15-20 reps with 240(total) but only a few reps with 315. Well 315 is quite a bit heavier than 240. Not to mention that they're really 2 totally different exercises. Possibly the funniest thing ive read in these forums so far is when you said that you know you're stronger than those guys who are putting up more weight than you. Ok, and im richer than people with more money than me

 

[OTG85]

Fuck bb bench my elbow is fucked because my ego got in the way.And I was only struggling with 335.I now only care about volume.Live to lift another day.