Barbell v Dumbell?

The Dukie

Have to ask which is better, barbell v dumbell? For all exercises such as squat, lunge, chest, biceps etc. which piece of equipment works and strengths the muscle more?

dioltas

You can lift more weight in general using a barbell, so I'd say the barbell is better. Dumbells are good too though.

EileenG

Which ever one you'll use. I tend to use the barbell for almost all exercises in the gym, but mostly dumbbells at home, because I have no spotter or safety rack, and it's easier to safely drop a dumbbell than a barbell. But if you get dumbbells,make sure thy are heavy enough for deadlifts.

tribulus

It's a broad question that's quite dependent on the individuals goals.

However using the most simplistic logic I'll say barbell is a better choice as you can generally use more weight.

More weight = more strength = more muscle.

In general.

top madra

use both,
dumbells are better for building your stabliser muscles but trying to squat with dumbells is a nightmare.its no harm to mix it up between both every now and again ...

legend365

Yea i was thinking that dumbells would be better, more muscles coming into play and all that jazz.

Saying that though i wouldn't deadlift or squat with them.

The Dukie

I know about squat and deadlift but what about lunge?Is lunge any good with dumbells?Just find it hard with barbell!

top madra

ya dude i prefer doing them with dumbells,,you could use weight plate's too (the ones you can grip in your hands)

The Dukie

top madra wrote: »

ya dude i prefer doing them with dumbells,,you could use weight plate's too (the ones you can grip in your hands)

Yea, I think I might start using dumbells for lunges.Just find barbell wobbles when starting to do lunge.However, am I missing out on anything if I just use dumbells?

gnolan

The Dukie wrote: »

Yea, I think I might start using dumbells for lunges.Just find barbell wobbles when starting to do lunge.However, am I missing out on anything if I just use dumbells?

I assume you'd be missing out on some core stabilization. Like when squatting, you have to contract your abdominals and lower back muscles to stop yourself folding - but lunges have never been regarded as a full body exercise.

pappukanghi

Dumb-bells for me. I need a chance to prevent that weight falling on my head if my arms give away in one of my last reps (upto failure). Also that may be because I do not have a spotter.

The Dukie

pappukanghi wrote: »

Dumb-bells for me. I need a chance to prevent that weight falling on my head if my arms give away in one of my last reps (upto failure). Also that may be because I do not have a spotter.

Don't have spotter either which means dumbells looks the best option.if I am not missing out on anything by doing it with just barbell?

itsallaboutheL

The Dukie wrote: »

Don't have spotter either which means dumbells looks the best option.if I am not missing out on anything by doing it with just barbell?

its very difficult to spot a lunge anyway man

The Dukie

itsallaboutheL wrote: »

its very difficult to spot a lunge anyway man

Haha!No I meant for chest presses etc. Not lunge!

itsallaboutheL

The Dukie wrote: »

Yea, I think I might start using dumbells for lunges.Just find barbell wobbles when starting to do lunge.However, am I missing out on anything if I just use dumbells?

i refer you to the above post?