Squats etc. using dumbells?

miss.piggy

I am just wondering - is it just as good to do squats, bent over rows, chest press etc. using dumbells instead of a barbell?

If so what way should I hold the dumbells while doing squats? Should I hold them down at my sides like when I'm doing lunges or should I hold a plate close to my chest? (I have dumbells with removable plates).

Thanks!

d'Oracle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKi2bcj2whc&feature=related
Thats one way.

http://www.davedraper.com/blog/2006/11/04/what-are-goblet-squats-goblet-squat-instruction/

An article on the same.

miss.piggy

Thanks d'Oracle
I don't think I would have enough weight in one dumbell so could I do it with two? - i.e. at my sides.
Does anyone else have any opinion on this and/or on the other exercises - bent over row, bench press etc?

BraziliaNZ

i think bench press with dumbells is great for me anyway. When i use a bar my shoulder clicks really bad when i bring down the bar. If i use dumbells and start with them parallel with my body and push them up, then bring them back to starting position, i get no shoulder problems at all.
Both are great just see which suits you the best. Also I don't need a spot with dumbells whereas with the bench i'm afraid to overload in case i get stuck.

d'Oracle

miss.piggy wrote: »

Thanks d'Oracle
I don't think I would have enough weight in one dumbell so could I do it with two? - i.e. at my sides.
Does anyone else have any opinion on this and/or on the other exercises - bent over row, bench press etc?

I would imagine that you would have trouble keeping balance that way.
I would anyway.

I think the best advice I could offer is to speak to a trainer or the like and see what it is you are trying to achieve with them, you might not need loads of weight yet.

Yapamillias

miss.piggy wrote: »

I am just wondering - is it just as good to do squats, bent over rows, chest press etc. using dumbells instead of a barbell?

If so what way should I hold the dumbells while doing squats? Should I hold them down at my sides like when I'm doing lunges or should I hold a plate close to my chest? (I have dumbells with removable plates).

Thanks!

It depends on the weight, if its too heavy you risk losing grip before you have finished your squat set. For rows and chest press grip should not be a prob.

Also changing weights mid set (if you find halfway through that the initial weight is too heavy) is easier with dumbells. A lot of people are not comfertable with the barbell so whatever 'feels' best for the exercise is a good start. As weight increases then the barbell is your best bet.

megapixel

hi miss.piggy

My workout would include using 5 or 6 Kg dumbbells ( 1 for each hand held by your side) using them more to make the workout harder by having to keep your balance.
Also use the same technique with lunges...

Best of luck