Muscle Imbalances

PokeHerKing

I have started to notice my right side is getting slightly bigger then my left. I currently do not do any dumbbell exercises and reckon this is probably my problem?

So if I'm doing stronglifts, with a few added extras like dips and sum core work, how should I incorporate the dumbbells?

Should I just replace my standing press with a seated dumbbell and the same for my bench, or should I just do barbell one day, dumbbell the next?

Also what weight shud I be pressing/benching with dumbbells if my barbell lifts are 50/80kg?

Finally, what are a good set of dumbells to buy?

Cheers

marathonic

If you are considering buying a set of dumbbells, is it safe to assume that you workout from home as opposed to the gym? If so, what equipment do you use for your current barbell routine? If you’re doing Stronglifts with an Olympic weights set, for example, there’s no point in buying a dumbbell set when a set of Olympic Dumbbell handles would suffice.

Dumbbell sets such as this http://www.irish-lifting.com/iron-pro-dumbells-pe-225.html?osCsid=23d7a64a02f0f1c1b98afc40bba3be20 or this http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cast-iron-hex-dumbbells-set-1.php are pretty expensive.

Personally, if I was going the dumbbell route, I’d get a pair of these http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/powerhouse-olympic-chrome-dumbbell-bar-single.php, this http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-olympic-rubber-radial-barbell-kit-145kg.php and some of these http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-olympic-rubber-radial-weight-plates.php

This would offer a lot more flexibility if you ever decide to switch back to barbell training or buy a power cage.

Spunge

I also just have an olympic weight set with a barbell, was thinking of getting olympic dumbell handles as well, mainly for doing stuff like flys coz i have no bench so my chest isnt getting the best workout.

Just i dont hear of many people using olympic handles and thought they might be a bit awkward if you were using the larger sized weights.

AntiVirus

The dumbells I use are the York 32.5kg dial tech one. The weights go up in increments of 2.5kg from 5kg up to 32.5kg with the simple twist of the dial on each dumbell.

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/dumbbells/york__325kg_dialtech_dumbbells_and_stand/12922_p.html

gymsoldier

AntiVirus wrote: »

The dumbells I use are the York 32.5kg dial tech one. The weights go up in increments of 2.5kg from 5kg up to 32.5kg with the simple twist of the dial on each dumbell.

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/dumbbells/york__325kg_dialtech_dumbbells_and_stand/12922_p.html

Clever set-up, but ouch, the price :eek:

AntiVirus

gymsoldier wrote: »

Clever set-up, but ouch, the price :eek:

They are expensive but they do hide away nicely, you get them cheaper without the stand. They did make a nice christmas present form the girl friend

Mellor

gymsoldier wrote: »

Clever set-up, but ouch, the price :eek:

Compare to a dumbell set for the same range they work out cheaper, they also take up less room

PokeHerKing

Right cheers for the dumbbell selections lads, fairly pricey but it looks like ill need to spend a few quid to get a good set.

I have a power rack and all that at home so i'll probably opt for a an actuall set rather then olympic handles.

Anyone got any input on the other questions re incorporating them into training and what kinda of weight I should be shifting based on my barbell lifts?