Group: Beginners to Exercise

Created: 2012/01/01, Members: 970, Messages: 18927

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Dumbell vs. Barbell

Follower12
Follower12
Posts: 20
Joined: 2007/03/26
United States
2007/05/24, 04:27 PM
Hey,

I got my 8 week workout schedule today and i was reading through and i got a question. I dont have a barbell however i do have bumbells. Could i use the dumbells like a barbell and still get the same results? It probably wouldent be as good but will the muscles still get the workout?
yadmit
yadmit
Posts: 4,670
Joined: 2003/10/05
Canada
2007/05/24, 04:41 PM
Yes, dumbells can be used in place of most (if not all) movements. They will offer a different challenge (mostly stability) and you'll likely use lighter overall weight with the dumbells than with a barbell.

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I see the words you are typing, but all I read is *click*click*click*

- One should not lift like a man or a woman, lift like a human.
amyksmith76
amyksmith76
Posts: 601
Joined: 2005/07/26
United States
2007/05/25, 10:16 AM
Thanks for asking this Follower. I've been trying to do some bench and chest presses with the barbell, but holy cow! I have to make sure no one is looking because I'm such a weakling I can only lift the bar (with no weights on it) which is so embarassing. Then the gym guy (who is HUGE)always comes up and says "need a spot?" at which time I say "Are you kidding? It's just the BAR! I'm just warming up. Thanks anyway! hee hee", and he smiles because he knows the truth. Then after he leaves, the vein pops out of my forehead and I pass out from the weight of the 400 lb bar that I'm trying to lift. ha ha ha. I'll just start using dumbells until I gain some strength. ;)
conan_0822
conan_0822
Posts: 441
Joined: 2006/11/23
United States
2007/05/25, 10:37 AM
Amy, that was a funny story!!!

Not to worry though, you'll get stronger. My wife started with just the bar(45lbs) as well. Monday she did 2 sets of 3@95 lbs.

Follower, I sometimes have to substitute dumbbells for barbells on certain exercises. For some reason, the incline barbell press puts my shoulder in a compromising position and it makes my shoulder hurt.
Pemdas
Pemdas
Posts: 973
Joined: 2004/07/22
United States
2007/05/25, 10:45 AM


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Quoting from conan_0822:

Follower, I sometimes have to substitute dumbbells for barbells on certain exercises. For some reason, the incline barbell press puts my shoulder in a compromising position and it makes my shoulder hurt.
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Are you tucking your elbows? This will reduce the stress on your shoulders.
yadmit
yadmit
Posts: 4,670
Joined: 2003/10/05
Canada
2007/05/25, 11:43 AM
You're doing alright.... not to worry. We all started somewhere... get for right first, then worry about lifting 400lbs. :)

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Quoting from amyksmith76:

Thanks for asking this Follower. I've been trying to do some bench and chest presses with the barbell, but holy cow! I have to make sure no one is looking because I'm such a weakling I can only lift the bar (with no weights on it) which is so embarassing. Then the gym guy (who is HUGE)always comes up and says "need a spot?" at which time I say "Are you kidding? It's just the BAR! I'm just warming up. Thanks anyway! hee hee", and he smiles because he knows the truth. Then after he leaves, the vein pops out of my forehead and I pass out from the weight of the 400 lb bar that I'm trying to lift. ha ha ha. I'll just start using dumbells until I gain some strength. ;)
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--------------
I see the words you are typing, but all I read is *click*click*click*

- One should not lift like a man or a woman, lift like a human.
k-ok
k-ok
Posts: 163
Joined: 2007/02/24
United States
2007/05/25, 12:38 PM
I started the free weights this month with adding plates to the bar benching. Those it doesn't sound like much to the pros, I am up to 115# with the bar (ready to go to 125#) and 2-45# dumbells. My trouble is getting the dumbells in starting position. Once there, I'm all right.

I'm very careful to protect my chronic left shoulder. Plus I am also having to watch my right elbow (brachioradialis) really sore with hammer curls. I guess it's time to take the tennis elbow brace out again.:(
Pemdas
Pemdas
Posts: 973
Joined: 2004/07/22
United States
2007/05/25, 01:46 PM


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Quoting from k-ok:

I started the free weights this month with adding plates to the bar benching. Those it doesn't sound like much to the pros, I am up to 115# with the bar (ready to go to 125#) and 2-45# dumbells. My trouble is getting the dumbells in starting position. Once there, I'm all right.

I'm very careful to protect my chronic left shoulder. Plus I am also having to watch my right elbow (brachioradialis) really sore with hammer curls. I guess it's time to take the tennis elbow brace out again.:(
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Do have trouble getting the DB in position on a flat bench?

Incline I understand. Here is a tip. Position the the DBs on your knee and use your knee to get the DB up. I usually fire up one at a time. The momentum from your knee should help you get it up easier.

For a flat bench I place the DBs as close to my body as possible and just lean back using my abs to support the DBs on the way down.
k-ok
k-ok
Posts: 163
Joined: 2007/02/24
United States
2007/05/26, 12:49 PM
I'll try the knee thing, thanks. Most of it right now is that I'm trying to be careful with my elbow. I fire up with one hand already and try to let momentum bring me up as I lean back. Going down seems to go all right.
conan_0822
conan_0822
Posts: 441
Joined: 2006/11/23
United States
2007/05/28, 02:31 PM
pemdas, yes I tuck my elbows in.I've always had trouble with incline, but I can keep from having any pain simply by using the DB's :) And frankly, feel like I get a better set when using DB's vs the barbell anyway :)
Pemdas
Pemdas
Posts: 973
Joined: 2004/07/22
United States
2007/05/30, 09:18 AM


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Quoting from conan_0822:

pemdas, yes I tuck my elbows in.I've always had trouble with incline, but I can keep from having any pain simply by using the DB's :) And frankly, feel like I get a better set when using DB's vs the barbell anyway :)

Sorry to hear that, but at least you figured out what works for you.
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