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Barbells vs. Dumbells?

rgendron02 Posts: 2 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/04/14, 10:17 PM Are there pros and cons between doing barbell bench presses as opposed to dumbell presses? I haven't come across barbell flat bench presses, only dumbell flat bench presses. Is there a reason, or are the dumbells more effective?
rsquade Posts: 152 Joined: 2003/01/06	2003/04/15, 01:36 PM You can also use a rack with a barbell - which allows me to lift heavier. With dumbells, you also train alot of secondary stablizer muscles - also a good thing - but I have trouble getting past the "sticking point" so have to lift lighter. Of course at the point of failure, you can gently drop the dumbell.
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2003/04/15, 08:21 PM Dumbbells are a great "option" to the standard barbell. I find it a great exercise to switch to when at a "plateau" in my barbell bench. Also a good switch just to make a change. I find I get stronger on the flat bench if I do a couple sets of dumbbells as heavy as I can go immediately following flat barbells. You can really concentrate with dumbbells I believe, I can "target" better. -------------- The one goal you will NEVER achieve is the one you never attempt.
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2003/04/15, 08:28 PM I use both in my program right now, and do prefer the db's. Like the other's said, you are targeting more muscles and better concentration. I also feel a better stretch in the chest. -------------- We must become the change we want to see. Ivan Montreal Canada