is there a difference in lifting 25 lb. weights in each hand than lifting a 50lb weight in both hands?

Answer 1

Yes....25lbs in each hand is more difficult. You share the weight across many more muscles when lifting a barbell(both hands) than a dumbbell(one hand). That is why any lifting with dumbbells is actually better than barbells. You also work a fuller range of motion. A dumbbell also requires that you balance it and that requires more specific muscle action, which causes you to work harder and is better for you as well.

Answer 2

Yes, with both hands your not getting the individual strength training you get when you lift separately. That's why when working out, it's better to use dumb bells when doing curls than it is to use say a straight bar, both arms are working with the exact equal weight instead of sharing the load. Hence your (stronger arm) isn't picking up the slack for the other.

Answer 3

i think when you lift the 25 ound weight in each hand it isolates more muscles than when 50 with both.

Answer 4

the fifty pound wieght will actually isolate muscles better, as their is motion in fewer planes. The twenty five pound wieghts will exercise more muscles as they are more free to move