all i have are dumbells and a multi-purpose bench, so that's what i use. i found out i can bench a lot more when i use a barbell, but i haven't figured out why. is it because of the different body mechanics, or am i doing something wrong? i always watch my form and posture to make sure i'm not cheating, so i can't figure this out. any tips are greatly appreciated. thanks.
2007-09-02 23:40:33 · 3 answers · asked by That Guy Drew 6 in Health ➔ Men's Health
Because when you use dumbbells, you have to recruit more muscles to keep it balanced and stabilized. Using a barbell you can keep side to side movement to a minimum because your grip is in a fixed position. When using dumbbells you have to keep them from moving around. So these other muscles are being used. This stabilizing factor in using other muscles is what is holding back your dumbbell weight. Using dumbbells is a great addition to stimulate growth.
2007-09-02 23:53:36 · answer #1 · answered by moosefiles 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With a barbell, you are using both hands together for a single balanced weight. With dumbells you are using only one hand, and you have to balance the dumbell.
What this means is that if you want a better workout and to get stronger, then you should include dumbells as part of your workout.
2007-09-03 00:38:33 · answer #2 · answered by hanksimon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
with dumbbells the same weight is concentrated on a smaller balancing point so all the weight in focused.
with a longer bar and twou hands to stabilize the weight you arent spending as much energy on form so you can put more weight on those muscles
2007-09-02 23:48:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋