Barbell vs. Dumbell, for bench pressing

[Stanknogger]

I was wondering if anyone could go over the disadvantages and advantages od barbell vs. dumbell, for bench presses (incline, flat, decline) for me.

Specifically I want to know:

- I can't do nearly as much weight with dumbells, is this expected?

- What is the safe way to put the dumbells down during flat and decline, without straining?

- Which lift is less stressful to shoulder joints, etc?

Thanks

 

[Enock]

I was wondering if anyone could go over the disadvantages and advantages od barbell vs. dumbell, for bench presses (incline, flat, decline) for me.

Specifically I want to know:

- I can't do nearly as much weight with dumbells, is this expected?

**yes my bench was 205x6 changed to dumbells 90sx5 after conquering the 90s I switched back to bar for some friendly bench comp(nonpowelifterfun), starting back at the bar still could only get 205x6 but then I quickly adapted (has happend everytime going back to the bar come back same weight but w/ rapid progress) next time I did the bar right up to 210x7 the comp got messed up so I switched back to dumbell after that.

- What is the safe way to put the dumbells down during flat and decline, without straining?

**2 ways back down on your chest and then do a situp (may need to swing your feet to counter the weight), and the other way which I guess is what you consider straining is to lay them back on the ground preferably one at a time so you can lean to the side your putting it down so you not bending you arm back so far.

- Which lift is less stressful to shoulder joints, etc?

**dumbbell more natural range of motion + your not actually using as much weight. The only thing that could possibly happen is if your rotator cuffs are weak and you have bad form losing control of the weights could twist you arm.

Thanks

 

[wanna b surfer]

how do dumbells compare to the hammer strenth machines, where each arm is independent of the other for presses?

 

[the People's Champ]

dumbells bench requires stabilizers to balance the weight as you push up, the hammer strength already does that for you, hence you could lift more with the hammer strength.

 

[blood_drinker]

Dumbells will give you a better Range of motion (ROM). Many times though, IMO, overloading your muscle with bigger weights is definetely more important than ROM - especially with chest. However, I like to switch em up everyonce in a while to give the muscle a shocker.

A safe way to put the dbs back is to lift your knees, do a situp and the dbs should fall back into knee position.
http://www.ast-ss.com has some good info regarding putting the weights abck in place.

My suggsetion is you stick to barbells for now as they are easier to control and less chance you fuck up your motion which could lead to injury - especially if you have a spotter. Once chest day is out of the way, you can concentrate on some delt exercises to bring up your weaknesses to par.

 

[TheGame2001]

db's

For me its all DB's. DB's develop chest better and less chance of injury than a bb. The barbell locks you into one position and has always led to shoulder problems for me and really everyone thats trained for any length of time. DB's the only way to go~~~~~~~
I haven't touched a barbell in 3 years and never will again.

 

[DaCypher]

I could not agree more. I haven't barbell pressed in years. I find dumbells to be very effective. I just use the the barbell for deads and squats.

 

[sysopt]

Re: db's

For me its all DB's. DB's develop chest better and less chance of injury than a bb. The barbell locks you into one position and has always led to shoulder problems for me and really everyone thats trained for any length of time. DB's the only way to go~~~~~~~
I haven't touched a barbell in 3 years and never will again.

Just wondering, how does it develop the chest better? That makes no sense to me.

 

[MonStar1023]

I couldnt agree more.

DBs = MASSIVE pecs.

 

[Stanknogger]

Thanks...

My lifting partner is one of those guys who worships the bench press though lol..gonna have to convince him to do dbs every other week maybe