Dumbbells or bar

**GCgainer** · 03-12-2008, 11:59 AM

Im not a beginner but was just wanting other opinions. I lift alone, with no spotter, so I use alot of dumbells for my flat bench and incline bench and shoulder press. Seems to be working for me but does any one think I would make better gains by using the bar more than db's....im a bodybuilder not a powerlifter

**rocket22** · 03-12-2008, 12:00 PM

use both, variation is the key. some ppl respond better to dbs and others to barbells, you really have to just try both and see what your body responds to better. Dont get stuck in a rut though and continually do dbs or barbells

**GCgainer** · 03-12-2008, 12:06 PM

Thanks bro, I used to use the bar alot but yea i agree with variety.

**theWiseOne** · 03-12-2008, 12:36 PM

i personally have went from bar to dumbells and now prefer dumbells.

**PrairieDawg** · 03-12-2008, 12:39 PM

don use just one or the other though. I went to straight dumbells and increased weights dramatically for a few months thinking i was breaking through my plateau and I would be hella strong when I came back to barbell. But I ended up being weaker on it

**audis4** · 03-12-2008, 03:53 PM

my school only goes up to 75lbs d-bells

ya, i use the longbar only

**HolyBlade** · 03-12-2008, 04:58 PM

i like to mix it up
but DB's are better for me in the past years do to some shoulder issues

**GCgainer** · 03-12-2008, 08:59 PM

Thanks for the insight. I really only use a barbell once in a couple of months. I seem to make better gains off the db's, just wondering if I was the only one. Thanks again

**BuiltForThis** · 03-14-2008, 05:36 AM

I prefer DB's too but I rotate between the two. For example, Flat DB/Incline BB and then following workout the reverse, Flat BB/Incline DB. I make better gains by doing this rather then sticking to one for a month exclusively then switching.

**Panzerfaust** · 03-14-2008, 07:53 PM

I am currently do 2 weeks BB, 2 weeks DB.

**The Deuce** · 03-14-2008, 09:22 PM

I have been thinking about doing that myself... two weeks db and then follow up two weeks bb just to see what kind of gains I will make... I was thinking though... nah maybe I am an idiot but if I was to do that should I still do flat BB just to keep that 3 plates going??

**akhp163** · 03-17-2008, 11:38 AM

I am an avid lifter myself and have just almost finished a complete recovery from a bankart surgery on my right shoulder. This was caused by going to heavy with the bar. Go slow. I have a workout for you so you can burn fat and get ripped and gain stamina. See what you think, I love this work out for chest. Your gym should have a good variety of dumbells so here you go. start low and go high. Grab three sets, all diff. in weight by 5lbs.. Set them in front of the bench from low to high. You are going to do reps of 10. drop them and do the next set being 5lbs. higher. Do those drop and do the next. When you are done with the three sets then you break. Now you replace the lowest weight and add another set that is 5lbs. higher than the 2 in front of the bench. Continue this senario until you finally work your way up to the highest weight that your gym has. Good luck.