Dumbbells

For many people, the only time they use a barbell is for squats and deadlifts. They don’t bother with weight-lifting maneuvers like the snatch, and use a dumbbell exclusively. In fact, dumbbells and barbells both have advantages. Today we look at the benefits and drawbacks of both.

Using stabiliser muscles

Using a dumbbell for an exercise means you need to use a range of stabiliser muscles in order to keep the dumbbell in position. It must be stabilised laterally, frontally, and vertically to maintain good technique. This means that you can’t isolate a muscle as effectively.

However, it does mean that you get more of a total body workout – if you’re looking for natural-looking muscle, this will be a plus.

Better range of movement

A dumbbell allows you to move side to side, up and down, and in and out. A barbell only allows movement along a single arc, or up and down. So, a dumbbell gives you more freedom in your workout.

Building vs refining

Folk wisdom in the gym says that barbells are used for building, dumbbells are used for refining. If you want to get bigger, use barbells. If you are in a refinement stage of your gym quest, stick with dumbbells.

The lesson…

You need both barbells and dumbbells as part of an effective workout program!