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Dumbbells v/s barbell?

borichfan
borichfan Posts: 208 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
For weight training i have both dumbbells (different sizes) plus a weight bench with a barbell, with weights of different sizes. I am thinking about getting rid of my weight bench. I don't really do that many exercises on it. I need to make room for a twin bed in the spare bedroom. Can i get by with just the dumbbell weights for weight training, or do i need to try to keep the weight bench for those few exercises i can do on it?
This is a list of stuff that i do have - Elliptical machine, bun & thigh rocker machine, magic leg machine, weight bench with weights, weight bench to sit on while doing dumbbells, exercise ball, step for step aerobics.

Replies

  • Determinednoob
    Determinednoob Posts: 2,001 Member
    Depends on what you want to accomplish. If you want to get really strong then keep the bench AND get a power rack ;)
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I use more dumbbells then I do barbells at my gym, and I feel that my strength is more then adequate.

    For me though, I'm not looking to lift a ton of weight and set personal records... and dumbbells are perfect for that.
  • RunningDirty
    RunningDirty Posts: 293
    What if you ever want to add bench press to your routine? I say hold onto it just in case you decide to change it up. I regret getting rid of my free weights and bench NOW! :sad:
  • sandiki
    sandiki Posts: 454
    I think so.. personally I prefer db. It allows for isolated strength gain and requires more stability thus also increasing individual arm strength.
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    I like doing compound movements and it's a lot harder to do most of those with dumbbells. I'd hold onto the bench and barbell if there's a way you can make space for it.
  • spartacus69
    spartacus69 Posts: 235
    Ditch the magic leg machine and bun/thigh rocker; keep the bench.
  • Mighty_Rabite
    Mighty_Rabite Posts: 581 Member
    Ditch the magic leg machine and bun/thigh rocker; keep the bench.

    This was my thought as well.

    Dumbbells are great though, great for isolation and as previously stated, invokes the stabilizer muscles a lot more. It's good to mix up the compound motions with the isolations.

    If I had to make a choice of dumbbells versus a barbell though I take the dumbbells.
  • fairc3jam
    fairc3jam Posts: 136 Member
    I use more dumbbells then I do barbells at my gym, and I feel that my strength is more then adequate.

    For me though, I'm not looking to lift a ton of weight and set personal records... and dumbbells are perfect for that.

    Is it me or do barbels weigh heavier? I use 9lbs dumb bells at home fine but can't do the 7.5 barbel at the gym.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Ditch the magic leg machine and bun/thigh rocker; keep the bench.

    Ding ding ding! We have a winner!

    Great home gym setup, btw.
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I use more dumbbells then I do barbells at my gym, and I feel that my strength is more then adequate.

    For me though, I'm not looking to lift a ton of weight and set personal records... and dumbbells are perfect for that.

    Is it me or do barbels weigh heavier? I use 9lbs dumb bells at home fine but can't do the 7.5 barbel at the gym.

    An Olympic Barbell(the most common kind) weighs 45 pounds alone.. plus whatever weight you put on it.

    There are fixed weight barbells but I don't think any of them are 7.5 pounds...
  • spartacus69
    spartacus69 Posts: 235


    Is it me or do barbels weigh heavier? I use 9lbs dumb bells at home fine but can't do the 7.5 barbel at the gym.

    Could it be 7.5KG instead of pounds?
This discussion has been closed.

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