Can I use dumbells instead of bar bell on 5X5 prog?

toshie333
toshie333 Posts: 295 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Started this yesterday- for bench press and rows I will try get a look in, in the weights area. Lots of men in there. With squats, it says barbell squats, can I use dumbells if it's the same weight or is the benefit of using dumbells not as good?

Also, if I'm only doing 5 reps 5 times, is it ok to add in more exercises eg yest just carried on with the weights I had from squats x did lunges, or can I add in some lat pull downs etc....
Thinking the more variation the better.

Thanks

Replies

  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    you should eventually get to the point where you cant get weights up to your shoulder unless you're using a squat rack and barbell

    also if you're doing the program correctly (ie enough weight that you can only do 5 reps without needing to take a rest) then i dont see how there's anyway possible you'd be able to add on extra strength training exercises
  • deedog007
    deedog007 Posts: 89 Member
    Dumbells are always better .. cause you have to control the weight.. with puts more focus on individual muscle group.

    You will get stronger and build more muscle faster. ..
  • ishtar13
    ishtar13 Posts: 528 Member
    Dumbells are always better .. cause you have to control the weight.. with puts more focus on individual muscle group.

    You will get stronger and build more muscle faster. ..


    Um, not if you're following SL 5x5. The program is a barbell program. The idea is to do a total of 5 lifts, three lifts each session for a total body workout.

    OP, if you want to do 5x5, I would only do dumbbells until you get to the point where you can use the 45 lb barbell. There's lots of reasons for it being a barbell program. By doing back squats, you're also engaging your back, shoulders and abs, for example. By doing dumbbell squats, if you're hanging them by your sides, you're not engaging or balancing the same. If you put them on your shoulders, it's closer to the barbell, but still not exactly the same. [There's nothing wrong with dumbbell squats; they just don't exactly meet the goals of the program.] Also, in 6 weeks, I've gone from the 45 lb bar to 100 lbs (doing 105 next). Trying to hold 50 lb dumbbells in my hands? My wrists and grip aren't strong enough for that.

    The main reason to do dumbbells over barbells is if you're doing isolation stuff, and are trying to even up your dominate and non-dominate sides.

    But Stronglifts isn't about isolation. It's about engaging as many muscle groups as possible with the fewest lifts and gaining strength. [I'm not saying there's anything wrong with isolation, if that's your goal.]

    I think you need to ask yourself what your goal is. What is it you want to accomplish with lifting? That will help you pick a program or design one for yourself.
  • Jynus
    Jynus Posts: 519 Member
    Dumbells are always better .. cause you have to control the weight.. with puts more focus on individual muscle group.

    You will get stronger and build more muscle faster. ..
    Lets see you dumbbell squat with 150lbs dumbells on your shoulder then sometime pls...

    That said to the OP, use the bar for squats and deadlifts, there really is no other choice in the matter. For bench, shoulder press though you can use dumbells if it suits you better, the movement is the same either way. Though in fairness, you'll prob get better results with a bar as getting dumbells in the set position is a pain at heavy weights whereas for barbells, they are right there waiting for ya on the pegs.

    And follow the program, adding exercises does you no favors at this point in time. On off days tho feel free to practice movements with endurance work if you feel the need. (15+ rep stuff) It won't impact your strength training. But when you're doing strength, focus on strength.
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