Dumbbells
Pros
• More range of motion
• Greater recruitment of stabilizer muscles
• Address muscle imbalances
• Improve coordination
Cons
• Unstable environment limits the amount of weight you can lift
• Must control range of motion
• Possibly out grow available weight sizes
Barbells
Pros
• Ability to lift more weight
• Less stress on stabilizer muscles - better control
• Greater concentration of tension on targeted muscles
Cons
• Limited range of motion in certain exercises
• Less effective at working stabilizers when compared to dumbbells
• Certain range of flexibility and strength required to perform many lifts
• Pre-set hand grips can affect misaligned shoulders and wrists
As you can see, each modality will allow you to concentrate on a particular element of weight training. The instability of dumbbell training allows for a greater recruitment of muscle fiber, but limits the amount of weight lifted when compared to barbell training. On the flip side, lifting with a barbell enables you to lift a heavier weight but limits your range of motion and hinders stabilizer muscle recruitment during exercises when compared to dumbbell work.
So why choose one or the other?
Have the best of both worlds and include both dumbbell and barbell training in your fitness program. Both pieces of equipment can help you lose weight, tone up, and add fantastic muscle definition. Since they neither one takes up too much space you can even have your own complete home gym tucked away in a corner or down in your basement.
The best programs always include a host of ways to train your body. This way, you'll never adapt to one specific stimulus and you'll find your ideal physique right around the corner.
Pros
• More range of motion
• Greater recruitment of stabilizer muscles
• Address muscle imbalances
• Improve coordination
Cons
• Unstable environment limits the amount of weight you can lift
• Must control range of motion
• Possibly out grow available weight sizes
Barbells
Pros
• Ability to lift more weight
• Less stress on stabilizer muscles - better control
• Greater concentration of tension on targeted muscles
Cons
• Limited range of motion in certain exercises
• Less effective at working stabilizers when compared to dumbbells
• Certain range of flexibility and strength required to perform many lifts
• Pre-set hand grips can affect misaligned shoulders and wrists
As you can see, each modality will allow you to concentrate on a particular element of weight training. The instability of dumbbell training allows for a greater recruitment of muscle fiber, but limits the amount of weight lifted when compared to barbell training. On the flip side, lifting with a barbell enables you to lift a heavier weight but limits your range of motion and hinders stabilizer muscle recruitment during exercises when compared to dumbbell work.
So why choose one or the other?
Have the best of both worlds and include both dumbbell and barbell training in your fitness program. Both pieces of equipment can help you lose weight, tone up, and add fantastic muscle definition. Since they neither one takes up too much space you can even have your own complete home gym tucked away in a corner or down in your basement.
The best programs always include a host of ways to train your body. This way, you'll never adapt to one specific stimulus and you'll find your ideal physique right around the corner.
If you need a place to start, check out my free weight loss e-course on "How to Lose Belly Fat Starting Today!" I've reserved a limited number of copies to give away and you can grab yours today at http://www.stephencabral.com/FreeReports.html
Committed to your success,
Stephen CabralAuthor of Fatlossity - the Complete, In-Home, Step-by-Step, Weight Loss System http://www.fatlossity.com/
Stephen Cabral is a national health correspondent with over 10 years of credentials. He holds national and international certifications in strength & conditioning, personal training, yoga and nutrition. For more information on his Free Trim, Tone & Tighten Newsletter seen by over 100,000 readers each week go to http://www.stephencabral.com/
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