Difference between dumbell bench press and bar?

[Klipse]

What does one exercise have over the other? Should I be alternating, one week bar, one week dumbells?

Also with dumbells I can do 4 sets of 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s w/ reps of 15,12,9,6

But with the bar 4 sets I only do about 115, 135, 155, and on a good day, ill go up to 165, same reps as dumbells. Why is that? Any suggestions?

 

[Dominiej]

That actually sounds about right.

For example: 4 sets of dumbell presses at 60 lbs. is equivalent to 120 lbs. on the barbell.

The only difference between using dumbells as opposed to barbells is that you use more stabilization muscles to perform the lift using the dumbells. Lifting with the Barbell negates the need for some of those stabilization muscles.

J

 

[xmkatx]

I prefer dumbells for the reasons Dominiej stated

 

[cps]

i prefer barbell because dumbells dislocated my shoulder and is evil, my shoulder joints are too flexible and weak for it, so i would say watch out, but you seem to have it down.

 

[ManLondon]

That actually sounds about right.

For example: 4 sets of dumbell presses at 60 lbs. is equivalent to 120 lbs. on the barbell.

The only difference between using dumbells as opposed to barbells is that you use more stabilization muscles to perform the lift using the dumbells. Lifting with the Barbell negates the need for some of those stabilization muscles.

J

Thanks Dominiej, that was very clever.

 

[Hoss]

I participated in a research study that actually showed the chest and triceps were worked more in the barbell bench, just food for thought.

 

[AJP]

Its good to switch it up too, meaning don't do the exact same thing every week. I alternate between different angles, dumbbells, and barbells every week.

 

[Incitatus]

I participated in a research study that actually showed the chest and triceps were worked more in the barbell bench, just food for thought.

That would make sense since with the dumbells you're using more stabilizers which tend to be a bit weaker muscles, and your press is only going to be as strong as the weakest link.
barbell compensated for the stabilizers and lets you work the chest and tries more directly.

that's my unproffessional (I can never spell that right) analysis

 

[RandyRhoads]

for overhead press, I think its easier to use dumbells

 

[ManLondon]

I participated in a research study that actually showed the chest and triceps were worked more in the barbell bench, just food for thought.

Interesting! Would you please share bit more about the actual tests, process followed and findings please.

 

[jpc1058]

Interesting! Would you please share bit more about the actual tests, process followed and findings please.

I agree. I would also like more info on your "participated research" mreik

 

[Dukes]

i usually do the barbell press then dumbell, i start off with incline then flat, but it seems i get so much weaker, by my 5th machine/ work out i do. should i be getting tired this easily?