Both barbells and dumbbells have their benefits but what’s the major difference?
There are two major staples that will be present in every gym you visit — dumbbells and barbells. These are two of the most popular pieces of equipment and have been for decades. Each provide different pros and cons when you decide to train with free weights. The question is, which is better?
Both dumbbells and barbells remain extremely versatile. Different exercise varieties can be done with both to hit different body parts. Despite having some similarities, dumbbells and barbells also bring major differences that are important when hitting the gym, and our team at Generation Iron is going to break it down.
Benefits Of Dumbbell Training
The dumbbell is arguably the most versatile piece of equipment in the gym because of the ability to use them for most of the major exercises needed. Most importantly, dumbbells help avoid muscle imbalances, which are more common when training with barbells. Dumbbells make sure that both sides are equally used. You will be able to work unilaterally and develop your weaker side.
Dumbbells also provide a larger range of motion. They allow you to have greater mobility when performing certain exercises, such as bench press, since you have one in each hand rather than a barbell that will hit the middle of your chest. This allows you to get a better stretch while performing the lift and ultimately helps grow the muscle you want to hit. Dumbbells are also believed to be better when avoiding injury.
The use of a dumbbell is more of a natural movement, which helps reduce pain and discomfort. The motion is not confined to a certain range and allows wrists the ability to rotate throughout the movement.
There is a case to be made that dumbbells are more beneficial depending on the exercise but there are still certain drawbacks to consider.
Benefits Of Barbell Training
Barbell training provides the opportunity to use much more weight, which is a major benefit over dumbbells. A barbell is preferred when performing the essential exercises in the gym, such as bench press, squats, and deadlifts. The purpose of a barbell is to allow the lifter to stack on as much weight as possible on each side. While exercises can be used with a dumbbell, barbells take away awkward and uncomfortable movements when the weight increases.
Barbells also provide stability during an exercise. This is because of the length of the equipment. A barbell allows the gym goer to use both hands and secure the weight before movement begins. This helps when focusing on overall form.
Most importantly, barbells aid in strength development. If your goal is to build strength in the gym, it is important to life heavier weights. Barbells allow you to do this, especially when performing lower-body exercises. It is easier to perform different variations of sqats and deadlifts with a barbell rather than dumbbells.
Major Differences Between Barbells & Dumbbells
There are some major differences between dumbbells and barbells — and this goes beyond the overall size and shape. Of course, barbells allow for more weight. Dumbbells keep ascending in weight but because you use one in each hand, there are certain limits that a weightlifter faces. A barbell allows you to stack on weight to reach certain goals.
This is also why dumbbells and barbells are better for certain body parts. Dumbbells are great for upper-body work while barbells favor lower-body exercises. If you are interested in powerlifting or Olympic lifting, barbells will also be better for you.
Other differences that favor dumbbells includes space and fitness level. Because of the varying weight of dumbbells, people can use them despite your age and fitness level. Different exercises can be performed with dumbbells despite your strength. And, of course, dumbbells are more compact, which allows you to use them in more settings if needed.
Wrap Up
Overall, dumbbells and barbells are both great pieces of equipment that are used by gym goers all around the world. Each allow for some major benefits when building your perfect physique. So, when asked which is better, there is no right or wrong answer. It comes down to your overall goals in the gym. What we do know is that both dumbbells and barbells can help you reach those overall goals.
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