Dumbbell/Barbell presses

Col_M · 24 Jul 2008 at 22:04

I may answer my own question here but if I can't safely do bench presses with a barbell because I have nobody to spot for me, would doing dumbbell presses be an OK substitute? Assuming that the weight is similar.

I'm guessing so and keeping them steady and under control will actually help other muscles too.

hittman · 24 Jul 2008 at 22:10

using a barbell is no safer than using a DB IMO. although with a DB, you are somewhat limited to the maximum weights you can put on. Just start off with something light and add more weights as you get stronger.

A trainer once told me, its not about amount of weights you are pushing, it is about technique.
Hope that helps

Morba · 24 Jul 2008 at 22:12

you wont do similar weight on DBs.

Question. what are you bench pressing for? if its pure strength / powerlifting then get a power rack. If its to build muscle then you shouldnt be taking yourself to absolute failure anyway, meaning less need for a spotter.

Morba · 24 Jul 2008 at 22:13

hittman said:
A trainer once told me, its not about amount of weights you are pushing, it is about technique.

intensity and form. thats what matters.

Col_M · 24 Jul 2008 at 22:18

hittman said:
using a barbell is no safer than using a DB IMO. although with a DB, you are somewhat limited to the maximum weights you can put on. Just start off with something light and add more weights as you get stronger.

A trainer once told me, its not about amount of weights you are pushing, it is about technique.
Hope that helps

Yeah, thanks man

I've started small and keeping within my abilities but I've misjudged increasing the weight once or twice and was just wondering.

Morba · 24 Jul 2008 at 22:28

What rep range are you aiming at?
there are ways to stay safe even with barbells on your own :]

One More Solo · 24 Jul 2008 at 22:38

Barbell and no spinlocks- tip the weight off to the side if it gets too much! Best tip I think.

Col_M · 24 Jul 2008 at 22:46

Morba said:
What rep range are you aiming at?
there are ways to stay safe even with barbells on your own :]

Well I'm currently following the beginners guide I found here http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=998224

Initially I'm following this as the 5 reps are meant to help build strength as I'll admit that I have very little, once I've have a foundation I'll look at increasing them a little as from what I believe that will help with adding bulk which is my main aim (I could be wrong though and hopefully you'll put me right).

Chong Warrior · 24 Jul 2008 at 22:59

Unless training for pure strength and competeing in powerlifting were bench pressing is required, you can drop barbell bench press. DB press and dips will provide you with all the tools you need to build a good chest without all the issues of barbell benching.

I haven't done BB Bench Press for over a year now and doubt I'll ever do it again, really don't see the point tbh?

LiE · 24 Jul 2008 at 23:06

Chong speaks the truth. Dumbbell offers more than bench press.

Jeffstar · 25 Jul 2008 at 08:49

The best chest exersise is... *drum roll* the one that works best for you.

I use both barbell and dumbells. I could never drop barbell benchpress as i feel that i gained the most from them.

oddjob62 · 25 Jul 2008 at 12:20

Chong Warrior said:
Unless training for pure strength and competeing in powerlifting were bench pressing is required, you can drop barbell bench press. DB press and dips will provide you with all the tools you need to build a good chest without all the issues of barbell benching.

Agreed... if you want to get very good at the barbell bench press, then you must do the barbell bench press.... otherwise it's not necessary.

Morba · 25 Jul 2008 at 12:21

and do a similar width grip row to the upper chest. to grow the opposite muscles :]

Makunouchi · 25 Jul 2008 at 13:03

Chong Warrior said:
I haven't done BB Bench Press for over a year now and doubt I'll ever do it again, really don't see the point tbh?

I much prefer DB to BB's as well, for some reason doing it with a BB just doesnt feel right, i dont know why but its almost like my shoulders dont want to move like that... then when i do the same with DB's it feel fine. I do both for the now anyway.

LiE · 25 Jul 2008 at 13:26

I'd like to stop using BB bench press but the DBs aren't heavy enough at my gym.

wordy · 25 Jul 2008 at 14:22

Morba said:
If its to build muscle then you shouldnt be taking yourself to absolute failure anyway, meaning less need for a spotter.

You sure about that?

Morba · 25 Jul 2008 at 14:30

wordy said:
You sure about that?

There are a few times where going to absolute failure isnt a bad thing, but it should not be done all the time.

Train to stimulate, not annihilate.

wordy · 25 Jul 2008 at 14:35

Morba said:
There are a few times where going to absolute failure isnt a bad thing, but it should not be done all the time.

Train to stimulate, not annihilate.

fair enough, I always felt like I was cheating myself by not going to failure. Having your legs buckling after leg day is painful, but I liked the feeling that I'd worked as hard as I could.

Stupid ego

Morba · 25 Jul 2008 at 14:48

yes. stupid ego ;]

Secret_Window · 25 Jul 2008 at 15:54

Be careful doing an incline bench press as well with a barbell, because most benches (from what I've seen and used) don't give you enough room to rest the bar any where in the incline position. Unless ofcourse, you prefer to have it on your neck