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Anonymous
Whats the difference between barbell and dumbell bench presses?

I only bench with dumbells as im so ronery and have no one to spot for me. Am I screwing myself over?
>> Anonymous
for barbell bench presses, you use a barbell. for dumbell bench presses, you use dumbells
>> Anonymous
It's easier to control a barbell, it doesn't strengthen the muscles that work primarily for balancing the lift as much as working with dumbells. Doing dumbell work also helps you if you have muscle inbalances, as in your other tricep might be stronger than the other.
The good thing in barbell work is that it's easier to work in a decent progression especially with smaller jumps in weights. Generally gyms don't have smaller jumps with dumbells.
>> Anonymous
I've heard people talk about having to use extra muscles to help balance dumbells. That's the only difference I know of.
>> Anonymous
Rippetoe says you get the same benefits with dumbbells, maybe more.
>> Anonymous
Dumbell requires slightly more support from surrounding muscles for balance and works both arms evenly... it's already been said ._. ya.
>> Anonymous
OP here

Thanks /fit/
>> Anonymous
yeah thats great until you're too strong for 100 pounds
>> Anonymous
I normally do barbell and then dumb bell presses.. Seems to work for me.

I've also tried a new thing were I do push ups to near exhaustion then immediately flip over and do dumb bell press/flys while lying down, of course with a much lighter weight than I would normally, I've found that I've gained a lot of definition in my pectorals.
>> Anonymous
dumbbell- better muscular stabilisation, especially if you do it one hand at a time.

barbell- do more work/weight, less focus on doing the same work for each hand, since 1 rep works equally, inherently this notion is flawed because as you reach maximal effort your dominant arm does more work.

conclusion? to grow you need to do both, but don't neglect the dumbbell exercise as it is quite good.
>> Anonymous
Dumbell bench presses use a bit more triceps and require a much greater use of stabilising muscles (which is good).