Hi,
I'm looking to gain muscle mass and definition, which I've never had. I've either been skinny or overweight in the mid section. I think I'm going to buy the powertec utility bench in the next week or so since I'm sort of limited on space with our first child on the way. Also, I've been trying to decide if I should just go ahead and get the Powertec Olympic bench since I can do regular barbell presses. I've seen mixed opinions about actually needing the barbell and just using dumbells. I'm leaning towards using dumbells only. Will dumbells give me the same results in the upper body as having barbells also? If I have to, I'll make room for the olympic bench somewhere else. It's possible that later on I might end up getting a power rack, but for now, I just want something basic that will give me clear results.


Any help would be appreciated.

Craig

I use dumbells only and I love them. They are great when you don't have a lot of space. I started out with 8, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40, but have since gotten 50 and 60s. The problem is that when you get into the higher weights, it gets pricey. To get 2 60 pound dumbells costs about $60. I originally stacked them in a pyramid, but about a month ago I got a rack for them to keep them organized. I guess there's time that I would really like to use the bar (I actually have one), but it just takes up too much space and I don't have a spotter and so on.

I use dumbells only and I love them. They are great when you don't have a lot of space. I started out with 8, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40, but have since gotten 50 and 60s. The problem is that when you get into the higher weights, it gets pricey. To get 2 60 pound dumbells costs about $60. I originally stacked them in a pyramid, but about a month ago I got a rack for them to keep them organized. I guess there's time that I would really like to use the bar (I actually have one), but it just takes up too much space and I don't have a spotter and so on.


That's the way I feel. I'd hate to get into some trouble without anyone around to help. As long as I can make sufficient gains with DB's only, I'll be happy.

Thanks for the comments!

Craig

You could use dumbbells for both upper and lower body workouts. For the lower body workouts, squats and deadlifts, I only use the Olympic barbell because I feel I have more control of the weight. For the upper body workouts, I predominantly use dumbbells, but sometimes I use the Olympic barbell to change things up. Either case, it's all personal preference.

Weight = Weight

As long as whatver you're using is providing enough resistance, then you will grow. As others have said, it all comes down to preference.

Dumbells are mostly fine, but in certain cases you may want a bar. For instance, you can't do heavy squats without a barbell. They just can't be done.

If you're into deadlifting you'll want a bar as well. The same movement can't be easily mimicked with a lot of weight with dumbells.

In terms of spotting I workout alone and would not do heavy lifts with a bar unless I had a way to catch the weight, which I do handidly with my cage. Picture of my gym (http://www.skoorbs.com/images/gym2.jpg)

Skoorb, does that garage get blazing hot in the summertime? I can't imagine working out in my garage outside of spring and fall...

Skoorb, does that garage get blazing hot in the summertime? I can't imagine working out in my garage outside of spring and fall...Yeah, it does :) If it's a hot day I don't work out until the evening when the outside temp is no more than 80 or 82. I have that huge fan and it's a seriously bad ass fan, so I crank it onto me and really it's not too bad. It's actually kind of nice opening the garage door and just working out with the big door open and some tunes on.

Hi,
I'm looking to gain muscle mass and definition, which I've never had. I've either been skinny or overweight in the mid section. I think I'm going to buy the powertec utility bench in the next week or so since I'm sort of limited on space with our first child on the way. Also, I've been trying to decide if I should just go ahead and get the Powertec Olympic bench since I can do regular barbell presses. I've seen mixed opinions about actually needing the barbell and just using dumbells. I'm leaning towards using dumbells only. Will dumbells give me the same results in the upper body as having barbells also? If I have to, I'll make room for the olympic bench somewhere else. It's possible that later on I might end up getting a power rack, but for now, I just want something basic that will give me clear results.


Any help would be appreciated.

Craig

For a beginner, I'd recommned using mostly dumbells as they strengthen your stabilizer muscles as well as working the main group.

For a beginner, I'd recommned using mostly dumbells as they strengthen your stabilizer muscles as well as working the main group.


I really appreciate all the input guys. I'm pumped to get started with the weight training portion. I'll probably get a curling bar also just for the sake of curling, but 99% will be dumbell work.

Again, thanks for all the input. :tu:

Craig

I'll probably get a curling bar also just for the sake of curling, but 99% will be dumbell work.

Curls can be done with dumbbells, but if you insist on having a "curling bar", go for it.

Curls can be done with dumbbells, but if you insist on having a "curling bar", go for it.

I've seen curls done 2 ways with dumbells. Both arms together (2 dumbells), and I've seen them done 1 at a time. I'm guessing that doing 1 arm separately just helps with form, etc. What are your thoughts?

Craig

One type of curl that I like with the dumbells that you can't do with a bar is the hammer curl, where you hold the dumbells with your palms facing each other. It really works the forearms well and is a supplementary workout for the biceps.

http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Brachioradialis/DBHammerCurl.html

To be fair you dont rly even need dumbells, I used to train in martial arts and the instructor was a TANK and he didnt use weights at all, all he did was teach karate and we all got an amazing workout (damnit had i not quit i woulda prolly never weighed 325 haaha)

I've seen curls done 2 ways with dumbells. Both arms together (2 dumbells), and I've seen them done 1 at a time. I'm guessing that doing 1 arm separately just helps with form, etc. What are your thoughts?

Craig

I perform my db curls in an alternating fashion (1 rep right/1 rep left/repeat), which allows me to really focus on keeping my elbows back/tight to my sides and not swinging the weight to get it moving. You will most likely get a good workout using either a bb or db's, but db's afford the opportunity to perform concentration curls, hammer curls, etc. If you're looking to buy any more iron, check out a second-hand sports store.

One pro for using dumbbells for curls versus a barbell, is that you eliminate the domination effect and calls for a symmetry of strength. For instance, if you're right-handed, and you are doing barbell curls, your right arm will typically lift more of the weight than your left arm because the right arm is stronger than the left arm.

Of course, this is in no way trying to say that barbell curls aren't great. I love to do them to mix things up a little.

To be fair you dont rly even need dumbells, I used to train in martial arts and the instructor was a TANK and he didnt use weights at all, all he did was teach karate and we all got an amazing workout (damnit had i not quit i woulda prolly never weighed 325 haaha)I'm not sure how you define tank but I can honestly say that I've never seen anybody with a large muscular build, while keeping fat levels low, who didn't get it by using weights (or at least very heavy manual labor).

If you're into deadlifting you'll want a bar as well. The same movement can't be easily mimicked with a lot of weight with dumbells.

Picture of my gym (http://www.skoorbs.com/images/gym2.jpg)

I have to disagree. Deadlifts can definitely be done with Dumbbells. If the weight is too heavy to hold onto, buy a pair of lifting straps. I do deadlifts with dumbbells up to the 135# set and would go heavier if I could find heavier dumbbells. The big problem is finding a place with heavy dumbbells because buying them would get very expensive.

I'm not sure how you define tank but I can honestly say that I've never seen anybody with a large muscular build, while keeping fat levels low, who didn't get it by using weights (or at least very heavy manual labor).

Umm well when you are doing his workout you dont need weights cuz ur body is ur weights

i use mainly dumbells, but it may be smarter for you to just buy the olympic bench and skip the utility bench, that way you could use dumbells or barbells

you may also want a cabered curl bar for exercises like skull crushers

currently the only things i use a barbell for are close grip bench pressing which is my favorite tricep excercise and aslo for squats