Dumbbells > Barbells

Current Fitness Goal: 160 lbs by Oct. 14, 2023
Current Weight (As of 10/4): 164 lbs

If I had to pick between dumbbells and barbells, I’d take dumbbells every day of the week.

Why?

One word: stability.

When I started weightlifting with barbells, I noticed significant instability in my body, leading to imbalances. My left chest and shoulder felt different from my right side due to weight distribution and weaknesses.

Dumbbells, on the other hand, shine when it comes to addressing imbalances and instability. Movements like shoulder presses and chest presses, especially incline variations, can be much more effective with dumbbells.

With barbells it's more of a collective effort - you can push a heavy weight regardless of your posture. Dumbbells, on the other hand, expose your weaknesses. For instance, if you're pressing a 35-pound dumbbell, your dominant side might handle it well, but the weaker side will struggle.

That's where you discover your imbalances, and it's why I love dumbbells—they're excellent teachers.

Stay fit,
-Rafi

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