Some fitness equipment has the ability to create debate with some people about which is better than the other. Barbells and dumbbells seem to spark debate over which is better, but truth be told, both pieces of equipment do exactly what they’re intended for, and that’s build muscle mass.
While one of these pieces of equipment employs the muscles directly involved in the workout, the other also employs that muscle but also uses other muscles to help stabilize the other muscles being worked.
So, as you can see, it is the different method in which everyone builds muscle mass.
You really need to use barbells and dumbbells to get the best results from your workouts, and I’ll show you why below.
dumbbells
Providing a balanced approach to lifting weights, the barbell is simply a long bar with heavy plates attached to each end. The lifter generally pushes or lifts the bar up or down in a controlled manner. Stability is achieved by using both hands and this helps keep the bar as straight as possible as well as having complete control over the equipment.
If you want to increase the weight you’re lifting, it’s simply a matter of adding more plates to each end of the bar,
dumbbells
Dumbbells are like a much smaller version of the barbell, you still have a barbell with weighted plates on each end, however the length of the dumbbell barbell is much shorter and it is only lifted with one hand. This will give you a balanced muscle workout, using not only linear motion, isolating certain muscles, but also side to side, bringing other muscles into play that will help provide stabilization.
Also, some exercises like triceps extensions, flyes, and lateral raises can only be done with barbells.
While you can and probably will use dumbbells individually, be sure to train both sides of your body equally, to maintain a balance of size and strength. If you don’t keep each side in proportion, you risk injuring yourself, which can keep you from lifting weights for days and sometimes weeks.
conclusion
As with all of your workouts, you should always make sure you use proper form, as this is the best way to build muscle mass and prevent injury.
You should exercise five days a week that consists of at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, with both sides of your body getting the same workout.
Alternatively, you can train three times a week, with a more vigorous 20-minute workout, again exercising both sides of your body evenly.
Between working both sides of your body and using varied routines, you can alternate between these two workouts on a weekly basis. By doing this, your body won’t get used to a workout, it will work your muscles in different ways, not only keeping your workouts fresh and challenging, but also helping to keep your mind motivated.