dumbell vs. barbell bench

[migity]

I have reached the heaviest dumbells at my gym on flat bench. granted just on 3x3. but I guess I need to switch to barbell bench even though it has a tendency to screw up my shoulder.

so who has an opinion on which ne is better?

[dennis]

Originally Posted by migity

I have reached the heaviest dumbells at my gym on flat bench. granted just on 3x3. but I guess I need to switch to barbell bench even though it has a tendency to screw up my shoulder.

so who has an opinion on which ne is better?

You need both..I do not think one is better than the other.Dumbells give me a much better stretch..barbell puts good over all mass on my chest.I cannot believe the dumbells do not agravate your shoulder ?! You can always buy your own dumbells and leave them at the gym,that is what i had to do.

[ironaddict69]

Originally Posted by dennis

You need both..I do not think one is better than the other.Dumbells give me a much better stretch..barbell puts good over all mass on my chest.I cannot believe the dumbells do not agravate your shoulder ?! You can always buy your own dumbells and leave them at the gym,that is what i had to do.

omg! talk about a heavy bag walking into the gym with that time! they only go up to 120 at my gym, and i just lawnmower 1 arm rowed them for 10 reps 2 days ago

[migity]

yeah my gym goes up to 125's. Yeah my riht shoulder has a tendency to pop partially out of socket when I do barbell bench. I think if I am careful about it i can prevent. besides what choice do I have? i sure as shit arent going to sit at 125 db's forever. its just gonna suck getting my form and what not back for barbell bench.

[deathgrip07]

Hmm. I consider having 125's pretty lucky, as my gym draws the line at 100's. I am considering joining a new gym. Just approach the management with a few more guys, speak nicely, and you may get your wish. Unless of course it's a franchise gym, then all bets are off.

[role model]

Originally Posted by migity

I have reached the heaviest dumbells at my gym on flat bench. granted just on 3x3. but I guess I need to switch to barbell bench even though it has a tendency to screw up my shoulder.

so who has an opinion on which ne is better?

My gym go's up to 160's but its a college gym with a football team.
You need both, just like you need to do inclines also, and you need to do more reps! Unless you do the 3 rep thing only once a month. Work your way up to 5x5 for now.

[deathgrip07]

Agreed... definitely need DB and BB for incline. I find inclines easier now, and can press nearly as much on incline now as i can on flat.

[J DUB]

BB Bench shouldn't hurt your shoulder....it is probably more a matter of you doing something wrong, such as not warming up adequately or not doing enough pulls (pulldowns/ups, rows, etc.) in relation to your pushes (bench, shoulder press, etc.), or maybe both as was my case. Try walking for 10-15 minutes first to get your muscles warmed up, then stretch your shoulders, do arm circles, etc. and be sure you are at least doing 1 pulling exercise for every pushing exercise.

As far as which is better, it depends on your goals. Assuming you want to get bigger and stronger, I would say BB Bench because you can lift more weight. DB's have their advantages, but I look at them as more accessory training than a core lift.

[Bosnian_Brawler]

My gym goes up to 150, but those are some old welded barbels , but I will prolly never touch them...I do my chest with 110.....I know, I know, I can't compare to you big guns, but I am 6'5 with long arms, so it is more difficult for me to bench lot of weight...

[J DUB]

Why would it be any more difficult to do BB bench vs. DB bench if you have long arms? Either way, you are having to do more work than someone with shorter arms.

[migity]

i actually havent even tried barbell in while. screw it I use a barbell for everything else anyway.
by the way i was only doing 3x3 for a couple weeks as part of the 5x5 program that is in the stickies and its kick ass by the way

[J DUB]

Yeah, you really can't go wrong with the 5x5. I will usually do 5x5 for around 6 weeks, then 3x3 for 3 weeks or so and it never fails to work.

[dennis]

Originally Posted by J DUB

Why would it be any more difficult to do BB bench vs. DB bench if you have long arms? Either way, you are having to do more work than someone with shorter arms.

Physics bro..

[tyciol]

With benching you have options like trying to crush the bar or tear it apart to activate muscles differently that doesn't really exist with dumbbells.

[chewiechomp]

Migity - I know where you are coming from. I haven't been able to do BB Bench for years.

JDUB is right. It shouldn't hurt your shoulders if done properly, but for some reason, the bar kills me. (Incline is OK. Flat and decline = no good.) I've had my form analyzed by professionals, but no apparent form problems show. I'm going back in to see an ortho in a few weeks to try to sort my shoulder out.

I have had good success on my chest without the bar. I do DB flat, incline, decline, flyes, cable crossovers, limited machine work and even some pushups. Using combinations of these, you can get a great chest workout.

And beware of strange feelings in your shoulder - listen to your body. Don't risk it. Trust me.

Also, you may have to switch your gym. I just changed to one that has DBs up to 150. Very nice. Try talking to mgmt and see what they say, otherwise, it may be time to graduate.