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home gym--dumbells (powerblocks) vs. barbell setup

post #1 of 19
9/6/09 at 2:51am
Thread Starter 
I'm putting together a setup for working out at home. I'll mostly/only be doing upper body work. A set of "power blocks" that work as 5-45 lb. dumbells is $280 (less if I find them used). An Olympic bar, 255 lbs. of plates (non-bumper), and heavy duty squat stands would run me $210 (all used, but good quality stuff). The barbell set obviously gives me more weight per dollar, but I hear that dumbells do more to develop stabilizing muscles and balance. For bench pressing, military pressing, rows (pendlay w/ barbell, upright w/powerblocks), and curls, would one setup be more useful than the other? Thanks as always.
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post #2 of 19
9/6/09 at 3:03am
fukken barbells. and do leg work, feg!
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post #3 of 19
9/6/09 at 3:42am
squat, PHAGGOT! actually it doesnt really matter. all these people on bodybuilding/weightlifting forums tell u to squat but in reality i doubt a great deal of them squat on a regular basis if ur goal is just to fill out ur upper body for the ladies while being able to wear slim raw selvedge natural indigo dyed japanese denim, then perhaps treetrunk legs is not that great of an idea
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post #4 of 19
9/6/09 at 3:55am
barbells..
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post #5 of 19
9/6/09 at 5:07am
I would advise against squatting unless you have the budget for new clothes, especially jeans.
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post #6 of 19
9/6/09 at 7:13am
I goofed around with dumbbells for a year. While I do credit them with helping develop my core and allowing me to slide into 5x5 more easily, I saw more development in three short months using a barbell.
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post #7 of 19
9/6/09 at 9:40am
Bench press with dumbbells is arguably a better exercise than bench with barbell, but of course squats and deads are a disaster with dumbbells. Also, 45 lb dumbells will be quickly outgrown, while you can always buy new plates for the barbell. Go with the barbell and squat stands.
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post #8 of 19
9/6/09 at 9:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dcg View Post
Bench press with dumbbells is arguably a better exercise than bench with barbell...

That would be a poor argument!
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post #9 of 19
9/6/09 at 11:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by why View Post
That would be a poor argument!

Rippetoe says in Starting Strength "In fact, the dumbbell version of the exercise, which actually predates the barbell version due to its less specialized equipment requirements, is probably a better exercise for most purposes other than powerlifting competition." You are, of course, free to disagree with him. My point was that while an argument can be made in favor of dumbbells for the bench press (greater range of motion, more active control due to the hands not being tied together), no one would support their use for squats or deadlifts (over the barbell).
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post #10 of 19
9/6/09 at 11:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dcg View Post
Rippetoe says in Starting Strength "In fact, the dumbbell version of the exercise, which actually predates the barbell version due to its less specialized equipment requirements, is probably a better exercise for most purposes other than powerlifting competition."
Dumbbells overemphasize the triceps. It's just not as complete an exercise without the fixed stability of the barbell. I don't know of any strength/power athletes that use the involved muscles for their sport that would train with dumbbells due to higher efficacy and turnover in their sport. The mechanics of dumbbells just hinder progress.
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post #11 of 19
9/6/09 at 11:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by zbip View Post
actually it doesnt really matter. all these people on bodybuilding/weightlifting forums tell u to squat but in reality i doubt a great deal of them squat on a regular basis
lolno. i agree though that if you like getting into skinny jeans, squats aren't the best for you.
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post #12 of 19
9/6/09 at 11:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by why View Post
Dumbbells overemphasize the triceps. It's just not as complete an exercise without the stability of the bar.

In that case perhaps I should rotate in some dumbbell bench presses every once in a while to help with my scrawny arms! However, I doubt I'll be incorporating them into my squats or deads anytime soon.

I think we can agree that the barbell is the vastly superior option for the OP.
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post #13 of 19
9/6/09 at 12:24pm
why not get expandable dumbells (40lbs from cap for maybe $50) a standard size barbell (i just got a 7' for $60 on amazon)and some extra plates. you dont have to buy them all at once. the dumbells expand to 80lb each so there is room to grow, and you won't be putting up any weight where a standard barbell won't be more than adequate.
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post #14 of 19
9/6/09 at 2:12pm
barbell + power rack is pretty much all you'd need for a full workout.
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post #15 of 19
9/6/09 at 2:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dcg View Post
In that case perhaps I should rotate in some dumbbell bench presses every once in a while to help with my scrawny arms!

Doesn't really work like that...
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