Dumbbell vs. Barbell Bench Press

A very logical question that I know you are thinking.  “Which is better”.  Well that depends on the day really.

Dumbbells

-Generally safer

-Easier on the joints

-Still effective

BUT

-Only (almost all the time) 5 pound increments for each weight.  Which results in 10 pound increases because they’re 2 of them.

Barbells

- Still safe if you are in control and not trying to impress the hot lady on the tredmill

- Can do 5 pound increments

- Still effective

BUT

Not so nice on the joints when it gets heavy.   But then again you shouldn’t be lifting weights you know you can’t handle.

My answer:  Honestly, it is all relative to the day.  I do prefer dumbbells but you need to be comfortable with both.  With a barbell you can definitely more but with a dumbbell i just feel safer.  When I think I can lift more I’ll go to barbell and just be ready to rack it if I have to.  I also wont lift with the clips unless I have a spotter. Since I know a lot of people at my gym though I know I can ask if I need to.

One is not really better than the other.  However if you are practicing with a weight you are comfortable with I would just suggest you go with dumbbell.  It is safer but you shouldn’t neglect the barbell.  Remember with the barbell you can do 5 pound increments which are important.  10 pound increments are lot.

Either way don’t change your routine.  Keep it simple.  Some days you may wanna bring out the upper chest.  Totally fine, go for it.  Other days you might wanna get that chest just pumpin’.  Totally fine, go for it.  Just don’t over work your chest.  Remember its a small muscle.

My favorite chest combo is to superset a bench press with a standing cable fly.  I just alternate between heavy and light lifting for each when I need to.