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 Dumbbell vs Barbell bench press., Differences in weight handling?

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TSXccess
post Dec 4 2014, 03:33 PM, updated 12y ago

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From my understanding dumbbells presses are slightly tougher than Barbell as it requires more focus and stability. If I do 2 x 25 kg dumbbells presses, do you think I can bench at 70 kg for barbell? I know this very much depends on individual, just to have a rough idea on weight differences.


I don't have access to gym yet thus my training can only work on dumbbells at home.

This post has been edited by Xccess: Dec 5 2014, 10:35 AM
Armesh
post Dec 4 2014, 07:09 PM

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Um.. what you can do is maybe test your barbell bench 8 rep max. Then test your db bench 8 rep max after 72 hours of barbell bench to ensure you recovered.

Now plot those 2 numbers in a ratio, barbell: dumbell and you shud get a good estimation.

Disclaimer: There is 0 scientific evidence behind this method. I came up with it myself.
TSXccess
post Dec 4 2014, 11:46 PM

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QUOTE(Armesh @ Dec 4 2014, 07:09 PM)
Um.. what you can do is maybe test your barbell bench 8 rep max. Then test your db bench 8 rep max after 72 hours of barbell bench to ensure you recovered.

Now plot those 2 numbers in a ratio, barbell: dumbell and you shud get a good estimation.

Disclaimer: There is 0 scientific evidence behind this method. I came up with it myself.
*
I've just gotten some numbers from bodybuilding forum. Most said they can lift 30% more weights on barbell. Example if I'm flat benching with 2 x 25kg DBs, I can hit around 60kg on Barbell.

Will check it out if I have a chance. Appreciate your input bro. Thanks

VeeJay
post Dec 4 2014, 11:51 PM

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QUOTE(Xccess @ Dec 4 2014, 03:33 PM)
From my understanding dumbbells presses are slightly tougher than Barbell as it requires more focus and stability. If I do 2 x 25 kg dumbbells presses, do you think I can bench at 70 kg for barbell? I know this very much depends on individual, just to have a rough idea on differences in weights.
I don't have access to gym yet thus my training can only work on dumbbells at home.
*
One is not superior to the other, both has its benefits.

As for weight, yeah, sounds about right.
kshen
post Dec 5 2014, 10:04 AM

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Usually I mix em during my workout, probably I'll do an incline barbell , then perhaps a flat bench dumbbell . Or incline dumbbell and flat bench presses

This post has been edited by kshen: Dec 5 2014, 10:04 AM
Amedion
post Dec 5 2014, 10:10 AM

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Based on my experience, dumbbells press is tougher because of the setup where you need to lift it up compare to barbell which is already in place. Another thing is you'll need to stabilize the weight.
TSXccess
post Dec 5 2014, 10:29 AM

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QUOTE(VeeJay @ Dec 4 2014, 11:51 PM)
One is not superior to the other, both has its benefits.

As for weight, yeah, sounds about right.
*
Understood. Just want a rough estimation before I start flat benching with barbell. Thanks

TSXccess
post Dec 5 2014, 10:34 AM

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QUOTE(Amedion @ Dec 5 2014, 10:10 AM)
Based on my experience, dumbbells press is tougher because of the setup where you need to lift it up compare to barbell which is already in place. Another thing is you'll need to stabilize the weight.
*
Haha...yes, several bruises on my thighs from resting dumbbells before and after lifting. laugh.gif

alien9
post Dec 5 2014, 11:39 AM

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QUOTE(Xccess @ Dec 5 2014, 10:29 AM)
Understood. Just want a rough estimation before I start flat benching with barbell. Thanks
*
If you somehow feared of transitioning from Dumbbell Press to Barbell, fret not. Always remember that you need to do dynamic warmup for each exercises, (low weight with more reps warm up sets until you reach your intended working sets). During that dynamic warmup, you can gauge your working sets comparing it to your dumbbell weight.
degraw1993
post Dec 5 2014, 02:05 PM

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QUOTE(Xccess @ Dec 4 2014, 03:33 PM)
From my understanding dumbbells presses are slightly tougher than Barbell as it requires more focus and stability. If I do 2 x 25 kg dumbbells presses, do you think I can bench at 70 kg for barbell? I know this very much depends on individual, just to have a rough idea on weight differences.
I don't have access to gym yet thus my training can only work on dumbbells at home.
*
From what i understand if ur using dumbbell you can get deeper stretch where as barbell requires muscle balance and if you get those muscle imbalance u should use dumbbell first.

This post has been edited by degraw1993: Dec 5 2014, 02:09 PM
TSXccess
post Dec 5 2014, 02:29 PM

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QUOTE(alien9 @ Dec 5 2014, 11:39 AM)
If you somehow feared of transitioning from Dumbbell Press to Barbell, fret not. Always remember that you need to do dynamic warmup for each exercises, (low weight with more reps warm up sets until you reach your intended working sets). During that dynamic warmup, you can gauge your working sets comparing it to your dumbbell weight.
*
No fear, just want to push my limit when benching plus most likely doing it alone with no spotter, don't want to get my neck crush. laugh.gif laugh.gif (Not a fan of smith machine)

20 years ago I'm benching at around 80 kg, dumbbell at home max out at only 30kg each so making both at 60kg. Yes, weight increases with every 2 sets, at least that's how I train for now.

This post has been edited by Xccess: Dec 5 2014, 02:31 PM
TSXccess
post Dec 5 2014, 02:34 PM

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QUOTE(degraw1993 @ Dec 5 2014, 02:05 PM)
From what i understand if ur using dumbbell you can get deeper stretch where as barbell requires muscle balance and if you get those muscle imbalance u should use dumbbell first.
*
Yep, deeper stretch as you said it. I can really feel it with DB presses, benching still one of my favourite. thumbup.gif Have a great weekend ahead everyone.

GameFr3ak
post Dec 5 2014, 05:31 PM

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I can db bench 30s for 5 reps with ease but I can barely do 55kg for 8 or 9 when I do it on the bar.

I guess some are just mechanically better doing with the bar while some with the DBs?

So the best way to find out is to do it slowly, especially when you haven't done it on the bar for so long, you shouldn't go straight near your max.
TSXccess
post Dec 6 2014, 03:44 PM

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QUOTE(GameFr3ak @ Dec 5 2014, 05:31 PM)
I can db bench 30s for 5 reps with ease but I can barely do 55kg for 8 or 9 when I do it on the bar.

I guess some are just mechanically better doing with the bar while some with the DBs?

So the best way to find out is to do it slowly, especially when you haven't done it on the bar for so long, you shouldn't go straight near your max.
*
Bro, your DB benching is 2 x 30 kg ya? Did you include the weight of bar when flat benching? Will do it slow since I have not touch barbell for years.

GameFr3ak
post Dec 7 2014, 12:04 PM

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QUOTE(Xccess @ Dec 6 2014, 03:44 PM)
Bro, your DB benching is 2 x 30 kg ya? Did you include the weight of bar when flat benching? Will do it slow since I have not touch barbell for years.
*
yes to both

 

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