Like everybody when I started bodybuilding I began by using those plastic weights that were filled with said—and a barbell.

Of course, we thought that we were so cool, with our plastic weights and everything.

But anyway, I never really remember reading anything about using dumbbells; it was just kind of like, you are going to use a barbell.

This approach is not bad, however, as the years went by I began reading more and more and gradually dumbbells started entering the picture.

People said that they were easier on your shoulders because they didn’t lock you into one plain of movement like a barbell.

Honestly I didn’t make the switch right away, but I kept thinking about it.

One thing that changed my mind was how I kept reading about people having joint pain after years of lifting.

I didn’t want to be one of those people so I decided to make the switch.

A COUPLE OF POINTS

Are dumbbells really easier on your joints than barbells, I really don’t know, but I would like to tell you a story about why I think they work more muscles than a barbell.

For years and years I had been doing standing overhead presses with dumbbells and things were going great.

One day though I got a bug up my rear and decided to go back to using a barbell.

So that’s what I did, and for the next month I pounded away at my presses, just like I had done with dumbbells.

O.K.

So now I decide to switch back to dumbbells—and man! What a difference.

I was having a hard time balancing the weight and everything.

Where as before, I would just press the dumbbells like nothing.

It took me a while before I got back to my old self on the presses, but I have to believe after my experience that dumbbells use more muscles than barbells and anything that does this is worth doing in my book.

However, I would be a lair if I told you I use dumbbells for everything, because I don’t.

Try as I might I have never been able to get the hang of bent over rows with dumbbells it just has a weird feeling to it, so I use a barbell for this exercise.

SOMETHING YOU MIGHT WANNA TRY

When I first started in bodybuilding I was like everyone else biceps, triceps and chest, but then I started reading articles by Bill Starr and fell in love with the overhead press and exercises like deadlifts and almost stiff -legged dead lifts.

I started doing the above exercises with a barbell but then switched to using dumbbells for both and for those of you who deadlift, try giving dumbbells a try, I think you will like them.

I switched years ago and I haven’t looked back.

O.K SO DUMBELLS OR BARBELLS

So why exactly do I like dumbbells, well, as stated above, anything that makes my muscles work harder is worth doing in my book.

Plus, if the added benefit of less joint pain is true, and by all the stories I’ve read I must say, it appears to be true, then all the better.

CONCLUSION

Dumbbells may or may not be easier on your joints than a barbell, but one thing I know for sure is, at least for to me, is that they give your muscles a harder workout, and that is a good thing in my book.

So if your joints are bothering you or you are simply looking for a change, give dumbbell training a go.

You’ll be glad you did.

Until Next Time.

USE GOOD FORM