Barbell benchpress vs. dumbbell benchpress

[GLADIATORE_XX]

hey guys,
i´ve read reacently that the dumbbell benchpress activates much more activity in the chest muscles as the barbell benchpress, it is said that it should also be better for guys with long arms(like me, i´m 1,93m).
what do you guys think of it, should i give the dumbbells a try in order to improve my weak chest ?

[MMASTAR]

i switch between the two.. i figure dumbell works all the stabilizers while barbell works the major muscles more because you can lift heavier... they complement each other nicely.. i say switch between the two and even dont be shy to throw in some dumbell bench after youve already done your barbell bench.. really nail the chest and stabilizers..

[PdH]

I can only use dbs on pressing movements b/c of a bad rotator cuff that never heals. Turning the dbs about 45 degrees helps this problem significantly. I've found db benches and inclines to be very effective, in my case more effective than a barbell.

[tex]

im tall as well 6'4"....with an 80" reach.....i only use db's once or twice a month and only as an accessory movement.....if you are having trouble with the barbell bench perhaps you should try diff technique.....more arch...pinky's on the rings for a narrow grip....bring the bar to the lower sternum.....this will cut the distance traveled as well as putting more weight on the tri's instead of the front delts.....

[MMASTAR]

also when i press DB's i turn them 90 degrees as i go up so you get a better contraction as it allows the DB's to come closer together like a fly..

[ironwill]

also when i press DB's i turn them 90 degrees as i go up so you get a better contraction as it allows the DB's to come closer together like a fly..
try turning them even more past the palms facing each other , almost like a reverse bench, except with db, turn wrist even more than palms facing and it burns the pecs like a mofo.....

[bigtavi8]

I always switch it up between the two. I log every workout so one day will be incline db press,flat bench..NExt time flat db, incline bb,, next week incline and flat db..you get it. I love both equally but i really enjoy db incline the most. I make small goals and try to go up five pounds every now and then to increase the stength. Up to 115 db for incline for 6 to the chest, slow controlled, no spot @210.

[GYMBRAT]

All I did for yrs was db everything, I try to switch it up every now and then just to shock the system ;)

[l6873]

I always switch it up between the two. I log every workout so one day will be incline db press,flat bench..NExt time flat db, incline bb,, next week incline and flat db..you get it. I love both equally but i really enjoy db incline the most. I make small goals and try to go up five pounds every now and then to increase the stength. Up to 115 db for incline for 6 to the chest, slow controlled, no spot @210.

What weight do you do on barbell? My dumbbell numbers are similar to yours, but I feel like I'm way too weak on barbell in comparison.

[MMASTAR]

i think db is usually 70-80% of what barbell is...

[Memo]

i think db is usually 70-80% of what barbell is...

I can military press 95 with db & barely 200 with barbell.

[hommes]

i switch it up every other week, good muscle confusion

[#8]

Dumbbell all the way. I always recommend doing db press first, then use what you have left in the tank for more slow controlled / fast presses (for fast twitch) at lighter weight on the barbell. This builds strength for me, but not always size.

[bigtavi8]

Barbell usually 255 for 6. (2plates and a 25) I dont care too much about the weight i just like a good feel on it. I think im better at db for sure.

[GYMBRAT]

i think db is usually 70-80% of what barbell is...

my db weight is much higher than my bb weights, but I am also more conditioned to db's versus the bb!

[MMASTAR]

my db weight is much higher than my bb weights, but I am also more conditioned to db's versus the bb!

wow.. thats crazy...

[MMASTAR]

I can military press 95 with db & barely 200 with barbell.

i meant bench and was generalizing... everyone is diffrent i guess..

[l6873]

I should be able to flat barbell bench press 363 pounds 4 times based on my incline dumbbell numbers according to this article:

http://www.tmuscle.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance/so_you_think_you_know_strong

If I use my dumbbell shoulder press numbers, I should be able to bench 390 pounds for 4 reps. There's no way I could do that once, let alone for four reps - even if someone held a gun to my head.

[GYMBRAT]

wow.. thats crazy...

not saying on all lifts mind you but a good majority fosho :)

[l6873]

Barbell usually 255 for 6. (2plates and a 25) I dont care too much about the weight i just like a good feel on it. I think im better at db for sure.

Two 45 plates and a 25 would be 275, no?

[Drummer]

flat bench bar activates the shoulders quite a bit. Cause your forced to have your elbows more parallel then tucked in. Flat bench at neck even more so. With DB's you can tuck your elbows closer to your body and turn your palms toward one another more. This activates the pecks better (like in wide dips). You can turn your palms almost reverse (like will suggests) for a different approach. I go back and fourth from bars to DB's like most ppl for the different targets. The heavy bar is good for the ego too ;)

~D~

[Mastagon]

I've for some reason always bb benched a little less than I can db press. I have no idea why. It might come down to form, but I doubt its because of weak shoulders or anything

[tex]

Two 45 plates and a 25 would be 275, no? thats what conventional mathematics tell us......but our friend here likes to think outside the box ;)

[HoliTheCat]

thats what conventional mathematics tell us......but our friend here likes to think outside the box ;)

:D

[bigtavi8]

i hate thinking of the numbers its intimidating. I just do the amount of plates i can handle and never think about the actual weight itself. If im like this is 275 then i get psyched out so i just dont add it up. Plus im in HK so that would explain my grade 3 mathematics issues.LOLO..all i know is muscles and bones and how to be a gym teacher..hahaha

[tex]

Plus im in HK so that would explain my grade 3 mathematics issues.LOLO..all i know is muscles and bones and how to be a gym teacher..hahaha lmao!

[BAM]

I pretty much work only with dumbells... less injuries

[Drummer]

less injuries for sure. I however get a way better workout with a bar on incline.

~D~

[L3]

so i worked out flat bench today with my arms boxed out and elbows basically at 90 degrees... could only use 2 plates, shoulders were pretty sore during and after, but the pump is amazing right across the ridge of the clavicle...

from now on flat BB with low weight only

[tex]

try a wide reverse grip bb press.......i do this after my bb bench and its pure awesomeness....i can use same amount of weight as i can bb bench and it fries my chest and tri's! I m thinking that i might bench like this in competition.......

[GLADIATORE_XX]

thank you very much for your answers guys. ;)
as i´ve never used db for a longer time, only every now and then, i think i´ll do them for the next 8-10 weeks with 8-15 reps (i usually trained with 4-8 reps and now want to test a comleteley new thing with higer reps and new exercises)