beyondthesmile
07-03-2008, 07:00 PM
Hi guys :)
I'm new to lifting. From what I've read, most recommend using barbells especially for legs (squats, deadlifts). My understanding is that one of the main reasons for this is that as you progress and begin lifting heavier it gets to a point where your grip starts to fail when attempting these moves with dumbbells.
As someone new to lifting, I was just wondering how long it usually takes to reach a point where one would have this problem. At what weights do you find your grip starts to fail before the muscle/body part you're working does? (I realize this will differ from person to person based on grip strength, and that how long it takes before you reach this problem depends on how quickly you progres. I'm just looking for some ideas/input!) :)
Right now I primarily use dumbbells. I've occasionally used fixed-weight barbells, but I've never used a 45lb Olympic bar. Come September, I will be back and forth between my hometown and school because of my school program. I will be home for 3 - 4 weeks and away for 3 - 4 weeks. During the weeks I'm away I will probably not have regular gym access and my apartment is too small for a power rack and barbell set (I have an elliptical and there's a small exercise room in my building with treadmills for cardio but no major equipment). I was thinking about getting a pair of adjustable dumbbells that go up to 75lbs each and using those.
I'm just wondering how long it will probably take me to reach a point where dumbbells are difficult/ineffective to use for many exercises. How long can I probably get away with using solely dumbbells? Please keep in mind that I am VERY new to lifting. My main goal right now is to lose fat, but I realize heavy lifting will help me with that goal.
Thanks in advance for your input :)
I'm new to lifting. From what I've read, most recommend using barbells especially for legs (squats, deadlifts). My understanding is that one of the main reasons for this is that as you progress and begin lifting heavier it gets to a point where your grip starts to fail when attempting these moves with dumbbells.
As someone new to lifting, I was just wondering how long it usually takes to reach a point where one would have this problem. At what weights do you find your grip starts to fail before the muscle/body part you're working does? (I realize this will differ from person to person based on grip strength, and that how long it takes before you reach this problem depends on how quickly you progres. I'm just looking for some ideas/input!) :)
Right now I primarily use dumbbells. I've occasionally used fixed-weight barbells, but I've never used a 45lb Olympic bar. Come September, I will be back and forth between my hometown and school because of my school program. I will be home for 3 - 4 weeks and away for 3 - 4 weeks. During the weeks I'm away I will probably not have regular gym access and my apartment is too small for a power rack and barbell set (I have an elliptical and there's a small exercise room in my building with treadmills for cardio but no major equipment). I was thinking about getting a pair of adjustable dumbbells that go up to 75lbs each and using those.
I'm just wondering how long it will probably take me to reach a point where dumbbells are difficult/ineffective to use for many exercises. How long can I probably get away with using solely dumbbells? Please keep in mind that I am VERY new to lifting. My main goal right now is to lose fat, but I realize heavy lifting will help me with that goal.
Thanks in advance for your input :)