Dumbbell squats.

[Ayemelek]

Anyone do these? I did them today and they feel more effective and natural than barbell squats.

Will they be less effective?

[rockhuddy]

Well you can't use as much weight and you're limited by your grip.

[BigBoogie]

lots of people consinder it to be the best exercise you can do. I used to do them alot, but dont have big enough dumbells. can also try a trap bar.

[Lector606]

Maybe for beginners but I don't see how you could possibly hold a reasonable amount of weight and still do them.

[apace]

I used to do heavy back squats , but my back was suffering , now i changed to db squats much better and you ca go further down without the risk of a back injury

[Gr3g_Lycan]

I like them, they are quick and easy to alternate with dumbell shrugs and dumbell calf exercises.

[papi93]

Originally Posted by Ayemelek

Anyone do these? I did them today and they feel more effective and natural than barbell squats.

Will they be less effective?

If they feel more effective and natural for your body, then that is what is important.

Loading will be difficult once you have developed a great deal of strength. You could switch to a trap bar at this time. It will allow you to continue in weight progression.

[Drekkor]

Dumbell single-legs will keep you from meeting a grip limit or db limit and imho activate more supporting muscle groups as you learn to balance.

This really helps keep pressure off my back, so I'm a fan!

[RU4A69]

Even a weaker indivudiaul will need dumbells over 200lbs for this exercise after about six months (or less) of training. Get a trap bar. Everyone seems able to crank out reps with 320+ on this lift after a short bout of practice. It is the best lower body movement there is or ever will be.

[Lector606]

Originally Posted by Drekkor

Dumbell single-legs will keep you from meeting a grip limit or db limit and imho activate more supporting muscle groups as you learn to balance.

This really helps keep pressure off my back, so I'm a fan!

word, single legs with dumbells are phenominal

[tmac4real]

how do you guys do single leg with dumbbells?

[Gregory_WE]

Originally Posted by tmac4real

how do you guys do single leg with dumbbells?

http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...eLegSquat.html

There ya go.

I've never tried them but I think I might, seems like it'll take some balance.

[tmac4real]

Originally Posted by Gregory_WE

http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...eLegSquat.html

There ya go.

I've never tried them but I think I might, seems like it'll take some balance.

Excellent. This way I can train both my legs seperately.

[bifodus]

I think you can get a lot of mileage out of dumbbells. The limiting factor with squats is that when you start getting high enough in weight, it becomes quite a bit of work on your arms just to carry the things. A hundred pounds in each hand is tiring.

On the other hand, this would give you a chance to switch to one-legged squats, which could potentially really build some stabilizers in addition to strength.


Edit: Kinda just noticed I raised the dead with this post. Sorry!

[ch2s]

I have olympic dumbbells I got on ebay for 30 plus shipping, I think I read they can hold 210 lbs each/420 total! I only bought enough plates to make 50 lbs each, it's enough for most exercises and for those where I need more weight like squats/bench I use my olympic barbell for which I have 300 lbs of weight (255 plates, 45 bar).

[chazzy1864]

it will also probably spur on growth since it is a totally new exrecise for you. Your body isn't acclimated to it.

The single leg squats are a total pain and a GREAT exercise. Especially if you are in any sports that require agility.