Lisa~: Dumbbell vs. Barbell Push Press - JP Fitness Forums

DanceDiva · 02-22-2008, 05:03 PM

Lisa~:
I didn't have a problem with the Front Squat & barbell in the Front Squat/Push Press.

However, I wasn't too crazy about the red mark I saw across my collarbone. I wanted to know if you could give me some information on the pros/cons of substituting Dumbbells for the Barbell is this exercise.

Thanks,
Tracey

Lisa~ · 02-22-2008, 05:10 PM

HA! My advice is to get over the red mark, hahahaha. Be tough girl!

DBs would be harder if you used a comparable load to what you had on the barbell. The barbell allows you to brace your hands laterally against the bar, so it's more stable. DBs require stability to be created in all directions. That's the reason most people (not all) can barbell bench more than they can DB bench and barbell OH press more than they can DB OH press.

With all that said, I wouldn't think it'd make the movement any less metabolically challenging if you can use sufficiently heavy DBs. So if you want to use DBs, go for it. The point of the movement is its metabolic cost, not solely learning a new barbell movement.

DanceDiva · 02-22-2008, 05:37 PM

I laughed very loudly at the first comment. I wouldn't worry about the red marks so much if I didn't think it was going to lead to rubbing and a darker mark. I thought about wearing a turtleneck or sweatshirt to see if it would give me a "buffer."

Now that you've explained the purpose of the exercise to me, I think I will try both the thicker shirt and dumbbells and then see if I have a preference.

Thanks. You are the best!

LisaS · 02-22-2008, 05:47 PM

is it the rough knurling on the bar against skin that is causing your problems? If so, you can always drape/wrap a towel or tee shirt over it.

DanceDiva · 02-22-2008, 06:04 PM

I think it must be the bar pressing down. While I was doing the front squat, I didn't feel any rubbing. It was only when I looked in the mirror afterwards that I saw the red mark.

The towel is a good idea because I already bring a hand towel to the gym, and lengthwise, it's longer than my chest. Then I wouldn't be suffering with hot flashes in the turtleneck/sweatshirt.

What's the good version of tag-teamed? Because the Lisas have hooked me up!

baffled111 · 02-23-2008, 10:01 AM

FWIW, I've been doing these with DBs rather than a bar. I have a strength imbalance and prefer DBs where possible while I try to get my left side to toughen up. They're hard with the DBs--you have to focus a fair bit on balance to make them work smoothly. Also, I'm afraid that if I use a BB, I'll smack myself in the chin with the bar and take out a few teeth.

Lisa~ · 02-23-2008, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baffled111

I'm afraid that if I use a BB, I'll smack myself in the chin with the bar and take out a few teeth.

HA! Or part of your tongue! Hey, it could happen!