Question About Weight

[LoadedFreak66]

I have just been wondering something about how to determine the weight that you place on barbells.

For example, if I was doing shoulder presses and I put a 15 lb. plate on each side would that be a 30 lb. or 15 lb. shoulder press?

The only reason I ask is because my maximum standing shoulder press with a barbell is 85 lbs. and I was at my freinds house and his dad uses 40 lb. dumbells and I could barely press them overhead for 1 rep!

Anybody who can explain this drastic change in the weight I can press please explain it to me.

[I. Kay]

If you put two 15 pound plates on a full-size barbell, it would be a 75 pound lift. (standard bar = 45 pounds) Of coure, you may be using a different kind of bar... you should find out what it actually weighs!

The transition from barbell to dumbbell is often unequal. A couple of possibilities: a) the bar often aids balance, which then disappears while using dumbbells b) Your dominant arm may be guiding the barbell, but once you switch to DB's, your weak arm is on it's own c) You're working in a slightly different arc of motion with a BB. With DB's you can go straight up and down, whereas with a BB you're always either slightly behind or slightly in front of square of your shoulders.

It's normal, though. It's also why lots of guys like to do both or trade off a lot, to make sure they're not missing anything.

[LoadedFreak66]

Thanks for explaining that man. I was just getting worried I was doing something that was gonna mess up my body. I will definatly start using both barbells and dumbells in my workout.

Thanks a lot!