Bench or dumb-bells?

[Shrek211]

This question has probaly been asked before but I could not find it in the search. So my question is which is better for your over-all strength/look flat bench or dumb-bells?

 

[DeadnBloated]

dumb bells are not as harsh on your shoulders and rotator cuffs. I switched to dumb bells for my chest work out and my strength is way up.

 

[csyflt]

Dumbells are the best tool known to man bro!!!!!! They are the best tool even in the biggest gyms in the world

 

[outlawtas]

Well if you care about strength, then you need to bench! Bench presses is used in powerlifting, not dumbells.

However to answer your question, you should use both.

 

[Shrek211]

I been benching forever and got tired of it in a sense, so i switched to dumb-bells and I seem to like it alot better. But probaly gonna switch every couple of weeks from bench to dumb-bells, and back and forth.

 

[DarkCurse]

both.

 

[csyflt]

Swithching would be a good idea bro.

 

[tman55]

if you are a powerlifter or wannabe powerlifter you are going to want to spend most of your time benching with the bar, but you need to mix some db work in too.

 

[Dlove]

DB's seem to isolate the muscles better and the BB is better for overall mass, for me at least.

 

[pushpapal.singh]

bench

dumb bells are not as harsh on your shoulders and rotator cuffs. I switched to dumb bells for my chest work out and my strength is way up.

I find bench better than dumbbells for gaining strength.

 

[csyflt]

Dumbells hit the core of the muscle better. So bro your better off using both.

 

[Mudge]

The core of the muscle? Hmm.

I prefer barbell, but everyone is different. I like incline dumbell, but not flat, flat bothers my shoulders (opposite of most I know). I am fine with incline or flat barbell, but not decline.

If your goal is a big bench, then you need at least some barbell training. If you are a bodybuilder, do what you like, or mix up both.

 

[miteymite]

Mix it up, just like your heavy days and light days

 

[mikea]

Im a PL who is vain about his body, imho flatbench shouldnt be done heavy, its just a matter of time for pec/rotator tear.

I like to use dumbells for my lower part and then 2´ or 3` board press for heavy low rep maxes, or just a ligth widowmaker with 300 on cruise days. Decline and incline bench is great and a lot safer.

I have made sevaral meet pr`s without ever benching heavy on the flat, except on meets.

One should also note that db are a lot more functional.

Using a broom stick and streching your shoulders will help you press safer as your range of motion is better. Dont do anything for your front delts, as they get hit like hell pressing, and remember to balance the rear delts, this will save you from pressing injuries and up your numbers.

Be safe!