Hand weights or bar & bench?

alpha_n3rd · 2014-12-26T20:13:42+00:00

Find a gym with a daycare.

tombreck2 · 2014-12-26T20:41:03+00:00

Flat bench with dumbells.

You get a big chest by isolating it through flyes, not through bench press.

secret_barber · 2014-12-26T19:56:01+00:00

Check out Primal Blueprint Fitness - it's a free e-book that basically teaches you a body weight lifting routine. The only equipment you need is something to pull up on.

If you are dead set on buying something, get a squat rack, barbell and olympic weights. Look into the StrongLifts 5x5 routine

Archwinger · 2014-12-26T19:56:03+00:00

If you want to get seriously big, you'll need a big ass bar, a squat rack, and a bench.

You can get fit and trim with dumbells, and build some starting muscle if you're new, but past a certain point, you need big ass weight. You can't really work your quads, chest, or back to exhaustion with a pair of 15# dumbells.

frequentlywrong · 2014-12-26T20:17:44+00:00

You could also go into kettlebells. They are probably the most versatile type of weight. They can be used for weight lifting and cardio.

TalkingMonkeys · 2014-12-26T20:25:46+00:00

If you had the capital to purchase a quality squat rack and Olympic bar, you would be making a great decision. If there are any powerlifts that should be called necessary, its these six: Bench press, push press, squat, deadlift, bent over row and curls. You could do just those lifts with proper form and routine to become an animal.

Olypic bars are kind of limited after that. Sure you can vary your squat styles, add lunges, or be creative and do one arm rows, but there's not much else.

I'm a large fan of free weights for variety, but access to greater weight can be difficult. I suggest having #15, 30, 40, 50 and 70. Maybe skip the 40. Combine those weights with a cheap, bench (one that can be positioned for incline and decline lifts).

Rygoth100 · 2014-12-26T21:47:04+00:00

I think it depends on what you are trying to achieve with your lifting. IE if you want bulk, you will need squat rack, bench, etc. But, if you just want to cut and lean up, dumbells and other that you listed may suffice.

bigsexyman · 2014-12-26T21:54:15+00:00

IF you are short on funds / space, an adjustable angle bench and both a straight bar and preacher bar is the most cost effective, space saving way to build mass.

You can do bench, curls, military press, rows, T bar, squats, lunges, deadlifts, narrow grip (triceps), skull crushers (triceps), donkey raises (calves)... this is off of the top of my head, there are TONS more. Then you can get free weights with locking ends to use the same weights you are using for bench. Buy it all on CL, you can get it much cheaper. It is steel, it doesn't need to be shiny.

JackGetsIt · 2014-12-26T23:40:24+00:00

Look into a power rack. You can do almost anything with it. They last a lifetime and you can always resell in on craigslist for what you paid.

Title	Hand weights or bar & bench?
Author	conspirized
Upvotes	2
Comments	13
Date	December 26, 2014 7:45 PM UTC (11 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/2qgvjv/hand_weights_or_bar_bench/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/hand-weights-or-bar-bench.144711 https://theredarchive.com/post/144711

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