Each of the three most commonly used pieces of free-weight equipment—the dumbbell, barbell, or kettlebell—has its benefits and suitability, depending on your goals. However, you will gain strength and muscle by choosing any of these body sculpting tools, so there is no need to get overwhelmed about which is better for what if you are beginning.
At Podium Gym CrossFit, we have dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells for our gym users. Try them all and constantly change your training routine easily by switching between them—a fantastic strategy to get the most out of your dedication to the gym. Keeping your muscles surprised is one of the best ways to get noticeable results faster.
Nevertheless, there are moments when it is better to use the dumbbell, barbell, or kettlebell. For those aiming to see physical improvements faster, selecting the appropriate weight-lifting equipment helps speed up fitness gains. So, in this blog post, you will learn when to choose which free weight to achieve your desired results in the shortest time possible.
When to Choose a Dumbbell
For supplementary lifts and endurance training, dumbbells are superior. Therefore, employ them for sets involving more than eight repetitions.
Dumbbells also aid in preventing imbalances, targeting specific muscle groups, and strengthening smaller muscles.
When to Choose a Barbell
You can overload your muscles more safely and effectively using a barbell, making it the more suitable choice for heavier lifts (overload sets of one to six reps max). For example, you can deadlift, press, or squat with more steadiness since the weight is spread uniformly.
Compared to a barbell’s dumbbell equivalents, movements with a barbell require less involvement from stabilizer muscles. Because of this, the average person can lift roughly 20% more weight using a barbell instead of two dumbbells.
Using barbells also allows you to train multiple muscle groups at once.
When to Choose a Kettlebell
Because of the way the weight is distributed below the handle, the kettlebell is the most challenging to get used to of the free-weight types. However, the kettlebell’s unique shape makes it ideal for training explosive movements and combinations. For this reason, they are best suited for activities involving dynamic and high-velocity motions.
When it comes to cardio, kettlebell exercises are better because they give you a wider range of motion and let you do dynamic movements with weights during your workout. For example, doing swings with a kettlebell can help you build stamina and strength faster than doing the same thing with other equipment.
Podium Gym CrossFit Trainers Can Teach You Which Free Weight to Use When
In the end, whether you use a barbell, dumbbells, or kettlebells depends on what you hope to accomplish by regularly coming to Podium Gym CrossFit. Therefore, your goals dictate which type of free-weight equipment is most beneficial.
If you need help understanding which to use, how to use it, and when, please schedule a consultation with one of our trainers. They can teach you exercises using all the equipment that will benefit you most and help you develop a training schedule to ensure progress.