Dumbell Work

 

by Matt Palfrey

 

A Brief History Of Dumbbell Lifting

The dumbbell itself is widely believed to have originated from the haltere, a hand-heldweight used in ancient Greece, specifically in the long jump. Later they were used by English bell ringers as a silent way to build strength. These days, the dumbbell is commonplace in gyms throughout the world and remains one of the most popular options for those training at home.

The Advantages of Using Dumbbells

While basing a strength program around the barbell is age-old and sensible advice, there are many benefits to be had from utilizing the dumbbell as an alternative:

• The dumbbell will not allow for strength imbalances between your arms. You won’t be able to use your dominant arm to assist when you aren’t strong enough to lift the weight with your weaker arm. This will help to eradicate any strength imbalances that you may have.
• The compact nature of the dumbbell makes it a good choice for dynamic, power-based movements.
• Having a different weight in each hand allows you to perform various combinations of bilateral and unilateral movements.
• Dumbbells can provide a more comfortable range of motion for many individuals.
• It can be easier to dump the dumbbells when a lift goes wrong, making them a great option when training alone.

 

 

 

A Brief History Of Dumbbell Lifting

The dumbbell itself is widely believed to have originated from the haltere, a hand-heldweight used in ancient Greece, specifically in the long jump. Later they were used by English bell ringers as a silent way to build strength. These days, the dumbbell is commonplace in gyms throughout the world and remains one of the most popular options for those training at home.

The Advantages of Using Dumbbells

While basing a strength program around the barbell is age-old and sensible advice, there are many benefits to be had from utilizing the dumbbell as an alternative:

• The dumbbell will not allow for strength imbalances between your arms. You won’t be able to use your dominant arm to assist when you aren’t strong enough to lift the weight with your weaker arm. This will help to eradicate any strength imbalances that you may have.
• The compact nature of the dumbbell makes it a good choice for dynamic, power-based movements.
• Having a different weight in each hand allows you to perform various combinations of bilateral and unilateral movements.
• Dumbbells can provide a more comfortable range of motion for many individuals.
• It can be easier to dump the dumbbells when a lift goes wrong, making them a great option when training alone.

 

A Brief History Of Dumbbell Lifting

The dumbbell itself is widely believed to have originated from the haltere, a hand-heldweight used in ancient Greece, specifically in the long jump. Later they were used by English bell ringers as a silent way to build strength. These days, the dumbbell is commonplace in gyms throughout the world and remains one of the most popular options for those training at home.

The Advantages of Using Dumbbells

While basing a strength program around the barbell is age-old and sensible advice, there are many benefits to be had from utilizing the dumbbell as an alternative:

• The dumbbell will not allow for strength imbalances between your arms. You won’t be able to use your dominant arm to assist when you aren’t strong enough to lift the weight with your weaker arm. This will help to eradicate any strength imbalances that you may have.
• The compact nature of the dumbbell makes it a good choice for dynamic, power-based movements.
• Having a different weight in each hand allows you to perform various combinations of bilateral and unilateral movements.
• Dumbbells can provide a more comfortable range of motion for many individuals.
• It can be easier to dump the dumbbells when a lift goes wrong, making them a great option when training alone.