Your thoughts on dumbells

[Irishman301]

I know you're a barbell fan, that's a given. Personally, I love doing the main 5barbell exercises myself. I do, however, also enjoy doing some dumbell work. I like lunges, weighted step-ups, overhead presses, and dumbell bench presses - incline and flat. I definately prefer barbells for all pulling exercises though.

Right now, I'm not on your SS program. I'm doing lighter "hypertrophy specific" work (higher reps lighter weight) while I let everything heal. Maybe it's not the best way to rehabilitate myself, but I feel it's working for me. I will start back with your strength methods when I feel like I'm 100% ready, and I will take things much slower next time, which I believe was part of my problem. That's aside from the point of my question though. The point is, is that I'm using dumbells for the exercises I mentioned above. I'm guessing that the main reason why you're not a big fan of dumbells because you can't use small incremental steps (microloading) like you can with barbells, since dumbells typically only go in multiples of 5. Is there other reasons why you don't feel that they are ideal, or is that it?

I know I have a lot of questions for you. It's nice knowing that an expert is available to answer questions about this stuff. I appreciate it greatly, and I want to try and attend the seminar in March. I just need to get a hold of $1000 real quickly, which may be kind of tough.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Let me ask you a question: How are you going to get your dumbbell squat up to 300 lb.?

[Irishman301]

I'm not. I told you, that I like doing pressing movements (db shoulder presses in particular) and lunges with dumbells sometimes. I'd never squat with them. I was just wondering.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

I actually consulted a high school S&C program who was using a one rep max on the weighted DB step up. I am not kidding either, although I thought they were when they showed me thier program. unbelievable.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Gotcha. Sorry for the quick read of your post. Just DB assistance work. I do it myself. It's very useful for a more advanced trainee. Mike Rutherford at CrossFit Kansas City http://www.crossfitkc.com/ has a series of videos that deal exclusively with DB exercises. I recommend them for post-novice people.

[Irishman301]

I actually consulted a high school S&C program who was using a one rep max on the weighted DB step up. I am not kidding either, although I thought they were when they showed me thier program. unbelievable.

1RM's for step-ups??? Wow, now that sounds crazy.

@Rippetoe, ya I just use them for assistance work for various exercises. Nice link, thanks.