The Dumbbell: More than meets the eye

When people think of weightlifting they often first envision someone lifting a heavy barbell with big round weights on both ends.  Stop right there though, we shouldn't be discrediting the dumbbell.  Relegating it to live among cardio step classes isn't giving it the credit it's due.  Now we always encourage finding a workout you enjoy, so if your thing is cardio step don't be offended, we're merely saying that there's more to the dumbbell than meets the eye.

Benefits of the Dumbbell

1. Increased Muscle Activation

Dumbbells require you to put more effort into stabilizing the weights, this leads to an increased activation of the muscles being worked.

2. Helps Work Out Imbalances

Since dumbbells work sides independently you can't mask imbalances.  They will be obvious, so this gives you the opportunity to improve upon them.

3. Larger Range of Motion

When using dumbbells you can vary your movement and move more freely.  This can lead to rotating, raising, and lowering the weights in ways you can't with a barbell.

4. Convenient and Easy Way to Add Weight to Bodyweight Exercises

Adding weight to squats, lunges, crunches, leg lifts, and other bodyweight exercises is made easy by simply introducing a dumbbell or two.

5. More Variety of Exercises

Dumbbells can be used in an overwhelming number of exercises.  The possibilities are enormous.

Favorite Dumbbell Exercises to Try