Dumbbells and barbells are both exercise weights, but different styles. Dumbbells have a handle with a spherical weight on either side, either permanently molded or plates fastened to a short bar. Barbells have a long bar with weight plates on either side and usually are set in a holder on a weight bench -- barbells always have removable plates so weights can be easily altered. Both types are used in serious weight training, often in very similar fashion, such as curls, lifting weight with biceps, or deadlifts, lifting weights off the floor rather than from a rack.
Barbells or Deadlifts
Deadlifts can be done with either barbells or dumbbells, although the procedures are slightly different. Barbells are held and lifted with both hands on the bar. Dumbbells are held separately in each hand and can move independently. Deadlifts with either involve lifting the weight from the floor until the body is vertical with the weights against the front of the legs.
Deadlift Technique
The technique for deadlifts is almost the same whether done with barbell or dumbbells. Start with the weights on the floor centered at your feet. With a barbell, put both hands on the bar at about shoulder distance with arms vertical. With dumbbells, put one dumbbell on the floor spaced at shoulder-width and grasp one dumbbell with each hand. Bend your knees until your shins hit the bar or almost touch the dumbbells. Lift with your chest, keeping your back and head straight, then pull the bar or dumbbells up until your body is vertical.
Dumbbells for Beginners
Dumbbells are better for weight-training beginners, because they are generally lighter and can allow more freedom of movement in the arms. Barbells are superior for heavier weight. Most one-piece dumbbells do not exceed 60 or 70 lbs. or 120 to 140 lbs. combined and it is hard to put plates bigger than 25 lbs. on dumbbell bars. Barbells can handle multiple plates of up to 50 lbs. each, and can be many hundreds of pounds in total weight.
Pros and Cons
Barbells provide more flexibility in adding weights. Barbell weight plates are as small as 2.5-lb. increments -- most barbell plates also can be used on dumbbell handles, but fixed-weight dumbbells usually go up in 5-lb. increments. That can make a difference between jumping 5 lbs. at a time or 10 lbs. Dumbbells allow more flexibility of use; you can easily drop one if need be. It can be easier to keep your balance with dumbbells than with a barbell.
Both Have a Place
Both barbells and dumbbells have a place in serious weight training, for deadlifts or other exercises. Always start with light weight and work up as strength increases. Alternate weight training sessions with a day of rest. Try to work with a partner with a barbell, even for deadlifts, to reduce chance of injury if a bar is dropped. Barbells generally are used in a gym or workout room -- dumbbells may be easily used at home.
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