Do You Prefer Dumbbells or Barbells for Chest Training?

[mikefromnj]

For a long time, I thought barbell bench press was the main exercise to focus on if you wanted a bigger chest. Being able to add more weight over time made it easy to track progress. But after spending more time with dumbbell presses, I started to appreciate the extra range of motion and how naturally I could position my arms.

I'm curious how it has been for you guys. Have you built a better chest with barbell bench press, or have dumbbells given you better results? Do you use both, or has one become your main chest movement over the years?

 

[bigdave]

I use both, but dumbbells became my main press a while ago. Barbell bench always turned into more of a strength exercise for me, especially once the weight got heavier. Dumbbells make it easier to keep the movement focused on my chest instead of just moving the load.

 

[liftinheavy]

i feel my chest way more with dumbbells but i can’t load them as fast. do you hit both in the same week?

 

[talktomybiceps]

dumbbells for me, easier on my shoulders and i get a better stretch at the bottom

 

[MindlessWork]

Dumbbells for me as barbell kills my old shoulders.

 

[jaylifts]

i'm more of a dumbbell guy for chest