Replacing Bench with Dumbell Presses : good idea?

[Darkvision]

I've been on Rippetoe's all year, started on and off, didn't get any gains (due to lack of consitency) now I'm at it hardcore, been doing great eating a lot etc for over a month now and I'm not stopping. My bench form is solid, I want to replace benching with dumbell presses because I never have a spotter at my gym and I'm afraid to fail plus I think in the long run dumbell presses (or are they called flyes?) are better overall, I felt like benching was just training me the newby, it says so and Mark Rippetoe even says ultimately dumbell presses are better. So I'm looking for opinions, and advice on how to do these exercises. Which get the best gains and where etc. Thank you for taking the time to read / respond to this, and YES I used the searc

[Darkvision]

it says so = in the starting strength guide

[hrdgain81]

db presses and flys are two very different things, do a google search and you will find plenty of examples.

I see no problem in putting in db presses for bb presses, but you most likely wont see the same size/strength gains you would on bb press.

[Darkhorse]

It doesn't matter what you choose so long as you're CONSISTANT with it. Oftentimes the barbell is used in cases where the db's aren't heavy enough to continue being progressive. The only real problem with the db's are having to constantly deadlift them off the floor every set. But if you're doing a program like Rippetoe's, core strength shouldn't be an issue whatsoever in that regard.

[Andrew87]

Got to keep in mind thoug variety is a good thing so change stuff up when able imo

[thonaker]

To expand on what 0311 said...

On "incline benches" with dumbells, I started to run into problems with dumbells. It was difficult to get the weight needed into place, and I felt like I was going to mess up something trying to get the weight up in starting position. I have a hernia I'm dealing with, so I don't need to aggravate it, busting my gut trying to get the dumbbells up. I've been doing pretty well considering this problem as of late.

I do flat benches with dumbells though. Getting the weight into place is relatively easy, compared to incline. A nice machine for inclines, if you have access to such a thing, that gives you independent motion on each side, is a Hammer Strength incline bench machine. Of course they make a whole range of equipment too. I love these machines. It's quite safe and you can feel more free to load up the weight. Plus you don't have to deal with the limitation of linear motion like with many machines.

Be safe and use a power rack for exercises like chest and shoulder presses and squats, especially since you don't have a spotter. It's a good idea to have someone with you in the gym at all times regardless.

Troy

[Lukas1878]

My words....

[mvp]

Originally Posted by Darkvision

I've been on Rippetoe's all year, started on and off, didn't get any gains (due to lack of consitency) now I'm at it hardcore, been doing great eating a lot etc for over a month now and I'm not stopping. My bench form is solid, I want to replace benching with dumbell presses because I never have a spotter at my gym and I'm afraid to fail plus I think in the long run dumbell presses (or are they called flyes?) are better overall, I felt like benching was just training me the newby, it says so and Mark Rippetoe even says ultimately dumbell presses are better. So I'm looking for opinions, and advice on how to do these exercises. Which get the best gains and where etc. Thank you for taking the time to read / respond to this, and YES I used the searc

DB benches and DB flys are two totally different things. DB flys are an isolation movement while DB benches are the same as BB just done with DB's. Many have complained that they didn't like DB bench as much because you can't lift as much weight. However the reason for this is because you will lift more weight when both arms are working together to push the same thing. It's always good to switch up and try to vary between DB/BB benches in your cycle.