What is the difference between Dumbbell and Barbell? - ProProfs Discuss
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What is the difference between Dumbbell and Barbell?

Asked by Jasmijn , Last updated: Mar 26, 2024

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3 Answers

M. Klose

M. Klose

M. Klose
M. Klose, Content Writer, Oakland

Answered Jun 11, 2020

Dumbbell and barbell are two types of weights that can be used for strength training. They both can be used for the purpose of free weights. Their name explains one of the differences between them. The barbell is called so because it has a bar.

A dumbbell will not have a bar. Another difference between them is the shape of the weight. Barbells are shaped like a bell, but compared to dumbbell's a barbell will not have a clapper. If a person is looking to use more weights, they should go with a barbell because a barbell allows for more weights to be used.

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B. Strickland

B. Strickland

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B. Strickland
B. Strickland, Sales Manager, MBA, Houston

Answered Jun 11, 2020

Barbells and dumbbells are two types of free weights that are used to increase the strength of muscles and muscle mass. A dumbbell is smaller in size and is lighter in weight. A barbell has a long bar that is two meters in length and weighs 20 kilograms. Dumbbell weights are more portable and easier to use.

Barbells, on the contrary, are heavy and must be lifted using both hands, and one in each hand. Dumbbells are safer to use, and there is less injury with using a dumbbell. The barbell is a steel bar with weights fastened to both sides. Barbells are adjustable and allow for the addition of weights on both sides.

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C. Marcus

C. Marcus

C. Marcus
C. Marcus, Content Developer, Washington

Answered Jun 11, 2020

Dumbbell and barbell can be differentiated when you consider certain features of the two. A dumbbell refers to a weight with two spheres or disks attaching to a short bar. A dumbbell does look like a bell but does not have a clapper attached to it. The bar connecting the two disks together is so short that it can only be lifted by one hand.

On the other hand, a barbell is made with a long bar and has weights that have been premeasured affixed to either end. A barbell is made with a long bar, which means more weights can be added to it. Unlike a dumbbell that can be lifted with one hand, barbells are usually lifted with two hands.

Dumbbells are meant to give you more balance and are not necessarily designed to increase your weight. In contrast, barbells are designed to increase one's weight. The latter is actually one of the major advantages of barbells over dumbbells.

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