🏋️ barbell vs. dumbbell bench press — which is better?

If you're tired of sugar plums dancing in your head, try replacing those visions with the workout tips and fitness news below. It's our gift to you.

Want a stronger chest? Of course you do! You’re a BarBend reader. We’re helping you pick the right exercise for your routine by pitting the barbell bench press against its dumbbell-centric counterpart.

Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay spoke out for the first time since his stunning loss at the Mr. Olympia over the weekend. See what the two-time champ says is next.

Cable machines aren’t just for your arms and shoulders — they’re also great for building a strong lower body. Here are some top-notch workouts to get you started.

Face-Off

Dumbbell Vs. Barbell Bench Press

Barbell and dumbbell bench presses are both crucial components of chest training. Barbells allow lifters to load maximal amounts of weight or, if they practice powerlifting, train specifically for competition. Dumbbells, on the other hand, offer access to the immense benefits of unilateral training.

When it’s time to program your upper-body workouts, how do you know whether to use the barbell or dumbbell bench press? We’re here to help you navigate the differences and similarities between them so you can figure out which is best to use according to your goals.

2022 Olympia Fallout

Big Ramy Speaks!

Heading into the 2022 Mr. Olympia, Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay was considered the presumptive favorite. The two-time defending champion had ringing endorsements from Olympia icons like Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, and Lee Haney. And with various training updates showcasing his trademark mass, it seemed inevitable that the Egyptian bodybuilding titan would become only the eighth person to win the Mr. Olympia on at least three occasions.

Instead, in a surprising upset that made Olympia history, Hadi Choopan captured his first career Sandow trophy, while Ramy notched a disappointing fifth-place result. With the 2022 competitive calendar now in the rearview, Ramy posted a reflective video about his most recent Olympia performance on Instagram.

Workouts

Cable Leg Workouts for Days

Cable machines aren’t all about crossovers and curls; these machines are also useful for building muscle and strength in your lower body. The multiple attachments you can use (ropes, D-handles, and ankle straps) allow you to train your legs at different angles for better total muscle development, which is something you’d have a hard time replicating with free weights.

The good news is that cable machines are found in most commercial gyms and are great for anyone from newbies to hardcore competitors. Below, you’ll find the best cable machine leg workouts for any experience level.

Everything Else

Mom Was Right About All That Broccoli

• What if you went through life refusing to eat your vegetables? Well, it wouldn’t be good, we can tell you that much.

• The ​​2022 America’s Strongest Man and America’s Strongest Woman contests took place in Vegas over the weekend. Here’s who came out on top.

• It pays to don the posing trunks — here’s how much prize money each 2022 Olympia winner received in their respective divisions.

Sound Off!

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