Different weight equipment easier to lift?

"Frederick" <oldsmithy DeleteThis @iinet.net.au> wrote in message
news:464d26ad$0$9105$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
> Maybe this is a common thing I don't know much about being a novice. I have a
> set of adjustable dumbbells that I use mostly for my routines. Now I can do a
> few curling reps at 17.5KG on these, however at 20KG on same equipment I
> can't (both include bar weight of about 2.5KG). Now one of those HEXAGON
> looking weights which aren't adjustable at 20KG, I can curl at about the same
> ease as the 17.5KG weight.
>
> Is the actual "dimensions" of the adjustable weights stopping me from lifting
> as much, or what's the explanation for such a thing?

I find the collared weights are a tiny bit harder to lift at similar weights
due to the wobble in them. Fixed octagonal weight you don't have to adjust for
at all.

Fraser
 >> Stay informed about: Different weight equipment easier to lift? 

On Fri, 18 May 2007, Steve Freides wrote:

>> "Frederick" <oldsmithy.TakeThisOut@iinet.net.au> wrote in message
>> news:464d26ad$0$9105$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>>
>>> I can curl
>
> It always troubles me to hear novices discussing curls - they should be
> squatting or deadlifting, or doing pullups, or some other compound
> exercise.

How do you know he's not? (PROTIP: you don't) Is there any reason not to
do curls as well? (PROTIP: there isn't) Won't doing curls on top of
compounds give you better arm development than not doing them? (PROTIP:
yes)

If he's curling and not doing real lifts, then i'm with you, though.

tom

--
Three o'clock is always too late or too early for anything you want to do.
 >> Stay informed about: Different weight equipment easier to lift? 

> I have measured both on a scale, so it's not inaccurate. For *ME* it's
> easier to do fixed hex weights than my adjustable dumbbells at any given
> weight. I thought it was kinda like how weirdly shaped objects at 10lb
> are harder to lift than a 10lb dumbbell.
>
> Do you think grip strength/hand size might negate the "stability" factor
> of adjustables vs the fixed weights? I think I have small hands for
> someone who is 6 foot tall, maybe thats why.


I had forgotten about this one until I looked back at my old charts,
but it might help.

I started doing calf presses using a cable and hand grip. I would hold
the hand grip in both hands, so that my thumbs were touching and my
arms were straight, then do a calf press with the front of my feet on
a 1" board. I could do 100lbs 15 times, for 3 sets (roughly 2 months
ago).

After seeing no improvement after several weeks, I started doing the
calf press with a barbell on my shoulders, just like a squat. I still
used the 1" board, the only difference was that the weight was on my
shoulder instead of at my groin, and my arms were spread instead of
together (which should have no impact on calves).

I started out with 100lbs again, but it was ridiculously easy. Over
the last few weeks, I increased the weight in big jumps so that
yesterday, I had 205lbs, and was able to do 3 sets of 20... fairly
easily.

For the calves, this was the exact same exercise. The only difference
was the location of the weights in respect to my body, and the
location of my arms. But I could more than double the weight, almost
instantly.

Why?
 >> Stay informed about: Different weight equipment easier to lift? 

Steve Freides wrote:
> "Fraser Johnston" <fraser.TakeThisOut@jcis.com.au> wrote in message
> news:5b4v4nF2r13a7U1@mid.individual.net...
>> "Frederick" <oldsmithy.TakeThisOut@iinet.net.au> wrote in message
>> news:464d26ad$0$9105$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>>> Maybe this is a common thing I don't know much about being a novice.
>>> I have a set of adjustable dumbbells that I use mostly for my
>>> routines. Now I can do a few curling reps at 17.5KG on these, however
>>> at 20KG on same equipment I can't (both include bar weight of about
>>> 2.5KG). Now one of those HEXAGON looking weights which aren't
>>> adjustable at 20KG, I can curl at about the same ease as the 17.5KG
>>> weight.
>>>
>>> Is the actual "dimensions" of the adjustable weights stopping me from
>>> lifting as much, or what's the explanation for such a thing?
>> I find the collared weights are a tiny bit harder to lift at similar
>> weights due to the wobble in them. Fixed octagonal weight you don't
>> have to adjust for at all.
>
> I'd go with added instability, probably combined with inaccurate
> measurement of the weight, but if one finds the plates further from the
> center, even if they aren't wobbly, that'll also add at least some
> instability as well.
>

I have measured both on a scale, so it's not inaccurate. For *ME* it's
easier to do fixed hex weights than my adjustable dumbbells at any given
weight. I thought it was kinda like how weirdly shaped objects at 10lb
are harder to lift than a 10lb dumbbell.

Do you think grip strength/hand size might negate the "stability" factor
of adjustables vs the fixed weights? I think I have small hands for
someone who is 6 foot tall, maybe thats why.

> It always troubles me to hear novices discussing curls - they should be
> squatting or deadlifting, or doing pullups, or some other compound
> exercise.
>

I have been doing weights on and off for about 8 years now, and I agree
with your assessment of novices concentrating on things like curls, etc.
I've never gone to a gym though, just done it at home which is why I'm
not too up to date on all the lingo/nuances of BB/weight lifting.

Most big guys (mostly power lifters) I speak to say to just do
squats/deadlift,bench and presses, but I like some more targeted
routines for the tris/should/bicep/lats and stomach.

Fred
 >> Stay informed about: Different weight equipment easier to lift? 

"Steve Freides" <steve.DeleteThis@fridayscomputer.com> schreef:

> I'd go with added instability...

You are what?

> probably combined with inaccurate measurement of the weight, but if one
> finds the plates further from the center, even if they aren't wobbly,
> that'll also add at least some instability as well.

?!?!?!

> It always troubles me to hear novices discussing curls - they should be
> squatting or deadlifting, or doing pullups, or some other compound
> exercise.

Thats good, Stevie.

--
Pete
 >> Stay informed about: Different weight equipment easier to lift?