It is fairly common amount weight-lifters to reach a point in their training life where significant strength and muscle gains seem to reach a plateau. This is particularly a problem with beginners, who often initiate their first home workouts with dumbbell weights and maybe some additional cardio. However, you could be seriously missing out on some amazing gains if you do not perform exercises with heavier barbell weight.
Dumbbells have their purpose, and they are particularly good for working stabilizing muscles and improving core strength. However, in order to see significant gains in size and strength, you will need to incorporate barbell-type exercise into your training routines at some point or another. This is because barbells allow you to lift more weight, as they typically work both muscles to the same degree and allow for more muscle fiber recruitment during the lifting process. This is why most power-lifting competitions make use of barbells instead of dumbbells.
Barbell weight sets are sold within a number of different styles. Most weight plates used with the barbell bar are made of either a compact heavyweight rubber, cast-iron, or stainless steel. The bar itself is typically made from stainless steel as well. Beginner sets will usually be sold with around 120 pounds of total weight, whereas sets designed for more advanced lifters can go up to 1000 pounds in total weight. Expect prices to vary widely between each individual weights manufacturer, the location from which the weight was purchased, the quality of the material used, and the total amount of weight purchased.
In summary, a barbell set of weights is excellent for those wishing to bust out of plateau or for beginner lifters alike. Considerable care should be taken when searching for a specific set, as there are many different types of barbell weights available on the market.
