There is no broad difference. This is also true of the machines vs free weights question. Many trials have investigated this, and if two exercises have the same general movement pattern and are hard in the same way (e.g. a legpress and a squat), expect them both to work the same.
Some extra considerations: * If I want to do a squat or deadlift patter, and I’m not a beginner, I’m going to be using inconveniently heavy dumbells. * If I want to train my side delts with a barbell, I got maybe one good option (upright row)
And for each individual exercise I can probably talk your ear off about nuanced improvements with one or other.
If your question is something like “If I only ever use dumbells, can I get 90% of my theoretical max gains? ” I’d guess yes. Use your creativity, google, and good sense to find exercises that challenge you as you advance.
There is no broad difference. This is also true of the machines vs free weights question. Many trials have investigated this, and if two exercises have the same general movement pattern and are hard in the same way (e.g. a legpress and a squat), expect them both to work the same.
Some extra considerations:
* If I want to do a squat or deadlift patter, and I’m not a beginner, I’m going to be using inconveniently heavy dumbells.
* If I want to train my side delts with a barbell, I got maybe one good option (upright row)
And for each individual exercise I can probably talk your ear off about nuanced improvements with one or other.
If your question is something like “If I only ever use dumbells, can I get 90% of my theoretical max gains? ” I’d guess yes. Use your creativity, google, and good sense to find exercises that challenge you as you advance.