Are dumbells really as good as barbells?

[flyn]

I train at home so barbell weights are not practical for me so I have to do the dumbell version of everything. I feel somethings lacking but I from what I have read they are just as good as barbells for doing all of the exercises with. I've been doing like this for several years now and it certainly is more convenient than going to the gym but does that convenience come at a price is what I'm asking.

[Animal]

Depending on the exercise and the weight you have available then the answer is probably no. If anything, dumbbells are better for certain exercises (especially if you train alone and won't therefore get stuck under a bar) because they're less stable and force you to use other muscles to stabilise the weight.

[Morba]

For a home environment they are safer to an extent and allow a greater range of exercises to be performed.

However, there is no replacement for lifting heavy with a barbell.

Have a think about a rack with some safety bars.

[davethebunny]

both the answers above really.

Some exercises are great with dumbells as you need to be more stable.

But then you can't go as heavy as you can with a bar.

IME dumbell presses, the tricep always gives out and the dumbell comes swinging down as it pivots on your elbow, deffo need a spotter for these.