Powerblocks vs Dumbells

[hzsogood 5,000+ posts]

I really want to get a set of the powerblocks, but there s a few things holding me back.. Mainly the price.. pros and cons for each

Block-pros, -- Efficient, quick, easy to use,

cons-- price, only 20-60 lbs for $400 , add ons are spendy to

Dumbells-- pros-- price, its a dumbell, it doesnt get much better than being at a gym, weights up to 120+

cons-- Takes up more space than i think i have, not as easy to switch weight s as a powerblock

Any suggestions or comments would help, The set im looking at starting with is the 20-60lb set thats $369.. if i bought the actual dumbells they would be about 150 in 5lb incriments, but they do not make anything above 60lbs in that set, and the next set up from them is around $600

http://www.powerblock.com/blocks.html

Click to read more...

 

[mattmcss 10+ year member]

start with dumbells, than you can always sell em later and get the powerblock when they

A. Drop in price,

B. You'll need the extra weight

 

[NJack2AF 10+ year member]

I just think powerblocks would be weird... I'd stick with the dumbells, you can always buy heavier ones if you need them. Most everything I do though with dumbells 60 lbs is about as high as I go though... Unless I wanna go low reps with a spotter...

 

[BigDrez 10+ year member]

you'll grow out of the powerblocks real quick...even if you are not that strong. Trust me, I learned from experience. I went through the same scenario a while back. Now I do Dumbell bench with the 120's and Overhead Dumbell Press with the 95's for reps....believe me when I say you will grow out of 60lbs REAL quick. Not to mention if you don't ever go above 60lbs you will never get stronger. You have to test your muscles past your limits if you want to break platues. For example I maxed out on bench the other day at 365 for one rep. I know for a FACT I can't do 375 But I am going to try it every time I max out until I get it. You have to go beyond what you KNOW you can lift or you'll be stuck at 60lbs forever because your muscles will be accustomed to continuously lifting 60lbs. Go with Dumbells.

 

[PatFitz9 10+ year member]

i have never used those dumbells that you can adjust the weight, but that would eliminate the cons on your list...

 

[adio 5,000+ posts]

bowflex makes something similiar to powerblocks

 

[Captain_Ahab 5,000+ posts]

you'll grow out of the powerblocks real quick...even if you are not that strong. Trust me, I learned from experience. I went through the same scenario a while back. Now I do Dumbell bench with the 120's and Overhead Dumbell Press with the 95's for reps....believe me when I say you will grow out of 60lbs REAL quick. Not to mention if you don't ever go above 60lbs you will never get stronger. You have to test your muscles past your limits if you want to break platues. For example I maxed out on bench the other day at 365 for one rep. I know for a FACT I can't do 375 But I am going to try it every time I max out until I get it. You have to go beyond what you KNOW you can lift or you'll be stuck at 60lbs forever because your muscles will be accustomed to continuously lifting 60lbs. Go with Dumbells.

Sorry to jack the thread, but how tall are you and how much do you weigh?? 365 is a pretty nice bench max...

On topic... I would go with the dumbbells myself..

 

[hzsogood 5,000+ posts]

Im thinking the dumbells too.. If anything id get the power blocks for ease of use on my drop sets and to save a little room, since i dont have much of a designated workout area.. And considering 20-60lbs is about 10 sets of dumbells it would help out for the space issue.. Then as i get stronger i could always buy 70+ dumbells..

 

[BigDrez 10+ year member]

Sorry to jack the thread, but how tall are you and how much do you weigh?? 365 is a pretty nice bench max...

On topic... I would go with the dumbbells myself..

6'0'' and 15% Bodyfat at 235lbs...and thank you...it took me AWHILE to get there. I would like to get down to around 10% Bodyfat but I am not in a rush because I am greedy and do not want to sacrafice any muscle/strength to do so.

 

[hzsogood 5,000+ posts]

I think im gonna go w the 5-80lb powerblock set for $549.. I found out that it was about $.45 / lb and the'll take up to much room(the dumbells that is) Theres only a few good excersizes i wont be able to to with the blocks that the dumbells are nice for ( mostly tri's) but in the long run and for overall quality , speed , space etc im hoping the'll work out good enough.. Anything above 80 for the workouts and what i cant use the blocks for im pretty sure i couls make a straight or curl bar work

 

[MJ-tC 10+ year member]

Hey I have a set of powerblocks. They are nice for at home because they dont take any space up. I have the set that goes to 90lbs I have had them for about 9 years. I will have to agree with what some one said above you will out grown them in time. I go to the gym and I am using the 140s for 3 sets of 6 for flat bench and the 120s incline for sets of 8. So in time you will want more if you stay working out.

I do like the balance of the power blocks. The 1 thing that sucks is you can't do pullovers with them.

 

[hzsogood 5,000+ posts]

Hey I have a set of powerblocks. They are nice for at home because they dont take any space up. I have the set that goes to 90lbs I have had them for about 9 years. I will have to agree with what some one said above you will out grown them in time. I go to the gym and I am using the 140s for 3 sets of 6 for flat bench and the 120s incline for sets of 8. So in time you will want more if you stay working out.
I do like the balance of the power blocks. The 1 thing that sucks is you can't do pullovers with them.

This is one of the big things i didnt like bout the blocks either

 

[adio 5,000+ posts]

use the randy couture workout. use video section on google it's about 4 minutes long

 

[hzsogood 5,000+ posts]

use the randy couture workout. use video section on google it's about 4 minutes long

looks like more of a cardio builder workout to me... Im looking for a tight muscle peak workout

 

[hzsogood 5,000+ posts]

basically i want to look along the lines between randy orton and john cena...