I'm thinking about purchasing a pair of PowerBlocks: http://www.powerblock.com/frame.html I know that barbells are superior for hypertrophy, but these PowerBlocks are just so dang convenient. Any thoughts?
I was back and forth on this for a while. I couldn't get used to the PowerBlocks so I ended up going with the Bowflex SelecTech dumbbells. There's really no comparison in the design... the only downfall is the max weight. This wasn't a problem for me haha. Take it easy
They are very comfortable and convenient to use. I do most of my dumbell work with them Once I get over 85 lbs. each I find dumbells too awkward to use for most things anyway. I've used them for about 6 years now and don't miss regular dumbells at all.
I've got an aluminium set (130lb each) at home. It took a while for me to get used to their look and the fact that they aren't as sturdy as solid bells, but I am very glad that I have them and can use them where space is limited.
I have the rexan set (5-125lbs). I am 100% satisfied with them. When you do all your exercises with dumbells, you really get huge traps and shoulders. But a big disavantage is that you quickly reach the weight limit for sqats/deadlift and also there is a big weight jump from 100 to 107 lbs and also at 112 and 120 lbs (you must purchase wrist weights to get 102 and 105 lbs increments)
I have a set of Powerblocks for myself and the smaller set for my wife. They work very well and I love the fact that they are so compact and out of the way when not in use. Of course, I still use a commercial gym most of the time, but for a quick home workout, these powerblocks work great!
