Ben: I’m going to purchase some home workout equipment. Before I buy, is it better to get barbells or dumbbells for best results? 

Megan: Many exercises when done with barbells or dumbbells primarily target the same areas. For example a barbell squat and a dumbbell squat would still be working the quads and glutes the same way. However, the grip of these two pieces is different when doing a bicep curl and range of motion might be different. You might be hitting different parts of the bicep. Dumbbells give you more options and variations. For example, you could do hammer curls for biceps, not just regular curls with the bar. You also have to stabilize yourself much more with dumbbells which requires core activation. In general, the less you rely on stabilizers the more weight you can lift so you may be able to lift heavier with barbells. If possible, I would say get a few of both to add variation and mix up your routine from time to time which is important for results over time. 

If you have a question for Megan, email her at everybodysfit@gmail.com and be sure to check out her website www.everybodysfitoceanside.com