For exercises such as biceps curls and shoulder presses, does it make any difference if I use a barbell or dumb-bells?
James Ashton, Leeds

Jason Anderson replies: Using dumb-bells allows a freedom of movement you can’t achieve with a barbell. For example, when you’re doing shoulder presses, dumb-bells enable you to start wide at shoulder level and complete the movement with the dumb-bells together. While curling, dumbbells allow you to twist your forearm to emphasise the biceps. When using a barbell your arms tend to move forwards and backwards more, which can make the exercise less functional. This reduces fluidity in the shoulder movement, which can increase the stress the shoulders and arms suffer during the exercise. On the plus side, reducing the amount of movement around a joint by using a barbell allows you to lift more weight. With this in mind, put some variety into your training by alternating between dumb-bells and barbells.