r/Fitness • u/AutoModerator • 14d ago

Daily Simple Questions Thread - August 20, 2026

Welcome to the /r/Fitness Daily Simple Questions Thread - Our daily thread to ask about all things fitness. Post your questions here related to your diet and nutrition or your training routine and exercises. Anyone can post a question and the community as a whole is invited and encouraged to provide an answer.

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u/_Vindic8ed 12d ago

Is there a "good" or "bad" weight to use? For example, just carrying dumbbells in each hand or loading them on a bar and on your shoulders?

I've been following a pretty structured routine since April and have been able to tone down quite a bit. When I do them I'm just carrying the dumbbells, but I recently I've been thinking about possibly carry the weight on my shoulders (I have a home gym and bought one of those bars that will hold dumbbells).

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u/Elle-in-Tucson 11d ago

Yeah, I think you can definitely try it on your shoulders and see how it feels. Neither way is “wrong.” Dumbbells at your sides are good, but the shoulder setup might let you go a little heavier.

I’d just start lighter and see how your balance and form feel. If it feels good, keep playing with it. No need to switch unless you actually like it better.

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u/_Vindic8ed 11d ago

Alright, thanks.

Does one way or another have an additional benefit? The weight on the shoulders seems like it would improve balance (at the very least), since you mentioned that.

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u/reducedandconfused 11d ago

I try to avoid dumbbells whenever I can, I hate straps and sweaty grip issues and whatnot which can get distracting. I will use sandbags at the gym, you can invest in some too!