Dumbbell vs. Barbell

Dumbbell pressing requires significantly higher **neuromuscular recruitment** and stability. For the athlete 50+, using dumbbells allows for a "neutral grip" variation that protects the rotator cuff while still providing the mechanical tension needed to maintain bone density in the ribcage and upper humerus.

[Image of rotator cuff muscles anatomy]

Neural Integrity

A functional age lower than your chronological age indicates your Central Nervous System is efficiently recruiting Type II fibers. This is the primary defense against the "slow down" of movement associated with biological aging.