#toxicmasculinity
In all seriousness though, some of us don't have the space for a full rack. If you lift heavy going 5-100 takes a lot of space. Also $$$. Using plates and handles means you spend more time adjusting weights then lifting. I have a set of Powerblock Elite 90s. Adjust from 10-90 in about 5 seconds. The great thing about quick adjustables like powerblocks and ironmasters (don't get the bowflex, they're flimsy/fragile) is with those and an adjustable bench you have a complete gym and can do any type of exercise. Supersets, dropsets, etc. are all a piece of cake. Add a pullup/dip bar to complete it.
I'd say spending more time lifting and less adjusting is pretty manly.
I will also die on the hill of 99% of guys should be doing dumbbell lifts rather then barbell. Barbell may be better for building max power and putting up the biggest numbers, but dumbbell is better for building core/stabilizing muscles and improving functional strength. Dumbbells mimic real world muscle use far more then barbells do by forcing you to stabilize. Also safer to use at home, since you can do more exercises without a spotter. This also lets you workout harder since you don't have to fear dropping a barbell bench on your chest/neck when you fail.
I'm actually in 99% agreement. Your hashtag made me laugh hard; thanks for nodding at my joke.
I actually looked at a set of those same Powerblock Elites, but I strongly prefer hex-shaped bells because you can do so much more with them and get a better grip. My membership-based gym has both. i have worked out with both. The powerblocks aren't bad, but they're not my jam.
99% of guys should be doing dumbbells and not barbells; but (and here's where we differ)...
let them figure that out for themselves.
Are you new to lifting and want to look like a Greek God? Sweet. Here's my recommendation:
1. Go to the gym. Do the manly lifts. Bench press. Shoulder press. Deadlift. Feel good about yourself. Clang your weights. Get hooked.
2. Once you figure out "damn, this exercise isn't as good as I want it to be; especially this movement in this exercise" (this won't take long), then go train those areas on dumbbells.
3. Get better. Go back to barbells. Feel even manlier. Watch as fat turns to muscle and your brain goes "whoaaa".
4. Punch a sissyman. Ask them: "Do you even lift, bro?"
5. Realize that you were a sissyman, and that if you stopped, you would return to being a sissyman.
6. Go apologize to that sissyman, and invite him to work out with you. You're now friends. No longer will you be sissymen.
Repeat until there are no more sissymen. We will rule the world!