Four Benefits of Barbell Training
Barbell training is one of my very favorite things in the world (after Teddy, Frankie, and ice cream, of course).
What I love about the barbell is that, at a glance, it is an extremely basic piece of gym equipment. But what it lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for in versatility and efficiency.
In fact, the barbell is a key ingredient to the major exercises that measure absolute strength: squat, deadlift, bench press, and overhead press. All of these exercises engage multiple muscle groups, which is why the barbell is so efficient.
Reason One. Efficiency.
When done correctly, the barbell can replace the need for multiple machines in any workout. For example, opting for a deadlift in your routine will engage your back, quadriceps, hamstrings, hips, shoulders, and arms in order for you to lift the bar off the ground. Alone, this exercise can replace the need for six different exercises.
And, guess what? Barbells are pretty cheap.
Reason Two. Cost Effective.
According to Barbell Logic, “The first versions of barbells appeared around the 1860s in European gymnasiums, having evolved from the dumbbell design. They came with fixed weights or fillable globes on the ends of a four to six-foot bar.”
The barbell has been around a lonnnnnng time.
For this reason, it’s pretty easy to find used and new items for sale. I would say that you can get a setup for between $150-400, depending on the type of bar that you buy and how much weight you’d like to purchase.
The standard weight of an Olympic barbell is 45-pounds.
Reason Three. Improve Athletic Performance.
You can’t pick up a barbell (properly) and not be entirely focused on form. Form is everything, and as you master the barbell, you’ll be learning how to use all of your muscles together in order to move it efficiently and effectively.
Increased balance and coordination are natural by-products of barbell training, which are two things that are not perfected through the use of machines. Again, being forced to engage multiple muscle groups to perform a single action, all while stabilizing your core and focusing on technique, will positively impact your athleticism (I also talk about this topic more here).
Something I feel the need to disclaimer is that barbell training will not make you bulky.
I seriously hate that word.
Women have been told for many, many years that lifting weights will have negative impacts on their physique. It’s simply not true (and I cover that in more depth here).
Reason Four. More Confidence.
That’s right, baby, bring on the confidence.
This is one of my very favorite things about barbell training.
No one can stop me!
Funny story. I used to HATE deadlifts. Naturally, I called them a waste of time. They are NOT a waste of time. I was doing them wrong, and I always blamed the exercise instead of my technique. So, I went to work on fixing my form.
Now, I can pull over 300-pounds off the ground. I can actually workout for less time doing barbell-specific exercises and get all of the benefits of doing handfuls of other exercises in a single session.
Hands down, I feel more confident in myself and my abilities inside and outside the gym. I'm stronger at 32 than I ever was in my 20s.
Does barbell training have to be your thing?
Of course not!
BUT, if it’s something that you’ve been interested in, and you’ve been avoiding it because it’s a bit intimidating, here’s my challenge: give it a try.
There is nothing more good-mood-boosting than taking on something new (even when it’s tough to get through the learning curve that ALL new things require).
Who is barbell training for?
If you’re interested in barbell training, then yes, barbell training is for you. Here are a few other reasons if you find yourself on this list:
The person really interested in getting stronger with compound movements and has no idea where to start
The person who may have some workout experience (hiit classes, spin, maybe some strength training) and really wants to expand their knowledge with barbells
The person scared of injuring themselves or doing things incorrectly
Anyone who has taken some time off or is recovering from an injury
And, I have some great news. I’ve started a free deadlift mini-course in honor of my aforementioned initial hatred of my (now) favorite barbell exercise.
You can get access to the course here.
In addition, I have an Intro to Barbells with TL program when you’re ready to explore taking your love for lifting to the next level.
Remember, lifting heavy shit is cool.