Barbell love
I love using the barbell for everything, lol.
Squats? Barbell. Deadlifts? Barbell (but kettlebell is a close second). Rows? Barbell. Hip Thrusts? Barbell. WALKING LUNGES? Barbell.
If I can use a barbell, I will, lol Though, I am sure my trainer would think, “Why not practice with other equipment?” I do, I promise. I just love a barbell.
Though its origin isn’t truly known, barbells were used to gain strength for athletes, just like today. Over time, barbells became a tool for people to lift heavier if they surpassed dumbbells, but also to see how strong a person can become with a barbell.
One of the reasons I love using a barbell is the ease of it. I set it up and I rock and roll. Another reason I love a barbell is the challenge I feel when performing certain exercises, such as a reverse lunge. A third reason I love a barbell is the ability to load the shit out of a weight without compromising my form or even, at times, my grip. I find dumbbells to be more challenging for grip than a barbell. And, if I don’t have a lot of space or time, I can use one piece of equipment to get the job done.
Last week, I taught a Barbell Basics class at the gym I work/train. I created a handout to give some tips, as well as provided the opportunity to perform exercises with a barbell with more confidence. I enjoyed taking time to teach people how to set up, perform, tear down, and short circuits one can do with the barbell. One of my favorite things to teach was with the landmine attachment. You can use a landmine for upper body, lower body, core, explosive movement, power, etc. It’s SO versatile! I had the group perform a circuit of three exercises they could do and it was hit. Not only were they happy with trying something new, but it seemed to improve form even on their dumbbell or bodyweight exercises. It just sets you up for success (in my experience and opinion).
If you haven’t used a barbell before, some tools and tips I have for you are:
Hire a GOOD trainer to help you with a few basic movements.
Perform the exercises with dumbbells with excellent form before transitioning to utilizing barbells.
Use a PVC pipe as a guide so you know how the bar feels on your traps, in your hands, on your hips (USE A PAD!), etc. This is like a guide before adding the bar.
Ask for help at the gym so you don’t get hurt/wonder what you’re doing the entire time.
USE THE BAR TO START. Don’t just add weight ‘because you can’. That’s when you get into trouble, friends.
Do you use a barbell? What’s your favorite lift? :)
— Ashley
9/22/24
