Improving your strength comes with many benefits – it can help you to become healthier, lose weight, and improve your overall quality of life. Whether you’re working out at home or in the gym, there is the equipment you can use so you can get the most efficient workout. Barbells and dumbbells are some of the most popular for developing strength and are both useful if you are creating your own home gym. A barbell is versatile – you can perform many exercises with it that can build muscle. Read on as we look at what a barbell is and how you can use the best barbell to benefit you.

What Is A Barbell And How Do I Use It?

What is a barbell?

If you are new to the gym or have recently started adding workouts into your daily routine, a barbell is a piece of equipment that you are going to need to be comfortable and familiar with. It can be used for weight training, bodybuilding, and powerlifting. This piece of equipment is made up of a long bar in which weights can be attached to each end, so you can work out with a weight to suit your abilities. There are so many exercises you can do with a barbell that we will look at in more detail below, as well as the benefits that come along with training with a barbell and improving your strength.

What are the benefits of using a barbell?

Choosing to use barbell benefits your body in so many ways. Implementing a barbell into your routine can save you time at the gym – you can use a barbell in various exercises which means you don’t have to move from machine to machine, you can work muscles all over your body with this single piece of gym equipment.

Working on your strength with a barbell means that you can improve your athletic performance. As you complete the movements needed to lift the barbell, you will be improving neuromuscular connection, as well as balance and coordination. Because barbells can be used for a range of different exercises, you won’t have to splash out on expensive equipment, especially if you’re using them within your home gym. A barbell is versatile, so all you’ll need is this piece of equipment, and some weights to attach. Read on as we look at some of the exercises you can do with your barbell for an effective workout.

Back squat

The barbell back squat is one of the best barbell exercises that you could try. If you are just getting started with this piece of equipment, it is always best to start with light weights first, and ask someone to help you if needed, so that you can avoid injury! The back squat allows you to place weight on your legs and engages your core – even your back can benefit from the extra bit of strength. Placing the barbell behind your shoulders (either with or without weights) means you can build leg your leg muscles and as a result, create a stronger lower body.

Romanian Deadlift

The Romanian deadlift is a beginner-friendly exercise that you can do when you’re getting to grips with a barbell. It is like the deadlift but has a slight variation – the bar is lowered to shin height rather than placed back on the floor. The places tension on the glutes and hamstrings, so you can build a strong lower body. This exercise increases muscle in the lower back, hamstrings and glutes and improves upper back strength that can be useful during other lifting exercises. Simply grip your barbell with straight arms and slightly bent legs. Lift your barbell, straightening your legs and keeping your arms straight – the bar should be at thigh height. Bend your legs slightly and bend at the hips to lower your barbell to shin height. Repeat this exercise for as many reps as required.

Hip Thrusts

Hip thrusts are a simple way of isolating your glutes and strengthening them. Propping yourself up into a sitting position against a bench for support, place the barbell over your pelvis and into the crease of your hips. Raise your hips so that the barbell lifts and then lower your hips back to the ground. This exercise improves lower body strength, as well as increases stabilization within the core and pelvis, and means you can improve performance if you run, sprint or jump.