Barbell
Long and solid, a barbell has a straight metal shaft with space for weight plates at each end. You hold it with both hands, or position it across your shoulders or hips, depending on the movement. It can feel steady and balanced, but its length takes some practice to control smoothly.
You can use a barbell for whole-body strength training, from squats and hip thrusts to rows, curls and presses. It lets you practise lifting from the floor, bending at your hips, standing up under added weight and moving it overhead. Removable plates allow the resistance to change as your confidence and control develop.
This can suit you if you want one tool for many strength-building movements and feel comfortable learning careful setup and handling. Its length requires clear floor space and, for some movements, a sturdy rack or bench. Removable plates make it adjustable, although the bar alone can still feel heavy. Dumbbells or filled water bottles offer simpler everyday alternatives for several exercises.
Exercises using this equipment
- Barbell JM pressIn this version of the JM press, a close hand position and bent-elbow bar path create a movement tha
Barbell back squatYou perform the familiar squat pattern while supporting a barbell across your upper back. The moveme- Barbell bent over rowLike the bodyweight bent over row, this movement keeps you leaning forward while you draw your arms
- Barbell curlA bar travels from around hip height towards your chest as your elbows bend, then returns to the sta
- Barbell deadlift rowA barbell lift from the floor flows into a pull towards your body before the bar returns down. The m
- Barbell front squatWith a barbell supported across the front of your shoulders, you move through the familiar squat pat
- Barbell hip thrustBuilding on the bodyweight hip thrust, this version places a barbell across your hips to add resista
- Barbell overhead squatWith the bar staying overhead, you lower into a squat and return to standing, so your lower and uppe
- Barbell overhead triceps extensionHolding a bar overhead keeps the movement centred on bending and straightening your elbows while you
- Barbell push pressStanding with the bar at shoulder height, you use your legs to help move it overhead, making this a
- Barbell romanian deadlift
- Barbell upright rowThe barbell upright row is an effective weightlifting exercise that primarily targets the shoulders,
- Barbell z-pressSeated on the floor with your legs out in front, you press a barbell overhead without help from a be