The Basis of Barbell Exercises

Using barbells as part of your workout helps you build muscle throughout your body, including your shoulders, chest, arms and legs. Barbell exercises are based in the bar's ability to distribute the weight across both your hands and the ease of adding and removing weights as you switch between exercises.

  1. How Barbells Are Different

    • When you use other types of weights, such as dumbbells, your arms work independently from each other. Each arm is solely responsible to lift the entire weight. Barbells offer balanced weights that distribute across both of your arms instead of unilaterally. This balance also gives you the flexibility to use the barbell in ways you can't easily use dumbbells, such as placing the bar across your shoulders to work your lower body in moves such as squats.

    Switching Weights

    • As a type of free weight, barbells make it simple to change from one weight to another. By removing or adding plates on each end, you can ramp up your workout for certain areas of your body while toning them down for other areas. For example, you might not be able to perform biceps curls with the same amount of weight you can bench press. This lets you move from working one area of your body to another without changing equipment, just changing the weight plates.

    Making It Heavy

    • Barbells are designed for power lifting, allowing you to add heavy weights without losing stability. They can handle heavier weights than dumbbells, making them ideal for advanced weight lifters or those serious about building more muscle mass. This is especially helpful when working large muscles, such as those in your lower body.

    Barbell Safety

    • Proper form is key to working out safely with barbells, so ask a trainer to teach you the correct way to use the bar. Because they're designed for heavy weights, using the barbells incorrectly can lead to injury. Always use a spotter, especially when you're increasing weights or trying a new move; dropping the barbell can seriously injure yourself or other people nearby.