Best Barbell Exercises – An Expert Guide For Full-Body Strength and Power

What are Barbell Exercises?

Barbell exercises are workouts that involve using a barbell like Rep Colorado Bar. A barbell is a long metal bar to which you can attach weight plates of various sizes on either end. It’s a piece of equipment fundamental to weight training and powerlifting, but it’s also incredibly versatile, so it hardly misses out on fitness regimens.

So, why use a barbell? The reason is simple: barbell exercises engage multiple muscle groups at once, leading to improved strength, better balance, and enhanced muscle coordination. Unlike machines at the gym that isolate specific muscles, barbell exercises require your body to work as a unit, providing a more holistic workout.

Common examples of barbell exercises include squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and rows. Each of these exercises targets different muscle groups, from your legs and back to your chest and arms. But there’s more to it than just lifting heavy weights. Proper form and technique are crucial in ensuring these exercises are effective and safe.

When you incorporate barbell workouts into your routine, you’re not just working on your physical strength. You’re also developing mental toughness and discipline. It’s about pushing your boundaries, challenging your limits, and seeing tangible progress over time.
That sense of accomplishment you feel when you lift a little more than you did last week? That’s the beauty of barbell exercises.

Best Barbell Exercises

Here are our top picks for the best barbell exercises for men and women alike, according to experts. Let’s teach you how to build a stronger upper body:

Barbell Back Squat

Equipment Required: For the barbell back squat, a standard Olympic barbell, weight plates of various denominations, a power rack or squat stand, and a proper weightlifting belt (optional for added support) are required. Ensure the weight selected aligns with your strength level and fitness objectives.

How to do a barbell back squat (Video Credit: Centr YouTube Channel)

How to Do It:

• Place the barbell on the upper part of your back (trapezius muscles) while standing in the power rack.
• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly pointed out.
• Bend your knees and lower your body, maintaining a straight back and chest up.
• Descend until your hip joint is lower than your knees (if mobility allows).
• Drive through your heels to return to the starting position.
• Throughout the movement, always maintain a tight core and straight back to support your spine.

Pro-tip: Depth is key for activating the full range of muscles during the squat. A Certified Nutritionist and Fitness Trainer, Dr. Michael O. McKinney says, “Let your core be engaged while keeping your chest up so as not to round your back.” More experienced lifters may work with a coach to perfect technique and progressively increase weight.

Sets and Reps: Aim for 3-5 sets of 5-10 repetitions. The optimum number may vary depending on your training regime – strength-focused lifters may opt for fewer reps with higher weight. In contrast, those aiming for endurance or weight loss might increase the repetitions with a lighter load.

In our analysis, based on countless client testimonies and rigorous performance metrics, proper execution of the barbell back squat engages significant muscle groups, providing superior gains in strength, stability, and muscular development compared to other compound exercises.

Barbell Front Squat

Equipment Required: For the barbell front squat, a standard Olympic barbell with weight plates to suit your strength and goals is essential. Ensure you have access to a squat rack for safe lifting and unracking of the barbell.

HOW TO FRONT SQUAT: Build Bigger Quads & A Stronger Squat (Video Credit: Jeff Nippard YouTube Channel)

How to Do It:

• Step under the barbell and position it against your shoulders, just above your chest. The bar should rest securely across the front of your shoulders and upper chest, with your elbows high.
• With your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly turned out, un-rack the barbell by straightening your legs.
• Take a step back and stabilize your stance, maintaining a tight core and a straight back.
• Initiate the squat by bending your knees and hips simultaneously, keeping your elbows up to prevent the bar from rolling.
• Lower your body until your thighs are at least parallel to the floor, ensuring your knees track in line with your toes.
• Drive through your heels and extend your hips to return to the starting position.
• Focus on breathing throughout—inhale on the way down and exhale forcefully on the ascent.

Pro-tip: Precision in the barbell front squat is paramount. Due to the bar’s position, maintaining an upright torso is critical to avoid undue stress on the lower back and to fully engage the quadriceps. For those new to this movement, practicing with lighter weights or even a PVC pipe to master the form is advised. Integrating a front squat into your regimen offers a robust alternative to back squats, involving a heightened activation of the anterior chain muscles.

Sets and Reps: Beginners should start with 3-4 sets of 8-10 repetitions, focusing on perfecting form before adding substantial weight. Intermediate to advanced lifters may vary the sets and reps, possibly incorporating lower reps at higher weights for strength building or higher reps at lower weights for endurance and conditioning.

Note: Our extensive review of lifting techniques confirms the barbell front squat as an effective exercise for developing lower body strength and muscle tone. Studies indicate that when performed correctly, this exercise can increase athletic performance and minimize the risk of injury by reinforcing the body’s natural movement patterns.

Barbell Romanian Deadlift

Equipment Required: For a properly executed Barbell Romanian Deadlift (RDL), a standard Olympic barbell and a set of weight plates that accommodate your fitness level are essential. The barbell should be of high quality, designed to withstand the rigors of intense training, and consistent usage to ensure safety and durability.

How to Perform Romanian Deadlift – Hamstring Leg Exercise (Video Credit: Buff Dudes YouTube Channel)

How to Do It:

• Step 1: Start with the barbell on the ground and stand with your feet hip-width apart.
• Step 2: Bend your knees slightly and hinge at the hips to grip the bar with both hands, placing them slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
• Step 3: Maintain a neutral spine and lift the bar by extending your hips, gradually straightening to a fully upright position.
• Step 4: Throughout the movement, keep the bar close to your body.
• Step 5: Once your torso is parallel with the ground, reverse the motion and lower the bar back to the floor.
• Step 6: This exercise primarily targets the activation of the posterior chain muscles, including the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.

Pro-tip: To optimize muscle activation and prevent injury, maintain a neutral spine and avoid rounding your back during the exercise. Initiate the movement with a hip hinge, not a squat. Engage your core throughout the lift to stabilize your torso and improve efficiency. Novice lifters should consult a fitness professional for the correct technique and consider starting with lighter weights to perfect form before progressing.

Sets and Reps: Beginners are advised to perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions, focusing on mastering the technique with manageable weight. Intermediate and advanced individuals can adjust the weight and repetition scheme according to their training objectives—higher weight with lower reps for strength, or lower weight with higher reps for muscular endurance and conditioning.

Note: Our analysis, backed by numerous empirical studies, underlines the Barbell Romanian Deadlift as a fundamental exercise for promoting balance, enhancing functional strength, and developing a resilient, injury-resistant lower back, all integral components of an exemplary fitness regimen.

Barbell Hip Thrust

Equipment Required: For the Barbell Hip Thrust, you will need a barbell, a set of plates, and a padded bench or hip thrust bench. These tools work in concert to promote the activation and development of the glute muscles in a manner unmatched by other lower-body exercises.

How To Do A Barbell Hip Thrust The RIGHT Way! (FIX THIS!!!) (Video Credit: Mind Pump TV
YouTube Channel)

How to Do It:

• Position the padded bench behind you and sit on the floor with your upper back against the bench.
• Roll the barbell over your hips and secure a comfortable weight on the barbell based on your strength level.
• Plant your feet flat on the ground at hip-width apart with your knees bent.
• Brace your core and drive through your heels, thrusting your hips upwards as you lift the barbell until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.
• Squeeze your glutes hard at the top of the movement for optimal muscle recruitment.
• Lower your hips back down to the starting position in a controlled fashion.

Pro-tip: Always prioritize your form by keeping a neutral spine to maximize effectiveness and mitigate the risk of injury. The power of the thrust should emanate from your glutes, not your lower back. Beginners should seek guidance from a skilled fitness professional to master the mechanics before graduating to heavier loads.

Sets and Reps: Initiate your training regime with 3-4 sets of 6-10 powerful repetitions, concentrating on form and glute activation. Once proper technique is established, gradually increasing the weight lets you customize exercise intensity to align with fitness goals. This approach promotes strength and conditioning while keeping safety a top priority.

Note: Our diligence in assembling this guide is supported by extensive research, which substantiates the Barbell Hip Thrust’s preeminence for gluteal strengthening and its significant role in a comprehensive strength-training program.

Barbell Overhead Press

Equipment Required: To perform the Barbell Overhead Press, you’ll need a standard Olympic barbell and an appropriate amount of weight plates to cater to your fitness level. A power rack or squat rack is also recommended for safety and to facilitate the initial lift-off for this compound exercise.

Barbell Overhead Press – How To (Video Credit: Bobby Maximus YouTube Channel)

How to Do It:

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart inside the squat or power rack and grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width.
• Position the barbell at collarbone level with your palms facing forward, and ensure your wrists are straight.
• Brace your core and glutes, then press the barbell overhead until your arms are fully extended, without locking out your elbows.
• Keep your gaze forward and your spine neutral, avoiding any excessive arching in your lower back.
• Lower the barbell back to collarbone level in a slow and controlled manner to complete the repetition.

Pro-tip: To maintain a focus on the deltoids and to prevent injury, it is imperative to engage your core throughout the lift. Avoid using a grip that is too wide, which may place undue stress on your shoulder joints. Beginners or those with pre-existing shoulder conditions should seek professional instruction to ensure proper form and avoid unnecessary strain.

Sets and Reps: Begin with 3-4 sets of 6-8 robust repetitions, striking a balance between maintaining strict form and challenging your muscles. As your technique and strength develop, incrementally add weight to the barbell to foster progressive overload and achieve hypertrophy and functional strength gains.

Note: Our comprehensive analysis of the Barbell Overhead Press is sourced from empirical evidence and extensive expertise, highlighting the exercise’s integral role in upper body development and its effectiveness in contributing to an overall strength regimen.

Benefits of Workouts With Barbell

Versatility:

Barbells are not confined to one type of exercise. They can be used for a range of workouts, targeting various muscle groups. Whether it’s squats for your lower body, bench presses for your chest, or rows for your back, there are barbell workouts for every fitness goal.

Full-Body Workout:

The major barbell exercises – the squat, bench press, overhead press, and deadlift – engage multiple muscles simultaneously. This makes them incredibly efficient, so you get a comprehensive workout in less time.

Strength Building:

Barbell training is excellent for building strength. The ability to add weight progressively pushes your body to adapt, leading to increased muscle mass and strength over time.

Improved Body Composition:

Regular barbell training can help improve your body composition by reducing body fat and increasing lean muscle mass. This enhances your physical appearance and boosts your metabolic rate, aiding in weight management.

Enhanced Physical Performance:

Incorporating barbell workouts into your routine can significantly improve overall physical performance. It can boost endurance, improve balance, increase speed, and enhance agility.

7 Best Barbell Workouts

Deadlifts are a highly rewarding barbell exercise that targets several muscle groups simultaneously. This dynamic workout is known for its effectiveness in building strength and improving overall body composition.

It targets the big hamstring muscles, glutes, back, and core, making it an excellent choice for a comprehensive lower-body workout.

Deadlifts

How to do it:

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart and under the barbell. Your toes should be pointing slightly outward.
• Bend at your hips and knees, reaching down to grip the barbell. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart, just outside your legs.
• Straighten your back, lift your chest, and tighten your core. Look forward, not down, to maintain a neutral spine.
• Drive through your heels and extend your hips and knees to lift the bar. Ensure the bar stays close to your body throughout the lift.
• Once you’ve lifted the bar to hip level, stand up straight. Avoid leaning backward at the top of the movement.
• Reverse the motion by pushing your hips back and bending your knees to lower the barbell to the floor.

Pro-tip: Maintain proper form throughout the exercise. Start with a comfortable weight and gradually increase as your strength improves.

Squats

Squats are the quintessential leg exercise, offering a full lower-body workout in one simple movement. Revered for their effectiveness, squats target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes while also engaging the core.

This fundamental exercise promotes strength, flexibility, and balance, making it an indispensable part of any fitness routine.

How to do it:

• Start by resting the barbell on your upper back. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
• Engage your core and keep your chest lifted. This is your starting position.
• Lower your body by bending your knees and pushing your hips back like you’re about to sit on a chair. Keep your chest up and your back straight.
• Continue lowering until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Ensure your knees are aligned with your toes, and do not go past them.
• Drive through your heels to push your body back up to the starting position.
• This completes one rep. Continue the movement for your desired number of repetitions.

Pro-tip: Take it slow, maintain control, and let your lower body feel the burn!

Bench Press

The bench press is a classic barbell exercise that’s synonymous with strength training. It primarily targets the chest muscles, but also works the shoulders and triceps, making it a powerful upper-body exercise.

The bench press is not just about brute strength; it’s a testament to controlled power and technique.

How to do it:

• Lie flat on a bench, feet planted firmly on the ground. The barbell should be directly over your eyes.
• Reach up and grasp the barbell with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Wrap your thumbs around the bar for a secure grip.
• With control, lift the bar off the rack and hold it straight over your chest. This is your starting position.
• Slowly lower the bar to your mid-chest area while keeping your elbows at a 90-degree angle.
• Press the bar back up, extending your arms fully but without locking your elbows.
• That’s one rep. Continue for your desired number of repetitions.

Pro-tip: The bench press requires focus and control. Start light and gradually add weight as you become more comfortable.

Overhead Press

The overhead press is a superb barbell exercise that targets the shoulders, triceps, and upper back. It’s an excellent movement for developing upper body strength and stability. Additionally, it engages your core as you balance the weight above your head, making it a full-body endeavor.

How to do it:

• Start by standing with the barbell at shoulder height, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
• Keep your feet hip-width apart, engage your core, and maintain a straight back.
• Push the barbell upwards until your arms are fully extended. The bar should end up directly over your head.
• Lower the barbell back to the starting position, controlling the movement to ensure you don’t drop the weight too quickly.
• Perform your desired number of repetitions, maintaining form throughout.

Pro-tip: The overhead press is as much about control as it is about power. Start with a manageable weight and focus on executing the movement correctly before adding more load.

Bent Over Rows

Bent over rows is a fantastic barbell exercise that strengthens your back, shoulders, and arms while also challenging your core stability. It’s a compound movement, meaning it works multiple muscle groups at once, providing an efficient and effective workout.

How to do it:

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the barbell with an overhand grip.
• Bend at the hips and knees, keeping your back straight. The bar should hang directly in front of your knees.
• Pull the barbell up towards your chest, keeping your elbows close to your body.
• Lower the barbell back down in a controlled manner, fully extending your arms.
• This completes one rep. Continue the movement for your desired number of repetitions.

Pro-tip: Form is crucial in the bent-over row. Keep your back straight and avoid rounding your shoulders.

Lunges

Lunges are a powerful barbell exercise that works several muscles in your lower body, including the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Not only do lunges help build muscle strength and endurance, but they also improve balance and coordination.

How to do it:

• Start by placing the barbell on your shoulders, just below the neck.
• Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart, looking straight ahead.
• Step forward with one foot, bending both knees to lower your body. The front knee should be directly above the ankle, and the back knee should hover just above the floor.
• Push through your front heel to stand back up, stepping the forward foot back to join the other.
• Perform the same movement with the opposite leg. This completes one rep. Continue alternating legs for your desired number of repetitions.

Pro-tip: Lunges require balance and coordination. Make sure you’re comfortable with the movement before adding the barbell.

Power Cleans

Power cleans are a dynamic barbell exercise that targets multiple muscle groups, including the shoulders, back, and legs.

This explosive movement builds strength and enhances power and agility. It’s an integral part of weightlifting and CrossFit workouts, but can also add variety and challenge to any fitness routine.

How to do it:

• Start with the barbell on the ground, close to your shins. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, gripping the bar wider than shoulder-width.
• Lower your hips, with your chest up and eyes focused forward.
• Drive through your heels to lift the bar off the floor, keeping it close to your body.
• As the bar reaches your knees, jump upward, extending your hips and knees. Simultaneously, pull the bar up, leading with your elbows.
• Drop under the bar, catching it on your front shoulders while moving into a slight squat.
• Extend your hips and knees to stand up straight, completing the lift.
• Lower the bar back to the floor, maintaining control.

Pro-tip: Power cleans are complex and require proper technique. Start with a lighter weight to master the form before adding more load.

How To Train With a Barbell?

Barbell training can be a fantastic way to build strength and muscle. Jesse Feder, RDN says ,“Barbells are typically used for bilateral exercises, meaning they work on both sides of your body at the same time. ”

Additionally, Jesse also notes barbells can handle much heavier weights due to their high weight load tolerance. Therefore, barbell exercises are ideal for targeting major muscle groups and building overall strength.

Exercises like squats, military presses, deadlifts, and hip thrusts are particularly effective with a barbell. However, it’s important to learn proper form before diving in with barbells. This will help you avoid injuries and get the most out of your workouts.