Barbells aren’t just a great way to switch up your usual dumbbell workout, but they’re also excellent for building muscle, boosting strength and athletic performance. They’re a popular choice for upper body exercises, but if you’ve never used one before, knowing where to start and what to do can feel daunting, especially as there’s so many exercises. This four-move upper body workout is perfect for beginners though who are looking to build muscle and make some strength gains.
Research even shows that just two barbell sessions a week can boost lean muscle mass in as little as four weeks. Also, despite being a lot larger and heavier than (some) dumbbells, barbells can be easier for some people to use. This is because your range of motion is slightly more restricted with a barbell (as opposed to a pair of dumbbells), which also often means you can work with more weight. Plus, they can be set up in a squat rack, giving you that extra safety element.
