Beginning Barbell Exercises – Total Body Workout

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My wife is cardio crazy. That beautiful woman can spend 45-60 minutes on an elliptical without even blinking an eye! I am just the opposite. I will force myself to do cardio but deep down inside I am literally counting seconds until I can go throw weights around. It’s interesting, though… as I started this blog this summer I learned something about my sweet bride I wasn’t aware of before. She would really love to work out more with weights/resistance, she just wasn’t too sure how. I’m sure many of you out there are the same way. I designed this routine for her to introduce her into the wonderful world of resistance training and she’s completely hooked! Here are 5 basic barbell exercises that should be a part of everyone’s regular routine…

Barbell Squats

Put the bar on your back across your shoulders down BELOW your neck. Keep your head up, your chest out, and squat down. Your butt should get pretty far back behind you to ensure god form (imagine you’re sitting down into a chair). 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Barbell Lunges

Same starting position as the squats, only this time you’re going to lunge forward onto one foot. keep your head and chest up. Drop to where your lead leg is parallel to the floor and then return to the starting position. 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Barbell Deadlift

Start by holding the barbell in front of you at approximately waist level. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart, head and chest up (good posture). Slowly bend at your hips lowering the weight to the floor. VITAL to maintain good posture in your back (keep your back curved throughout the lift). Use the muscles in your butt and back to return to the starting position. 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Barbell Press (Bench Press)

Lay on your back with the barbell across your chest. Use your chest and arms to push it up towards the ceiling. Slowly return to the starting position. 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Barbell Military Press

Stand with the bar across your chest in front of you. Press straight up towards the ceiling while maintaining good posture in your back. Slowly return to the starting position. 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Hope you found this useful. My wife’s been a lot sorer these days after the gym… and for some reason she keeps thanking me. Best…wife…ever…

Make it happen,

Jared

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Have a great day!

Jared