The purpose for todays post is to explain to our current members and to show to new potential members why the barbell is a great piece of equipment, and not a piece of torture apparatus that is just waiting to injure you at the drop of a hat.
There are many reasons why we use barbells. Here are the main 3
- It is the best piece of equipment for strength training. This is because you can safely and sequrely fit a challenging weight on the bar and use it for a variety of exercises. Specifically lifting, squatting, pressing and pulling exercises which are movements you often use in your daily life I.E. Food shopping, gardening, having a physical job and so on. This also means that if you are not comfortable with lifting heavy weights you can still use a barbell for light weights and get all the benefits from performing these functional movements with it in a safe way.
- The shape and structure of a barbell allows anyone to lift a weight safely because you can get into a good lifting position, you can grip the bar securely and you can keep the weight close to your body and remain in control of it. Compare a weighted barbell with a couch of equal weight. The couch could be a lot harder to lift simply because of the reasons above, it can be harder to get into a good position, its hard to grip and hard to keep under control. Yes you don’t lift couches in the gym but all I want to show is that some peoples fears of using barbells are unjustified. It is actually very safe to use one
- A barbell caters for all fitness levels. There are exercises for all people to utilize, from the least mobile and weakest person to the most mobile and strongest person. This is also where the magic of the barbell lies. There is always something to improve on with the barbell from perfecting technique for a certain movement to lifting more weight in a movement to learning a brand new movement.
So, when you see a barbell movement programmed, make a point of turning up to that class because you can be sure you will learn something new. And, after reading this you know that the barbell is not out to get you. You will still get a good hard workout and you will be completely safe while using it.
Monday 05/09/16
Strength: Power Clean & Push Jerk (10 min Time Cap)
Option 1: Build to a heavy single
Option 2: Work on technique
Barbell Cycling: 5 min AMRAP
5 TnG Clean & jerks 1:1 w/partner
WOD: For Time
64 pull ups
600m Run
Scale as needed
Christian
Remember we also offer GPP at 6.30pm for a great workout to introduce you to Southern Peak Fitness
