It's time to learn all about the barbell. Self shows you how to look like a pro in the weight room.
Dumbbells and kettlebells. You've mastered those.
What about a barbell?
Trust us, you'll want to learn. That's because the back-to-basics barbell is one of the most effective ways to get stronger; you can tone your legs, butt, abs, arms with a few basic moves. And more and more women are squashing the stereotype that it's just for dudes. They're nailing Olympic lifts in CrossFit, taking Barbell Strength group classes (Crunch, LifeTime, Gold's Gym and Les Mills all offer versions), or crushing sets of barbell front and back squats at the gym (Equinox sees the trend; check out their Rise of the Barbell video).
But your first time lifting one can be intimidating. That's why we asked Michael Bultman, a coach at CrossFit NYC who specializes in Olympic lift training, for an easy how-to guide to using a bar for three body-sculpting moves. These exercises don't require fancy machinery like a bench press or squat rack, either.
Now, on to your moves. Bultman demonstrates three common lifts that will tone your entire body (and look pretty freaking cool when you string them together for a continuous exercise): The deadlift, the power clean and the push press. Get them over on Self.com by clicking below:
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