User:Jctheartist

The Barbell is the longer version of the Dumbbell which is used for free weight training and competitive sports, such as powerlifting, Olympic weight lifting, and and CrossFit. The barbell was thought to be made during the 1800’s so the carnival weight lifters could perform during a circus show. Many exercises can be done using the barbell, such as bicep curl, bench press, Olympic weightlifting, over head press, deadlift, and squat.  Barbells are usually estimated weight of 45 pounds with a rough texture called the knurling that helps the athlete have a good grip on the bar. The movements that are used with this equipment requires compound movements to exert energy, which means that multiple muscle groups must work together in order to lift the barbell, such as the bench press, squat, and deadlift. While doing the squat, the entire muscle group is activated when the legs drive up, moving the body upward. The entire body is involved in the movement. Many fitness categories use the barbell for different reasons: powerlifters use the barbell to perform compound exercise movements to engage the nervous system to gain strength. Olympic weightlifters use the barbell to perform the Snatch and Clean and Jerk movements. Bodybuilders use the Barbell to perform hypertrophy which builds muscles. The proper techniques used for the barbells is to place the athlete’s hands shoulder width apart in order to prevent any injurie. Of course, if the athlete has a wider grip they can do so as well.