The Best Barbell Exercises

Top Exercises

Wrist Curl

Beginner / Barbell / Forearms / pull

A forearm-focused isolation exercise. It builds grip strength and muscle volume in the forearm flexors through controlled flexion.

Bench Press

Beginner / Barbell / Chest / push

The classic compound movement for chest, shoulders, and triceps. It is the gold standard for measuring and building upper-body pushing power.

Good Morning

Beginner / Barbell / Hamstrings / hinge

A hip-hinge movement that builds strength in the hamstrings and lower back. It is critical for improving deadlift and squat performance.

Barbell Standing Back Wrist Curl

Beginner / Barbell / Forearms / pull

An isolation exercise for the forearm flexors performed behind the body. This unique angle targets the muscles responsible for grip strength and forearm mass.

Barbell Seated Shrug

Beginner / Barbell / Trapezius / hinge

Targets the upper trapezius while the seated position eliminates leg drive. This variation ensures a strict, isolated shrug.

Barbell Shrug

Beginner / Barbell / Trapezius / hinge

The gold standard for trapezius development. It targets the upper traps to build thickness and strength in the upper back and neck.

Barbell Overhead Shrug

Intermediate / Barbell / Trapezius / hinge

Targets the upper trapezius from a fully stretched position. It improves shoulder health and overhead stability for Olympic lifts.

Barbell Bench Press

Beginner / Barbell / Chest / push

The fundamental compound exercise for the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It is the gold standard for upper-body pushing strength.

Barbell Behind The Back Shrug

Intermediate / Barbell / Trapezius / hinge

Targets the upper trapezius while promoting scapular retraction. This variation helps correct forward-leaning shoulder posture.

Standing Wide Grip Biceps Curl

Beginner / Barbell / Biceps / pull

Emphasizes the inner (short) head of the biceps. The wider grip shifts the tension to build arm thickness and a fuller bicep appearance.

Sumo Deadlift

Intermediate / Barbell / Hamstrings / hinge

A deadlift variation that targets the glutes and adductors. The wide stance allows for a more upright torso, making it ideal for those with long limbs.