2 minute read
Fitness Update - Jen McCulloch
by Focus
focus_contributor.
FITNESS UPDATE
with JEN McCULLOCH
FROM CLUB LIME
THE POWER OF THE BARBELL
Ibelieve that everybody at any age would benefi t from learning how to use a barbell. Getting physically mentally strong changed my life, and I believe it has the power to change yours too!"
Barbells help you perform foundational and functional movements like squats, deadlifts, presses and rows with more weight than kettlebells and dumbbells.
The most signifi cant benefi t of barbell exercises is the ability to add additional load over time. Barbell exercises train your entire body in the way it was designed to move. As you use more muscles, you can get strong in these movements. Strength is the foundation to help build speed, stability, and mobility if executed correctly.
While dumbbells and kettlebells get more challenging to manoeuvre, the heavier they get, barbells stay the same size. So, to keep yourself and your body challenged, barbells can be the most effi cient tool to use in the gym.
However, wanting to pick up a barbell and safely doing so are two entirely different matters. Whenever I see a 'newbie' lifter in the gym, they often look unsure and overwhelmed. This is completely normal and part of getting out of your comfort zone and learning a new skill.
When starting with barbells, there's no required amount of time that you need to have spent strength training. Instead, the only thing that's a prerequisite is good form. Performing fundamental movements using your bodyweight, kettlebells, and dumbbells is a solid, pain-free technique that will set you up for success.
By the time you get to using a barbell, you should feel as though you are already comfortable with the squatting, pressing, and hinging mechanics of squat, bench press, and deadlift movement.
As a personal trainer, one of my many facets is to help people move better and understand the mechanics of how their bodies work. Not only helping them build a stronger and more functional version of themselves, but it also helps people avoid unnecessary injuries and preserves the longevity of their bodies. We only get one body, and it needs treating like a classic car. However, that does not mean we only take it out for a run on a Sunday!
This is why I designed 'BUILD with Jen' to support and educate women through a series of progressive programs, starting with a 12-week program called PRE-BAR to help you build confi dence across functional movements. The design of the program begins by introducing you to bodyweight, kettlebell and dumbbell and machine exercises. Moving to the latter part of the program, you will start learning how to navigate training with a barbell. My mission in an aesthetically driven world is for women to fi nd body confi dence through lifting weights. Inspiring and educating others to pursue their strength journey, whatever level they start.
Want to begin your strength journey today? Text BUILD to Jen on 0431 141 701 or come into Club Lime Moonee to see how I can help you today.
