Barbell training can benefit virtually anyone who can physically perform it. We have trained individuals that range from youth athletes to elderly individuals. The barbell exercises are functional and ergonomic since a barbell can be handled directly over the lifter’s center of mass. In contrast, most items that are handled in daily life often extend out several inches away from your body. By practicing the lifts with a barbell, you are lifting efficiently and safely so that when you are forced to handle unsafe and inefficient movements, the strength surplus reduces your risk of injury. The classic example is picking up an 80 lb desk, box, or lawnmower. A lifter strong enough to pick up a 300 lb barbell is less likely to injure picking up the more awkward 80 lb desk because of the strength surplus he possesses. So, if you think you must be a powerlifter, bodybuilder, or Olympic weightlifter to perform barbell exercises, you have been misinformed and we intend to set the record straight for you!

FAQs Archive - Weights and Plates

Q: What is the Starting Strength Novice Linear Progression?

Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training 3 rd Edition is also the original home of the Starting Strength Novice Linear Progression, which is a popular strength training program for novice lifters. All lifters at Weights & Plates will begin their first week of training with some variation of the Starting Strength Novice Linear Progression, with rank novice lifters staying on it for several months and previously trained lifters staying on it for several weeks. It is not only a novice program but a useful method of determining baseline strength and recovery capabilities. The program requires the lifter to perform 3 sets of 5 repetitions for squats, bench presses, and presses 5 sets of 3 repetitions on the power clean, and 1 set of 5 repetitions on deadlift. The lifter performs the lifts three times per week, adding weight each time provided all repetitions are completed with proper technique. The program starts with squats and deadlifts performed at all workouts and presses alternating with bench presses. As the program progresses, the deadlift alternates with the power clean, chin-ups are added at 3 sets of 10 repetitions, and heavy squats are restricted to twice per week. If you are ready to get strong, come start your linear progression today!

Q: What is Starting Strength?

Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training 3 rd Edition is a book that was originally written in 2005 by a gentleman by the name or Mark Rippetoe. The book is currently in its third edition and had led to the development of the Starting Strength website , Starting Strength Seminars , Starting Strength Coach Credential , Starting Strength Gyms , and Starting Strength Equipment . Starting Strength is a book that describes a model of basic barbell training based on both biomechanics and decades of practical experience both coaching and performing the lifts. The lifts outlined in the book are The Squat, The Deadlift, The Press, The Power Clean, and The Bench Press. Weights & Plates Strength & Nutrition Center is a Starting Strength Affiliate Gym and Robert Santana is a Starting Strength Coach.

Who is this for?

What is the Starting Strength Novice Linear Progression?

What is Starting Strength?