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Best Beginner Workouts With Barbells To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

This workout integrates the use of barbells, a fundamental and versatile tool found in various routines to boost maximum strength and hypertrophy through essential power and Olympic lifting exercises.

It focuses on promoting a lean physique and effective fat burning by maintaining an elevated heart rate and combining resistance training with higher repetitions and reduced weights.

Designed specifically for beginners with fewer than 12 months of experience in structured fitness activities, the program incorporates simple yet challenging exercises tailored to low injury risk and effective results.

This approach promotes confidence and physique improvement, catering to individuals aiming to tone while building foundational strength and fitness levels.

The 15 Best Beginner Exercises with Barbells to Get Lean and Burn Fat

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Barbell Curl

    Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    5,529,638
    Biceps Strength
    96 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Barbell Curl is a great exercise that targets your biceps by isolating the muscle. Using a barbell helps keep your movements stable so you can focus on building strength without losing balance.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight and grasp a barbell with both hands, shoulder-width apart, palms facing away.
    2. Tighten your core by taking a deep breath and flexing your stomach muscles.
    3. Bend your elbows to lift the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
    4. Exhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 2. Australian Chin Up

    Australian Chin Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    517,270
    Back Strength
    55 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Squat Rack
    Squat Rack

    The Australian Chin Up is a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your back, biceps, and shoulders. You perform it from a low, inclined position using a bar, making it easier than regular Chin Ups. It's a great way for beginners to build strength towards full Chin Ups.

    How to do it

    1. Lie underneath a low bar and grab it with an underhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
    2. Keep your legs and body straight, starting with your arms fully extended.
    3. Pull your chest towards the bar while keeping your elbows close, engaging your core to maintain a straight line.
    4. Lower yourself back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
  • 3. Landmine Press

    Landmine Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    206,388
    Shoulders Strength
    88 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Landmine Press is an exercise that strengthens your shoulders. By using a landmine, you can press the weight up and forward, which helps improve strength for sports and everyday activities.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with the barbell perpendicular to your body.
    2. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the end of the barbell in front of your chest with both hands.
    3. Grip the bar with your palms facing each other and elbows close to your sides.
    4. Brace your core and press the bar upward and forward.
    5. Lower the bar back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 4. Landmine Row

    Landmine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    593,522
    Back Strength
    90 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Landmine Row is a strength exercise that mainly works your back, shoulders, and biceps. It uses a landmine to create a unique movement, helping increase muscle mass and strength while varying your workout routine.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, straddling the barbell, and face away from the landmine anchor.
    2. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
    3. Bend your knees slightly, hinge at your hips, and grip the barbell near the base.
    4. Lift the barbell to knee height by extending your hips.
    5. Pull the barbell towards your lower ribcage or chest by bending your elbows.
    6. Lower the barbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 5. Single Arm Landmine Press

    Single Arm Landmine Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    143,234
    Shoulders Strength
    65 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Single Arm Landmine Press is an upper body exercise that targets your shoulders, triceps, and core using a landmine attachment. By pressing with one arm at a time, it helps improve strength, stability, and coordination, making it a great choice for beginners and athletes alike.

    How to do it

    1. Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold the end of the barbell in your right hand, just in front of your right shoulder.
    3. Keep your right forearm vertical and your elbow tucked to your side.
    4. Brace your core and push the barbell upward until your arm is fully extended.
    5. Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position and switch to your left arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 6. Single Arm Landmine Row

    Single Arm Landmine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    247,726
    Back Strength
    80 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Single Arm Landmine Row is an exercise that targets your back muscles. By using one arm at a time, you can focus on building strength evenly and improving stability.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing away from the landmine anchor.
    2. Brace your core to maintain a neutral spine.
    3. Bend your knees slightly and hinge at your hips to reach for the barbell with your right hand.
    4. Lift the barbell to knee height by extending your hips.
    5. Pull the barbell towards your lower ribcage or until a plate touches your chest with your right elbow.
    6. Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat on the left side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 7. Landmine Squat

    Landmine Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    70,270
    Quadriceps Strength
    91 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Landmine Squat is a lower body exercise using a landmine setup. It strengthens your quads, glutes, and hamstrings while also engaging your core for stability, making it a great variation to traditional squats.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, just past the end of the landmine.
    2. Grab the bar under you with both hands in a deadlift grip.
    3. Lift the bar to chest height and interlock your fingers around the end.
    4. Lean slightly forward, positioning your chest against your hands.
    5. Hinge at your hips and lower into a squat while keeping your core tight.
    6. Push through your feet to rise back up, using your legs and core for support.
    7. Ensure your knees stay behind your toes and maintain good posture throughout the movement.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 8. Landmine Romanian Deadlift

    Landmine Romanian Deadlift demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    173,397
    Hamstrings Strength
    83 mScore
    Hamstrings
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Landmine Romanian Deadlift is a beginner-friendly exercise that targets your hamstrings and glutes. It uses a landmine setup for added stability, making it easier to control the movement compared to traditional deadlifts.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart with a slight bend in your knees.
    2. Grip the landmine with both hands, keeping your fingers underneath.
    3. Hinge at your hips and lower the weight slowly, keeping your knees slightly bent.
    4. Stop when you feel a stretch in your hamstrings, not exceeding your flexibility limit.
    5. Push through your glutes and hamstrings to lift your hips and raise the weight back up.
    6. Pause at the top, keeping your glutes and hamstrings engaged.
    7. Keep your core tight, shoulders back, and chest up throughout the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 9. Reverse Barbell Curl

    Reverse Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,203,913
    Biceps Strength
    89 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Reverse Barbell Curl is a bicep exercise that focuses on grip strength and functional strength. By using a barbell with a reverse grip, you can stabilize the movement better, allowing for more effective bicep training.

    How to do it

    1. Stand upright holding a barbell with both hands, palms facing towards you, at waist height.
    2. Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
    3. Flex your elbows to raise the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your body.
    4. Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 10. Wide Grip Barbell Curl

    Wide Grip Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    277,624
    Biceps Strength
    87 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Wide Grip Barbell Curl is an exercise that primarily works the biceps. By using a barbell with a wider grip, you can enhance the focus on the biceps and ensure better stability during the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold the barbell with hands wider than shoulder-width, palms facing up.
    3. Raise the barbell by bending your elbows, keeping them fixed at your sides.
    4. Pause briefly at the top, feeling the tension in your biceps.
    5. Lower the barbell back to the starting position slowly.
    6. Keep your core tight, shoulders back, and chest up throughout the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 11. Landmine Core Rotation

    Landmine Core Rotation demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    117,152
    Abs Strength
    74 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Landmine Core Rotation is an exercise that strengthens your entire core, especially the obliques. It involves rotating a barbell from side to side, which helps improve your stability and movement control.

    How to do it

    1. Secure one end of a barbell in a landmine attachment or a corner.
    2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and grab the barbell with both hands at chest height.
    3. Rotate your torso, swinging the bar to your left side while keeping your arms straight.
    4. Swing the bar back to your right side, alternating sides with each movement.
    5. Repeat until you've completed your desired number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 12. Inverted Row

    Inverted Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    318,451
    Back Strength
    85 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Inverted Row is a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your back while keeping your spine straight. It’s similar to a standard row but allows you to use your own body weight for added stability and support.

    How to do it

    1. Set a barbell at waist height.
    2. Grab the bar with both hands, slightly wider than your shoulders.
    3. Lie under the bar, keeping your body straight from your heels to your shoulders.
    4. Lift your body by bending your elbows and pulling your chest towards the bar.
    5. Lower yourself back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
  • 13. Reverse Grip Barbell Bent Over Row

    Reverse Grip Barbell Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    886,098
    Back Strength
    79 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Reverse Grip Barbell Bent Over Row is a great exercise for beginners that works your back, biceps, and shoulders. By using a reverse grip, you can better target your biceps and engage different back muscles. Holding a barbell offers stability, allowing you to focus on lifting properly.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Grip the barbell with an underhand grip (palms facing you).
    3. Bend your hips back, keeping your knees slightly bent, until the barbell rests just in front of your shins at a 45-degree angle with your torso.
    4. Pull the barbell towards your belly button by bending your elbows, keeping your back straight.
    5. Lower the barbell back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 14. Landmine Press and Catch

    Landmine Press and Catch demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    11,061
    Shoulders Strength
    85 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Landmine Press and Catch is a shoulder exercise that helps improve strength by using one arm at a time. This movement adds instability, allowing you to address any strength imbalances between your left and right sides.

    How to do it

    1. Stand in front of the landmine with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold the landmine with one hand over your shoulder.
    3. Push the weight up explosively with your shoulder and chest, allowing it to arc to your opposite hand.
    4. Let go of the landmine as it moves to your other hand.
    5. Catch the landmine with your opposite hand in front of you, controlling its descent to your shoulder.
    6. Keep your core tight and your chest up during the exercise.
  • 15. Meadow Landmine Row

    Meadow Landmine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    41,297
    Back Strength
    75 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Meadow Landmine Row is a back exercise using a landmine attachment and dumbbell. It helps strengthen your upper back while allowing for independent movement of each side, ensuring balanced muscle development.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with one leg back, near the landmine.
    2. Lean forward and grab the landmine with your palm facing you, keeping your shoulder aligned over the end of it.
    3. Lift the landmine with your upper back, keeping your elbow out at a 45-degree angle.
    4. Hold the position for a moment at the top, then lower the weight back down.
    5. Keep your back straight, shoulders back, and core tight for stability.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Beginner Workouts with Barbells

Alternative Workouts with Barbells to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Beginner Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat