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30 Minute Barbell Workout - Strength for Every Level

This 30-minute barbell workout is designed for all levels, with two options: Beginner-Friendly and Advanced.

Finish strong with a cool-down to promote recovery and flexibility. Choose your level and start lifting!

With two versions—Beginner-Friendly and Advanced—you’ll get the right challenge while mastering essential lifts like squats, deadlifts, and presses. Follow the plan, stay consistent, and unlock your full strength potential.

Dressed in our sleek tights and Mid V Bra in Peat, Tove takes on the workout, showing how the right gear supports every lift. The photoshoot takes place in the Björn Borg Gym, where training is a lifestyle.

Let’s kick things off with a solid warm-up! We’ve put together an all-around warm-up routine that works for both barbell workouts.

Want more expert advice on warming up effectively? Click here for a complete guide on warm-up routines tailored to different types of exercises.

Warm Up

Body Weight Squats

2x10 reps

warm up

Arm Circles

1 minute

warm up

Good Mornings

2x12 reps

Now it's time to choose your workout! Click on Beginner-Friendly or Advanced to get started. Pick the level that matches your goals, and let's lift!

Choose your level

New to barbell training? We’ll guide you every step of the way!

Beginner-Friendly 30-Minute Barbell Routine

This routine focuses on mastering technique and building strength with controlled reps and lighter weights.

  • Warm-Up: Bodyweight Squats (2x10), Arm Circles (1 min), Good Mornings (2x12)

  • Workout:

    • Deadlifts – 3x8

    • Front Squats – 3x8

    • Overhead Press – 3x8

    • Barbell Rows – 3x10

  • Cool-Down: Child’s Pose (30 sec), Cat-Cow Stretch (8-10 breaths), Foam Rolling (quads & back)

  • Start Light: Use just the bar (20 kg/45 lbs) or light plates to master form.

  • Focus on Control: Choose a weight that allows you to complete all reps with perfect technique.

  • Progress Gradually: Increase in 2.5-5 kg (5-10 lbs) increments when you feel confident.

Deadlifts

3x8 reps

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart, barbell over your midfoot.

  • Grip the bar just outside your knees, keeping your back flat and core braced.

  • Drive through your heels, lifting the bar while keeping it close to your body.

  • Stand up tall, squeezing your glutes at the top.

  • Lower the bar slowly back to the ground while maintaining control.

Tip: If unsure, start with a kettlebell deadlift before progressing to the barbell.

Front Squats

3x8 reps

  • Place the barbell across the front of your shoulders, resting on your fingertips with elbows high.

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly pointed out.

  • Lower into a squat, keeping your chest up and knees tracking over your toes.

  • Push through your heels to return to standing.

Tip: If wrist mobility is limited, use a cross-arm grip or a resistance band to practice positioning.

Barbell Rows

3x10 reps

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart, hinge at the hips, and grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width.

  • Keep your back straight and pull the bar towards your lower ribs.

  • Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top, then lower the bar with control.

Tip: Keep your core tight to prevent rounding your back.

Overhead Press

3x8 reps

  • Hold the barbell at shoulder height, just above your collarbone, with elbows slightly in front of the bar.

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart, engage your core to prevent arching.

  • Press the bar overhead in a straight line, fully extending your arms.

  • Lower the bar slowly back to shoulder height.

Tip: Avoid leaning back—keep your ribs down and glutes engaged.

Ready to push your limits? Let’s lift heavier and stronger!

Advanced 30-Minute Barbell Routine

A high-intensity session with heavier loads, lower reps, and explosive movements for strength and power.

  • Warm-Up: Walking Lunges (2x10 per leg), Barbell Complex (1 round)

  • Workout:

    • Deadlifts – 4x6

    • Front Squats – 4x6

    • Push Press – 4x6

    • Pendlay Rows – 4x8

  • Finisher (Optional): Barbell Complex – 2 rounds (6 reps each of Deadlift, Row, Front Squat, Push Press)

  • Challenge Yourself: Use a weight that feels heavy but manageable, aiming for near failure in the last 1-2 reps.

  • Use Progressive Overload: Increase weight weekly in 2.5-10 kg (5-20 lbs) increments, depending on the lift.

  • Maintain Good Form: Even with heavier loads, avoid sacrificing technique—quality over quantity.

Deadlifts

4x6 reps

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart, barbell over midfoot.

  • Grip the bar just outside your knees, keeping a neutral spine and braced core.

  • Drive through your heels, extending your hips and pulling the bar close to your body.

  • Lower the bar under control, maintaining tight form.

Tip: Think about pushing the floor away rather than pulling the bar up.

Front Squats

4x6 reps

  • Rest the bar on your front delts, elbows high, and grip the bar loosely with fingertips.

  • Keep your core tight and chest up, then squat down until thighs are parallel or lower.

  • Drive back up through your heels, keeping your elbows from dropping forward.

Tip: If mobility is an issue, practice with goblet squats before loading the bar.

Push Press

4x6 reps

  • Hold the bar at shoulder height, feet hip- to shoulder-width apart, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width, elbows slightly in front.

  • Dip & Drive: Slightly bend your knees and use a small leg drive to generate power.

  • Press Up: Extend your legs explosively while pressing the bar overhead in a straight line. Fully extend your arms.

  • Control the Descent: Lower the bar slowly back to your shoulders before the next rep.

Technique Focus: Keep your core tight to avoid leaning back. Use your legs to initiate the movement, not just your arms.


Common Mistake: Using only your arms—your legs generate the power!

Pendlay Rows

4x8 reps

  • Start in a hinged position, feet hip-width apart, barbell on the ground, and grip slightly wider than shoulder-width.

  • Keep a neutral spine and brace your core to maintain stability.

  • Explosive Pull: Drive your elbows back and pull the bar explosively to your lower ribs, squeezing your shoulder blades together.

  • Controlled Lowering: Lower the bar under control all the way back to the floor before the next rep.

Form Tips: Keep your back straight and core engaged throughout. The bar should rest on the floor between reps—no bouncing!

Common Mistake: Rounding the back—hinge properly and brace your core!

Great job pushing through the workout! Now it’s time to cool down and stretch.

Taking just a few minutes to stretch can make a big difference in how you feel after training - so don’t skip this step! Let’s give your body the recovery it deserves.

Want more stretching and recovery exercises? Click here to explore our full guide on the best mobility and flexibility routines to help you move and feel better!

Cool Down

Finish your workout by stretching and releasing tension in your muscles.

  • Child’s Pose (30 seconds) – Sit back on your heels, stretch your arms forward, and relax.

  • Cat-Cow Stretch (8-10 breaths) – Alternate between arching and rounding your back to improve spinal mobility.

  • Foam Rolling (quads & back, 1-2 minutes) – Slowly roll over tight areas to release muscle tension.

Childs Pose

30 Seconds

Cat-Cow Stretch

8-10 Breaths

FAQ About Barbell Training

How heavy should I start with?
If you’re new to barbell training, start with an empty bar (20 kg/45 lbs) to master form. Increase in 2.5-5 kg (5-10 lbs) increments as you gain confidence and control.

How many reps and sets should I do?

  • Beginners: 3 sets of 8-10 reps per exercise for strength and technique.

  • Advanced: 4-6 sets of 6-8 reps for strength, or 8-12 reps for muscle growth (hypertrophy).

What’s the correct form for key lifts?

  • Deadlift: Keep your back neutral, engage your core, and lift with your legs, not your lower back.

  • Front Squat: Keep elbows high and chest upright to prevent leaning forward.

  • Overhead Press: Maintain a stable core and avoid arching your lower back.


    How often should I do barbell workouts?

  • 2-3 times per week is ideal for most lifters, with at least one rest day between sessions for recovery.

What should I focus on as a beginner?

  • Master proper technique before increasing weight.

  • Prioritize compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses for full-body strength.

  • Engage your core in every lift to protect your back and improve stability.

  • Don’t rush to lift heavy—building a strong foundation is the key to long-term progress.

  • Do I really need a warm-up before lifting?
    Yes! A proper warm-up prepares your muscles, improves mobility, and helps prevent injury. Spend at least 5-10 minutes warming up, focusing on dynamic stretches and light movement patterns.

  • How do I breathe properly during lifts?
    For maximum strength and stability, inhale before lowering the weight, brace your core, and exhale as you lift. Proper breathing helps prevent energy loss and protects your spine during heavy lifts.

How to Use a Spotter for Safe Lifting

A spotter is essential for heavy lifts, especially exercises like squats, bench press, and overhead presses. Here’s how to use a spotter effectively:

  • For Squats: The spotter should stand behind you with hands ready at your ribcage. If you struggle, they should help guide you back up safely, not lift the weight for you.

  • For Bench Press: The spotter should stand behind the bench, helping lift off if needed, and be ready to assist if the bar stops moving or begins to drop.

  • For Overhead Press: A spotter should stand behind you, ready to grab the bar if you lose control.

Pro Tip: Always communicate with your spotter before lifting—tell them how many reps you’re aiming for and when you might need help.

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