#246 - Getting Started #3: Mastering the Big Four (Squat, Press, Bench, Deadlift) | Barbell Logic (2024)

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In Getting Started #2, Matt and Scott discussed the big picture of getting strong, which occurs by lifting progressively heavier weights over time. Since this is Barbell Logic, you guessed it… we accomplish this progressive method of strength training using barbells.

Though there are thousands of different exercises we could do in the gym, barbell training comprises just four exercises, the so-called “Big Lifts.” These compound movements — the squat, press, deadlift, and bench press — should make up 90% of any athlete’s strength program, regardless of their level of advancement.

Matt and Scott explain why these lifts are simple, hard, and most importantly, brutally effective at building strength.

Have a question about training? Send a question to Matt and Scott! Email us at questions@barbell-logic.comand we’ll answer your question on an upcoming Saturday Q&A!

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#246 - Getting Started #3: Mastering the Big Four (Squat, Press, Bench, Deadlift) | Barbell Logic (2024)

FAQs

What are the big 3 bench squat deadlift? ›

The squat, bench and deadlift target multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting overall strength and hypertrophy. Incorporating them into a well rounded workout programme that utilises progressive overload is highly effective for muscle growth.

What are the big 4 exercises? ›

Though there are thousands of different exercises we could do in the gym, barbell training comprises just four exercises, the so-called “Big Lifts.” These compound movements — the squat, press, deadlift, and bench press — should make up 90% of any athlete's strength program, regardless of their level of advancement.

What is a good big 3 total? ›

A 1200 pound 3-lift total (bench press, squats and deadlifts) is more than 95% of gym rats will ever accomplish. A 1500 pound 3-lift total is a huge accomplishment, and will be hard to beat at most local, natural powerlifting meets.

What are the big 3 in the gym? ›

Some are superior to others. A chosen few are also known as the "big three." The bench press, squat, and deadlift are the "big three." These are the three lifts that powerlifters utilize to compare their strength to that of the competition using the combined total.

What is the big 3 for fat loss? ›

The 'Big 3' lifts refer to the barbell Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift. This workout will show you how to practice and get proficient with them quickly.

What are the big 3 lifts everyday? ›

As we mentioned above, the big three are the bench press, squat, and deadlift. They're the three lifts used in powerlifting, where powerlifters use the combined total to measure their strength against their competitors.

What is a good 4 day workout? ›

The best four-day split typically involves an upper-lower split routine, where two days target the upper body routine and two days focus on the lower body routine. Another effective approach is to divide the days into specific muscle group combinations, like chest and back, arms and shoulders, and two leg days.

What is Big 4 and big 3? ›

The Big Three is one of the names given to the three largest strategy consulting firms by revenue: McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Bain & Company. They are also referred to as MBB. The Big Four consists of the four largest accounting firms by revenue: PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG.

Which Big 4 is best to work? ›

In general, PwC and Deloitte are considered the most prestigious of the Big 4. If you ask most people about prestige, they'll probably rank PwC/Deloitte > EY > KPMG. This is reflected in pricing, for example. Big 4 will compete with each other on pricing.

How rare is a 225 bench? ›

It's about 1 / 1000 ppl that can bench 225. Now imagine the percentage that can rep 225 for reps not alone 20 reps it might . 01 %. #benchpress #weights #bench #bencheveryday #chestworkout.

What is considered strong for a man? ›

ADVANCED

A 180-pound male should be hitting a 315-455 pound squat, a 275-365 pound bench, and a 405-545 pound deadlift. You can see that my squat and bench would still be above the advanced category, but my deadlift, the lift I struggled with the most, would fall into the advanced stage.

Which lift should be heaviest? ›

The Deadlift is the biggest lift for most people and should be the one we aim to move the most weight with. With consistent training it is very realistic to be able to deadlift the equivalent of your own bodyweight for a few reps, men and women alike.

What lift works the most muscles? ›

The squat is the king of all exercises. Squats hit most muscle groups in the body, with emphasis on the core and large lower body muscles. The more muscle mass and motor units recruited during an exercise, the better the exercise for burning body fat, and the squat is the best of them all.

Which is better, squat or deadlift? ›

So, while you'll certainly get a great leg workout from both exercises, the answer to whether deadlifts can replace squats lies in what your goal might be. If you want to improve strength in your quads, the squat is still a better choice. And if you want more gains for the back of your legs, the deadlift wins.

Is lifting 145 pounds good? ›

Based on bench press standards and the average body weight of an American male, an untrained or novice man can often lift between 135 and 175 pounds.

What is 3 sets of 3 powerlifting? ›

The 3x3 program allows you to focus on heavy weights and low reps. You do three sets of three reps at each session with varying intensities. The volume is fairly low so high frequency is a viable option. The 3x3 program is also great for size and strength goals or just sheer strength goals.

What 3 lifts are performed in powerlifting? ›

Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. As in the sport of Olympic weightlifting, it involves the athlete attempting a maximal weight single-lift effort of a barbell loaded with weight plates.

What is the 3 4 5 ratio bench squat deadlift? ›

The 3:4:5 Ratio

Lots of lifters use a 3:4:5 ratio as an ideal strength standard to work toward. Rather than expressing a ratio via percentages, each of these numbers represents a fixed weight goal for benching, squatting, and deadlifting, respectively. So you would try to bench 300 lbs, squat 400, and deadlift 500.

What are the five major lifts? ›

The five exercises of bench press, deadlift, squat, shoulder press and pull-up are commonly known as the Big 5 of strength training. Because of the adjustability of the resistance, the lat pulldown is often used instead of the pull-up.

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