Abstract: A grip system for barbells includes a slidable grip assembly that translates along the barbell shaft, optional medial and lateral stoppers that restrict the lateral movement of the grip assembly, and optional shaft sleeves that attach around the barbell shaft to provide a surface across which the grip assemblies can easily slide. The grip assemblies include a hand grip attached to a tubular base and a slide segment attached to an inner surface of the tubular base. The tubular base and the slide segment surround the barbell shaft when positioned on the shaft. The slide segment can be a friction reducing surface or have a plurality of bearings that facilitate longitudinal motion but restrict rotational motion of the grip assemblies. Additional optional configurations of the grip assembly include multiple grip assembly sections held together with fasteners that allow the grip assemblies to be removably attached to the barbell shaft.