Introduction
When it comes to shedding calories or strengthening bones, strength training comes as an ideal option for most fitness enthusiasts. Are you interested in strength training to keep your body in shape and lead a healthy life? Then, the first step is to confirm the suitable barbell weights for you. Contact a fitness trainer to know about it. Today, we will talk about the weight of barbell to help beginners know about barbells in more detail.
Note that a standard barbell is 44 pounds or 20 kg in weight. However, various types of barbells are available in the market with specific weights and features. Hence, when it comes to loading plates onto a bar, it is a must to know what type of bar is being used. The process of calculating the most suitable weight of barbell is the most cumbersome task of a weightlifting session. It is time to discuss the weight of barbells.
How much does a Barbell weigh?
There is no concept of fixed weights for barbells. In other words, the weight of a barbell depends on the brand. Different gyms use barbells from different companies, so you can expect to see changes in barbell weights if you change your gym.
Although most barbell brands mention the weight at the end of the bar, you can get it verified by your trainer. Do you wonder how much does the bar weigh? Let us discuss the weights of different barbells available in the market.
Standard Barbell
What is the weight of a standard straight barbell? The answer is 45 pounds. Note that these barbells are 7 feet in length. One can leverage the power of standard barbells for maximum lifts, such as bent-over rows, squats, biceps curls, overhead presses, and so on.
Women’s Barbell
A women’s barbell weighs 35 pounds. These barbells are a bit shorter, thinner, and lighter as compared to a standard barbell. Moreover, women’s barbells are available in both Olympic and standard versions.
Lightweight barbells, such as women’s barbells, streamline many moves for beginners, especially those with less strength. Moreover, the short distance between the weight plates of such bars has made the weightlifters use low stability to ensure a safe workout session.
Olympic Barbell
The weight of an Olympic barbell is the same as a standard barbell, which is 45 pounds. However, the unique feature of an Olympic bar is that it comes with rotating sleeves. These sleeves help in barbell rotation throughout various movements without any need for spin movements. Note that Olympic barbells are a bit thinner. That is why users can hold them with ease to streamline complex moves.
Men’s Olympic Barbell
A men’s Olympic barbell weighs 44 pounds, which is almost the same as the standard barbell. However, the former is longer (one to two feet) compared to the latter. Moreover, an Olympic barbell is heftier and thicker than a standard barbell. That is how Olympic barbells become more stable in terms of performance.
Maximum gyms have a setup with standard barbells. However, you can talk to your fitness trainer about the usage and availability of Olympic barbells. No need to mention that Olympic barbells are manufactured with cutting-edge materials to support hefty loads.
Women’s Olympic Barbell
The name “women’s Olympic barbell” is self-explanatory in that it is manufactured for female lifters. A women’s Olympic barbell weighs 33 pounds. Note that these barbells are visibly thinner than men’s barbells. It is because average women feature smaller hands as compared to their male counterparts.
However, women’s Olympic barbells can still hold significant weights without being bent. Do not worry about the structural integrity of a women’s Olympic barbell. Even a budget-friendly Olympic bar can keep its durability for longer than many standard barbells.
Powerlifting Barbell
Did you know a powerlifting barbell comes with the same dimensions and width as an Olympic barbell? Why are powerlifting barbells used? When it comes to bench pressing, squatting, etc, these barbells make an ideal option for weightlifters.
However, powerlifting barbells can withstand more weight as compared to Olympic barbells. What is the reason? A number of power lifts, including the deadlift, may get heftier when it comes to competitions.
Moreover, the grips of powerlifting barbells may be a bit rigid and closer than those of Olympic barbells. Did you know Olympic barbells come with the requirement for spinning sleeves? On the other hand, powerlifting barbells do not come with this requirement.
Kids Barbell or Technique Barbell
A kids barbell or technique barbell weighs around 11 pounds. When it comes to a barbell to cater to the needs of children in terms of lifting, a kids barbell or technique barbell makes a perfect solution. Some people may prefer a PVC pipe over a technique barbell. However, when it comes to improving the lifting technique and taking it to the next level, kids barbells are unmatchable.
Note that a technique barbell can withstand more weights, so they must be used when it comes to improving the lifting techniques of kids. However, the 11-pound version may be a bit advanced for some kids, so they can opt for a 5-pound counterpart.
Note that it is more important to take care of the correct lifting technique than working with a hefty barbell from the beginning. Fitness trainers are there to keep track of the barbell’s weight from time to time. Technique barbells of different versions in terms of weight are available to help kids to choose the most suitable option for them. It is mandatory to help kids to continue their weightlifting sessions at their own pace.
Smith Machine Bar
The smith machine bar comes with different variations in weights. That means weightlifters can choose the most suitable option for them, as per their requirements. However, the standard weight of a smith machine bar is 15 to 25 pounds. Consult your fitness trainer to know more about the smith machine bar.
Did you know that the Smith machine bar moves on a specific path? That is why weightlifters do not have to leverage their stabilizing muscles to ensure balance while using the bar. Therefore, you may feel it lighter on your body while lifting it and moving it down. It is the reason why the Smith machine can be a safe option for beginner weightlifters.
EZ Curl Bar
Note that EZ curl bars are not meant for competitions. Although different options are available for EZ curl bars, the most popular options weigh about 10 to 15 pounds. One can opt for heavier versions of EZ curl bars as well. Most weightlifters tend to upgrade their EZ curl bar’s weight once they get stronger with time.
Another worth-noting point is that heavy EZ curl bars can even withstand Olympic-sized plates. These bars can be an ideal option for weightlifters, who wish to build their bicep strength.
Hex or Trap Bar
Did you know the hex or trap bar comes in a hexagon shape? These bars enable weightlifters to stand right in the middle of the weight that they would like to lift. What is the weight of a trap or hex bar? The answer is 35 to 65 pounds. These bars can be leveraged to perform trap shoulder shrugs, deadlift variations, and so on.
Triceps Bar
A standard triceps bar comes as a simpler and smaller form of a multi-grip bar. What is the weight of a triceps bar? The answer is 20 to 40 pounds. The triceps bar contributes to triceps movements with a neutral grip. It helps weightlifters to cater to their workout requirements related to triceps.
Multi-Grip or Swiss Bar
What is the weight of a multi-grip or Swiss bar? It ranges from 35 to 55 pounds. These bars help weightlifters to perform upper body workouts, including row, bench press, and so on.
Safety Squat Bar
In short, the safety squat bar comes as an advanced version of a standard barbell. It weighs 60 to 75 pounds. The convenient structure of the safety squat bar helps weightlifters to balance weights with the ace. Moreover, these bars streamline back squatting for weightlifters with shoulder mobility ailments or injuries. Note that the safety squat bar features lower weight plates to support users during squats.
What is the significance of the weight of a Barbell?
Are you going to enter the world of weightlifting? Then, barbells would be an integral part of your journey. And you must be familiar with the objectives and weight of each type of barbell to opt for the most suitable version for you.
Moreover, it is also a must when it comes to extracting the maximum benefits of a barbell to take your weightlifting training’s outcomes to a new level.
Note that you must be aware of your expectations related to a barbell so that you can choose the perfect barbell for your sessions. In the case of any doubts, talk to your fitness trainer. Always make use of correct techniques to keep injuries at bay during the weightlifting sessions. In addition, you must take care of the equipment sets that you are going to use during your training to ensure the safest outcomes every time.
Wrapping Up
You are now familiar with the weight of barbell of different types available in the market. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced weightlifter, you must consult your fitness trainer before choosing or increasing the weight of a barbell. There is no one-size-fits-all concept for the barbell weight, so choose your option accordingly.
