Knowing the weight of a barbell is fundamental for tracking fitness progress and safely executing weightlifting movements. A barbell is a long metal bar used in weight training where weight plates are loaded onto the ends. Not all barbells weigh the same, as the weight varies depending on the bar’s intended use and dimensions. The bar’s base weight must be included in the total load lifted for accurate record-keeping.
Weights of the Standard Olympic Bar
The most commonly encountered bar in commercial gyms is the 7-foot Olympic barbell, which follows international standards for weight and dimensions. The typical men’s competition bar is standardized to weigh 20 kilograms, which is approximately 44.1 pounds. This bar usually measures 2.2 meters (86.6 inches) in length and features a shaft diameter of 28 millimeters for optimal grip and slight flexibility, known as “whip,” during explosive lifts.
A different standard exists for the women’s Olympic bar, designed to accommodate different biomechanics. This bar is shorter and lighter, weighing 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds). The women’s bar is typically 2.01 meters (79.1 inches) long and has a thinner shaft diameter of 25 millimeters. Both the men’s and women’s Olympic bars have a high degree of manufacturing accuracy, meaning their actual weight deviates minimally from the stated weight. This ensures consistency in training and competition.
Weights of Specialty Bars
Many gyms feature specialty bars that deviate from the straight design of the standard Olympic bar, often resulting in different starting weights. The EZ Curl Bar, recognized by its characteristic “W” or “M” shape, is primarily used for exercises like biceps curls and triceps extensions, as its bends reduce wrist strain. The weight for an Olympic-sleeved EZ Curl Bar typically ranges between 18 and 25 pounds (8 to 11 kg). Longer, “rackable” versions of the EZ Curl Bar can weigh heavier, sometimes reaching 35 to 45 pounds.
Another specialized bar is the Trap Bar, or Hex Bar, which is hexagonal in shape and allows the lifter to stand inside the frame. This design centers the load and is frequently used for deadlifts and shrugs, often weighing between 45 and 60 pounds (20 to 27 kg). The Safety Squat Bar (SSB) is another heavy option, featuring padded shoulder rests and forward-facing handles for a safer, more upright squat position. Due to the added metal and components for the yoke and padding, the SSB often weighs significantly more than a standard bar, averaging between 60 and 75 pounds (27 to 34 kg).
Identifying Non-Standard and Fixed Weight Bars
Beyond the free-weight area, the gym contains equipment where the bar’s weight is not standardized or is permanently fixed. The Smith Machine is a common example, where the bar is attached to a machine and moves along a fixed vertical or angled path. The actual weight of the Smith machine bar can vary widely by manufacturer and model, ranging from 5 to 45 pounds (2.5 to 20 kg).
Many Smith machines utilize a counterbalancing system, which employs a pulley and cable mechanism to offset the physical weight of the bar. This counterbalancing can reduce the effective starting weight to as little as 5 or 15 pounds, or sometimes even zero, making the bar feel much lighter than its actual mass. Therefore, a lifter must check the specific machine, as the effective starting load is highly variable and is often indicated on a sticker near the bar.
The gym floor also typically has racks of fixed-weight barbells, which are pre-loaded with plates and permanently welded together. These bars are distinct from free-weight bars because the weight is clearly marked on the end caps. Fixed-weight barbells usually start at 20 pounds and increase in 5 or 10-pound increments.