How Heavy Is the Bar at the Gym?

When you start lifting weights, you quickly discover there’s a surprising amount of arithmetic involved. From the bar weight itself to the clips and weight plates, suddenly, you have a full addition problem on your hands. You need to know things like how much a barbell weighs. Since there’s more than one type of barbell, what are the different types of barbells, and how heavy is the bar at the gym for each different purpose?

Understanding the Standard Barbell Weight

As you get started with strength training, you might wonder how heavy the bar is at the gym. You’ll find the standard barbell most often. This all-purpose bar can be used for a variety of different exercises, from deadlifts and squats to bench presses and shoulder presses. So, how heavy are standard bars for lifting? Typically, the standard bar weight is between 33 pounds and 45 pounds, with 45 pounds being the most common.

One important aspect of managing the weight of bars in the gym is their length—86 inches, or over seven feet, for a standard bar—which makes them unwieldy. You’ll need to get accustomed to stabilizing such a long bar before you begin adding any weight. Once you’re in control of the bar on its own, you can slowly add weight plates and continue to work on stability.

Types of Bars You Might Encounter at the Gym

In addition to the standard barbell, there are several other types of barbells, each with a different purpose. One of the best weightlifting tips is to get educated before you start weight training. Before you ask, “How heavy are gym bars?” it’s a good idea to know why you might choose each bar.

EZ Bar

An EZ bar is lighter and shorter than a standard bar. It features strategically angled and spaced bends designed to reduce stress on the wrists and elbows by allowing for different grips. EZ bars are primarily used for bicep exercises.

Fixed Barbell

Think of these like oversized dumbbells. Fixed barbells are pre-loaded with a specific weight, so no setup or adjustment is required. They’re ideal for exercises that require a narrow grip.

Olympic Barbell

The Olympic barbell is similar in size and weight to a standard barbell. However, an Olympic barbell features rotating sleeves that allow the bar to rotate easily for Olympic lifts like snatches and clean-and-jerks.

Smith Machine Bar

This machine features a fixed track barbell, so you don’t need to stabilize the weight. While this can be a great way to start as you’re learning how to work with weights, you’ll eventually need to work on your stabilizing muscles to ensure you don’t hurt yourself off the fixed track.

Trap Bar/Hex Bar

A trap bar, also known as a hex bar, is hexagonal with two weight sleeves extending from the sides. You stand in the middle of the hexagon, which keeps the weight load closer to your center of gravity. This allows for a better and more stable form, which often means you can lift heavier weights more safely.

Women’s Barbell

There are women’s versions of both standard and Olympic barbells that are a little lighter, thinner, and shorter to accommodate women’s typically smaller hands and stature. However, they’re not only for women. If you’re struggling with stability on the longer standard bar, try women’s bars first.

Weight of Specialty Bars: What’s the Difference?

So, how much does a barbell weigh? A standard barbell weighs between 33 and 45 pounds, but what about specialty bars? The bar weight depends on the size and type of barbell.

• EZ bar: Weighs between 18 to 25 pounds and measures about four feet long.
• Fixed barbell: Weighs between 10 to 150 pounds and measures about three feet long.
• Olympic barbell: Weighs about 45 pounds and measures a little over seven feet long.
• Smith Machine bar: Weighs between 5 to 55 pounds, but the bar is on a fixed track.
• Trap/Hex bar: Weighs between 35 and 80 pounds, and lengths will vary.
• Women’s barbell: Weighs between 33 to 35 pounds and measures about six and a half feet long.

Why Knowing Barbell Weight Matters for Your Training

It’s important to know the weight of the bars in the gym for accurate training weight calculations. The weight of your barbell affects how you adjust your form during exercises and maintain stability and safety throughout your workout.

You’ll need to choose your bars carefully before beginning your lifting routine, but if you choose thoughtfully, they can make each exercise work best for you. If you can answer, “How much does a barbell weigh?” well before you’re lifting, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy as many of the benefits of weightlifting as possible.