When you enter a gym, you will see kinds of barbells, and you might think, “How much does a barbell weigh?” Different types of barbells exist. Each type has a different weight. This is important to know whether you are new to lifting weights or have some experience.
Each type of barbell has a different weight. Let’s make it easy to understand!
What Is A Barbell?
A barbell is a long, metal bar used for weightlifting. Trainers attach weights to both ends of the bar, which people use for workouts such as squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. Barbells come in various sizes and can weigh between 15 and 45 pounds without additional weight. They help you gain strength and muscle by allowing you to lift larger loads.
Standard Barbell Types and Their Weights
1. Standard Barbell
- Weight: 45 pounds (20 kg)
- Length: 7 feet
- This is the most common barbell used in gyms for squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
2. Olympic Barbell
- Weight: 44 pounds (20 kg)
- Length: 7.2 feet (2.2 meters)
- The designers created this bar for Olympic weightlifting, and its thicker sleeves allow it to handle heavy weights.
3. EZ Curl Bar
- Weight: 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg)
- Length: 4 feet (1.2 meters)
- This shorter bar with a curved shape is used for exercises like bicep curls and tricep extensions.
4. Trap Bar (Hex Bar)
- Weight: 50-70 pounds (22-32 kg)
- Shape: Hexagonal
- Used mainly for deadlifts and shrugs, allowing for better body alignment during lifts.
5. Powerlifting Barbell
- Length: 7 feet
- Weight: 45 pounds (20 kg)
- This bar is stiffer than a regular barbell. The design supports powerlifting exercises like the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
How Much Does a Standard Barbell Weigh?
A standard barbell weighs around 20 kilograms (44 pounds) for men and 15 kilograms (33 pounds) for ladies. However, lighter conventional barbells, commonly used in home gyms, can weigh between 10 and 15 pounds (4.5 to 7 kg).
Barbell weights can vary, so it’s smart to check the exact details of each one. The weight of barbells can differ, hence it’s always advisable to verify the particular barbell.
How Much Does an Olympic Barbell Weigh For Men?
An Olympic barbell for men weighs 20 kilograms (44 pounds). Manufacturers design an Olympic barbell for men to meet the standards used in competition weightlifting. It measures 2.2 meters (7.2 feet) long and has a diameter of 28 millimeters (1.1 inches).
Manufacturers usually make the bar from steel. It has rotating sleeves that help with smooth lifting. This design reduces torque on the wrists during exercises like the clean and jerk and the snatch.
How Much Does an Olympic Barbell Weigh For Women?
An Olympic barbell for women normally weighs 15 kilos (33 pounds). The length of 2.01 meters (6.6 feet) makes it slightly shorter than the men’s barbell. The women’s bar has a diameter of around 25 millimeters (1 inch).
It has rotating sleeves, just like the men’s bar. This feature helps improve lifting mechanics. Great for competitive weightlifting and different strength training routines.
Related: Average Leg Press Weight For Female By Age, Weight, Experience
Choosing the Right Barbell for You
Your fitness goals will strongly influence your barbell selection. If you are interested in powerlifting or Olympic lifting, the conventional Olympic barbell is suitable. For bodybuilding or general fitness, a conventional barbell or specialty bar may be more appropriate.
Beginners may find lighter barbells easier to use, but experienced lifters may choose heavier, more specialized barbells.
The equipment provided at your gym will also impact your decision. Many commercial gyms offer Olympic barbells. However, if you have a home gym, you might prefer regular or specialty barbells.
Barbell Weight Standards in Competitions
Barbell weight standards in competitions vary based on the type of event and the federation hosting it. Here are the common standards:
- Men’s Barbell (Olympic Lifting and Powerlifting):
- Weight: 20 kg (44.1 lbs)
- Length: 2.2 meters (7.2 feet)
- Diameter: 28-29 mm
- Women’s Barbell (Olympic Lifting and Powerlifting):
- Weight: 15 kg (33 lbs)
- Length: 2.01 meters (6.6 feet)
- Diameter: 25 mm
- Standard Plates: Competitions use calibrated plates. These plates have weights from 0.5 kg to 25 kg. They are color-coded for easy identification.
- Collars weigh 2.5 kg each and lock the plates in place, contributing to the total weight.
These standards ensure fairness and consistency across competitions, allowing athletes to compete with the same equipment specifications globally.
Conclusion
Knowing how much a barbell weighs is important for improving your workout. Whether you exercise at home or at the gym, knowing about different barbells and their weights can help you make good choices.
Now that you know how much a barbell weighs, you can choose the right one for your workouts. This will help you reach your fitness goals with confidence!
People Also Ask
1. How much does a standard barbell weigh?
A normal barbell weighs approximately 45 pounds (20 kg). This barbell ranks as the most popular choice in gyms, and people use it for workouts such as squats, bench presses, and deadlifts.
2. Are there different types of barbells with different weights?
Yes, different varieties of barbells have varying weights. For example, an Olympic barbell weighs 45 pounds (20 kg). A women’s Olympic barbell weighs 35 pounds (15 kg). Smaller training barbells can weigh between 15 and 35 pounds (7 to 15 kg).
3. How much does an Olympic barbell weigh?
The Olympic barbell weighs 45 pounds (20 kg). Weightlifters commonly use this style of barbell in contests and heavy lifting workouts.
4. How much does a women’s barbell weigh?
A women’s Olympic barbell weights 35 pounds (15 kg). Somewhat lighter than a men’s barbell, the item has a smaller grip size to fit properly in a woman’s hands.
5. What is the weight of a beginner barbell?
Beginner barbells, also called training or technique barbells, usually weigh between 15 and 35 pounds. This is about 7 to 15 kilograms. These are lightweight and more suited for beginners who want to lift weights.
