Prior to lifting a weighted bar, one must select a suitable bar and load weights onto it.

Some fitness centers offer only a standardized 45-pound barbell, while others have a variety of bars of distinct weights and shapes, leading to potential confusion for those unfamiliar with these variations.

Checking and Identifying the Bar

Locating the Weight

To determine the weight of a barbell bar, check the end of the bar for any labeling that specifies the brand, description, and weight. In cases where this information is not available, bars that are seven feet long typically weigh either 44 or 45 pounds.

You can also compare the height of the barbell when stood vertically to your own height for a rough estimate.

Verifying the Weight

Sometimes, incorrect information about a bar's weight may circulate among gym-goers. To accurately determine the weight of a bar, use a common bathroom scale. By weighing yourself with and without the barbell, you can calculate the actual weight of the bar.

Common Types of Barbell Bars

Standard 44- and 45-pound Bars

These bars are widely used in gyms and typically measure seven feet in length. They have a one-inch handle and two-inch sleeves for loading weight plates.

Variants in this category include Men's Olympic bars weighing 20kg (about 44 pounds) and Power bars, which are stiffer and mostly 45 pounds.

Women’s Olympic Bars

Lighter and thinner than men’s Olympic bars, women’s bars weigh 15kg (33 pounds) and are about eight inches shorter. These bars are designed with specific advantages for female lifters, such as enhanced grip and flexibility for Olympic lifting.

Specialized Bars and Variants

Curl Bars and Shorty Bars

Shorter barbell bars, such as curl bars, are approximately four to five feet long and are suitable for lighter lifts like barbell curls. They are more manageable for specific exercises and storage but may not fit in standard squat racks.

EZ-Curl Bars

EZ-Curl bars have wiggly handles for wrist comfort during exercises with lighter weights. They are typically around 15 to 25 pounds and are suitable for various curl exercises.

Trap Bars and Other Specialty Bars

Trap bars, designed for trap bar deadlifts, come in various weights and shapes, with some weighing 45 pounds. Additionally, there are football bars, safety squat bars, cambered bars, and axles used in strongman competitions, each with unique designs and weight specifications.

By understanding the characteristics and differences among these barbell bars, gym enthusiasts can effectively select and use appropriate bars for their workout routines.