How much does the bar weigh at a gym? The weight of bars at a gym can change a lot. A common bar in many gyms, called an Olympic barbell, usually weighs 45 pounds for men’s bars and 35 pounds for women’s bars. But Planet Fitness is different. They use special types of bars, mostly on machines or as fixed weights. The bars at Planet Fitness often weigh less than standard gym bar weights or are part of a weight system. Knowing these weights helps you track your fitness journey right.
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Deciphering Planet Fitness Bar Weights
Planet Fitness is a gym that many people like. It has lots of machines. It also has bars, but they are not like the heavy bars you see in some gyms. The bars at Planet Fitness are mainly used on machines or are part of sets that weigh a certain amount.
You will find a few types of bars here. Each type has its own weight or is used in a way that changes how you think about the weight. We will look at the main ones you will see.
The Planet Fitness Smith Machine Bar Weight
Many Planet Fitness locations have a Smith machine. This machine has a bar that moves up and down on tracks. It is guided, so it is easier to use for some people. The Smith machine bar weight is a bit tricky.
It does not weigh the same as a free bar in other gyms. Also, the weight can be different from one Planet Fitness gym to another. It can even be different on different machines in the same gym.
How Much Does the Smith Machine Bar Feel?
Some Smith machines use a system to make the bar feel lighter. This is called counterbalancing. A cable or weight helps lift the bar a little. So, the bar feels much lighter than its real weight.
If a machine is well counterbalanced, the bar might feel very light. It could feel like only 5 to 10 pounds. Some people even count it as 0 pounds when they lift.
Other Smith machines at Planet Fitness might not use much counterbalancing. On these machines, the bar will feel heavier. It might feel like 15 to 20 pounds. It could even feel a bit more, like 25 pounds.
It is hard to know the exact Planet Fitness smith machine bar weight without checking the machine itself. Sometimes, gyms write the weight on the machine. But Planet Fitness machines often do not show this weight clearly.
Why the Smith Machine Bar Weight Matters
Even if the bar feels light, it still adds weight to what you lift. If you lift the bar plus some weight plates, you need to add the bar’s weight to the plates’ weight. This gives you the total weight lifted.
For example, if the bar feels like 15 pounds and you put on 20 pounds of plates, you are lifting 15 + 20 = 35 pounds total.
Grasping the Real Weight
Since the weight can change, what should you do?
- Look Closely: Check the machine for any stickers or writing about the bar weight.
- Ask Staff: You can ask someone who works there if they know the bar weight.
- Estimate: If you cannot find the weight, you can guess. Start by thinking it might be 15 or 20 pounds if it’s not heavily counterbalanced. If it feels super light, it might be closer to 5-10 pounds or even felt as 0 for easy tracking.
- Be Consistent: The most important thing is to use the same guess every time you use that machine. This helps you track your progress over time. If you lift 50 pounds of plates today and the bar feels like 15, you lift 65 total. If you lift 60 pounds of plates next week, you lift 75 total. You know you got stronger.
So, the Smith machine bar weight at Planet Fitness is not a fixed number for all locations. It is usually lighter than a standard barbell weight and can be counterbalanced to feel even lighter. Expect it to be anywhere from effectively 0 up to about 25 pounds. Most commonly, people estimate it around 15-20 pounds if it feels like it has some weight.
Fixed Weight Barbells Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has racks with bars that already have the weight on them. These are called fixed weight barbells. They are not like the bars where you add plates. The weight is already set.
These fixed weight barbells Planet Fitness usually come in a set. The set has different bars, each with a different weight. The weight is written right on the bar, usually on the ends.
Types of Fixed Weight Bars
You will see straight bars. These look like the standard bars but are shorter and have the weight fixed on them.
You will also see bars with bends in them. These are called EZ curl bars. The bends make it easier to hold the bar for some exercises, like arm curls.
Some sets might also include bars that are used for triceps exercises. These are often straight bars or special triangle bars, but the fixed weight sets mainly use straight or EZ curl shapes.
How Much Do Fixed Weight Bars Weigh?
These bars weigh exactly what is marked on them. The number on the bar is the total weight. This weight includes the bar itself and the weights attached to the ends.
The fixed weight barbells at Planet Fitness usually start at a lower weight. Then they go up in steps. The starting weight might be 20 pounds. The weights might go up by 10 pounds at a time.
A typical set might have bars like:
* 20 pounds
* 30 pounds
* 40 pounds
* 50 pounds
* 60 pounds
* 70 pounds
* 80 pounds
* 90 pounds
* 100 pounds
Some gyms might have sets that go higher or have smaller steps in weight.
EZ Curl Bar Weight Planet Fitness
The EZ curl bars are part of these fixed weight sets. The number on the EZ curl bar is the total weight. It is not just the added weights; it is the whole bar.
So, if an EZ curl bar says “50 lbs” on it, the EZ curl bar weight at Planet Fitness is 50 pounds total.
Triceps Bar Weight Planet Fitness
If there are fixed bars specifically called ‘triceps bars’ (often straight or a special shape like a rhombus/box), their weight is also marked on them. However, often people use the straight fixed weight barbells for triceps pushdowns or overhead extensions. In that case, the triceps bar weight Planet Fitness is simply the marked weight of the straight bar you choose from the rack. For instance, if you use the 40-pound straight bar for triceps, you are lifting 40 pounds.
Table of Typical Fixed Bar Weights
Here is an idea of the weights you might see for fixed weight barbells Planet Fitness:
| Bar Type | Common Weights You Might See (in lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Barbell | 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 | Part of the fixed weight set. |
| EZ Curl Bar | 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 | Part of the fixed weight set. The number is the total weight. |
| Triceps Bar | (Less common as a separate bar) | If available, weight is marked. Often straight bars from the set are used. |
These fixed weight barbells are simple to use. You just pick the bar with the weight you want.
Preacher Curl Bar Weight at Planet Fitness
Sometimes, people ask about the preacher curl bar weight. Planet Fitness often has a preacher curl machine. This machine uses a weight stack, not a separate bar you load plates onto.
The bar on the preacher curl machine is usually attached to a cable or lever system. You add weight by putting a pin into the weight stack. The bar itself does not have a weight you need to add. The weight you lift is the weight you select on the stack, adjusted by the machine’s mechanics. The preacher curl bar is just part of the machine’s system. You do not need to worry about the bar’s weight itself for tracking.
Comparing Planet Fitness Bars to Typical Gym Bar Weights
Planet Fitness’s bars are often different from those in gyms focused on heavy lifting.
A standard barbell weight used in many gyms is:
* Men’s Olympic Barbell: 45 pounds (about 20 kg)
* Women’s Olympic Barbell: 35 pounds (about 15 kg)
These bars are used with separate weight plates that you slide onto the ends. You add the bar’s weight to the weight of the plates to get the total lifted.
Typical gym bar weights can include:
* Olympic barbells (45 lbs, 35 lbs)
* Trap bars (can be 45 lbs or more)
* Specialty bars (can vary greatly in weight)
* Fixed weight barbells (like at PF, but sets might go up higher)
* Fixed weight dumbbells
At Planet Fitness, you usually do not see the free-weight Olympic barbells. Their bar setup is mostly the Smith machine and the fixed weight sets. This is part of the Planet Fitness model, which aims to be welcoming to beginners and casual gym-goers. It avoids the loud dropping of heavy free weights.
So, when you ask how much does the bar weigh at a gym, the answer changes a lot based on the gym type. At Planet Fitness, expect lighter or fixed-weight bars compared to the standard 45-pound bars in other places.
Planet Fitness Equipment List and Bar Placement
The bars fit into the whole Planet Fitness equipment list. Planet Fitness has:
* Lots of cardio machines (treadmills, bikes, ellipticals)
* Many strength machines (using weight stacks)
* A Smith machine
* Racks of dumbbells (usually up to 50, 60, 75, or 100 lbs depending on the location)
* Racks of fixed weight barbells and EZ curl bars
* Benches (flat, adjustable)
* Areas for abs, stretching, etc.
The bars we talked about are the Smith machine bar and the fixed weight barbells (straight and EZ curl). They are important parts of the strength training area.
The fixed weight barbells are often near the dumbbell racks. The Smith machine is usually with the other strength machines.
Knowing the Planet Fitness equipment list helps you find the different types of bars and weights available to you for your workout.
Why Grasping Bar Weight Helps Your Fitness
Knowing how much the bar weighs is important for a few reasons.
- Tracking Progress: If you lift a bar, you need to know its weight to know the total weight you lifted. This total weight is what you use to see if you are getting stronger. If you lift 50 pounds total this week and 55 pounds total next week, you know you made progress. If you just count the plates, you are missing part of the weight.
- Safety: Knowing the weight helps you choose a weight that is safe for you. You can start light and slowly lift more as you get stronger.
- Setting Goals: When you know the weight, you can set goals like “I want to lift 10 pounds more on the Smith machine next month” or “I want to use the 70-pound fixed barbell soon.”
- Planning Your Workout: Different exercises use different bars. Knowing the weights helps you plan which bar to use for different lifts.
So, while the bars at Planet Fitness might be different from other gyms, knowing their weight is still a key part of working out smart.
Simple Steps for Tracking Weight at Planet Fitness
It is easy to track the weight you lift at Planet Fitness, even with their bars.
- For Fixed Weight Bars:
- Look at the number on the bar (straight or EZ curl).
- That number is the weight you are lifting.
- Write down that number for your workout.
- Example: Use the 50 lb fixed barbell for curls. You lifted 50 lbs.
- For the Smith Machine Bar:
- Try to find out the bar’s weight (check the machine, ask staff, or estimate).
- Let’s say you guess it is 15 pounds.
- Add the weight of the plates you put on the bar to your guessed bar weight.
- Example: You put two 25-pound plates on the Smith machine. That is 50 pounds in plates (25 + 25). If you think the bar is 15 pounds, you lifted 50 + 15 = 65 pounds total.
- Write down the total weight (plates + bar) for your workout.
- Use the same bar weight guess every time on that machine.
By doing this, you get a clear picture of your strength gains over time.
Safety When Using Bars at Planet Fitness
No matter the weight of the bar, safety is always number one.
- Start Light: If you are new to using a bar or a machine, start with a light weight. This could mean just using the Smith machine bar with no plates at first. Or pick one of the lighter fixed barbells.
- Use Good Form: Focus on doing the exercise the right way. Good form helps you work the right muscles and avoids hurting yourself. Watch videos or ask a trainer if you are not sure.
- Control the Weight: Do not let the weight drop or swing. Lift and lower the bar smoothly.
- Use Clips: If you are adding plates to the Smith machine bar, use clips on the ends. This stops the plates from falling off.
- Listen to Your Body: If something hurts, stop.
The fixed weight barbells at Planet Fitness are great for many exercises. You can use them for curls, rows, presses, lunges, and more. The Smith machine is good for exercises like squats, bench press, and rows, as it guides the bar.
Deciphering Different Bar Styles
We talked about different bar types you might see or hear about. Let’s break down a few key ones again.
- Standard Barbell: Often means the long bar used in serious lifting. Men’s are 45 lbs, women’s are 35 lbs. You add plates. Not common for free weights at PF.
- Smith Machine Bar: The bar in the guided machine. Weight is usually lighter than a standard barbell and might be counterbalanced. Planet Fitness uses this.
- Fixed Weight Barbell: A bar with weights already on it. The total weight is marked on the bar. Found in racks at Planet Fitness. Includes straight bars and EZ curl bars.
- EZ Curl Bar: A bar with wavy bends. Easier grip for curls. At PF, usually part of the fixed weight sets, weight is marked.
- Triceps Bar: Can be a straight bar or a special closed-shape bar. Used for triceps. At PF, you’ll likely use a fixed weight straight bar from the rack.
- Preacher Curl Bar: Usually part of a machine with a weight stack. Bar weight itself is not added to the stack weight.
Understanding these different types helps you know what bar you are using and how its weight is counted.
The Role of Typical Gym Bar Weights in Fitness
Knowing typical gym bar weights helps you compare different gyms and types of training.
If you go to a gym with Olympic barbells, you know the bar is 45 lbs or 35 lbs before you even add plates. This is a standard starting point for many big lifts like squats and deadlifts.
At Planet Fitness, the starting point with the Smith machine is usually lower (around 15-20 lbs or less effectivel), and the fixed barbells start at 20 lbs. This makes it easier for beginners to start with less weight.
Neither is better or worse. They are just different. Planet Fitness uses equipment that fits its goal: making fitness easy and not scary for everyone. The types and weights of bars they have are part of that plan.
Fathoming Your Strength Journey
Your fitness journey is about getting stronger over time. Knowing the weight you lift is key to seeing that progress.
Whether you use the Smith machine bar weight, the fixed weight barbells Planet Fitness has, or the EZ curl bar weight Planet Fitness offers, make sure you count the bar’s weight in your total.
If you lift 50 pounds of plates on the Smith machine and guess the bar is 20 pounds, write down 70 pounds. Next time, if you lift 60 pounds of plates and the bar still feels like 20, write down 80 pounds. You can see you lifted 10 pounds more total.
If you use the 40-pound fixed barbell for rows today and the 50-pound one next month, you know you got stronger.
It’s simple math, but it makes a big difference in tracking your gains and staying motivated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h4 Is the Smith machine bar weight at Planet Fitness always the same?
No, the Planet Fitness smith machine bar weight can change. It can be different at different gym places. It might also feel lighter because of a system that balances it. Expect it to feel like 10 to 25 pounds, or even less if it’s well balanced.
h4 How much do the fixed weight barbells at Planet Fitness weigh?
The fixed weight barbells Planet Fitness has weigh exactly what the number on the bar says. They are part of a set that starts at a lower weight (like 20 lbs) and goes up (like to 100 lbs).
h4 Does the EZ curl bar weight Planet Fitness mark include the bar?
Yes, the number on the fixed EZ curl bar is the total weight of the bar with the weights already on it.
h4 Is the triceps bar weight Planet Fitness uses a fixed amount?
If you use a fixed weight straight bar from the rack for triceps exercises, its weight is marked on it. Planet Fitness doesn’t usually have separate triceps bars that you load plates onto; you use bars from their fixed weight sets or machines.
h4 How heavy is a standard barbell weight compared to Planet Fitness bars?
A standard barbell used in many gyms is much heavier. Men’s bars are usually 45 pounds, and women’s are 35 pounds. Planet Fitness uses lighter bars or fixed weight bars that start lower.
h4 Where can I find the Planet Fitness equipment list?
You can usually see the main equipment types on the Planet Fitness website or app for a specific location. The gym itself has the equipment laid out. The bars we talked about are in the strength training area.
h4 Do I need to add the bar’s weight when tracking?
Yes, it is good to add the bar’s weight to the weight plates you use (like on the Smith machine). For fixed weight bars, the number on the bar is the total weight. Adding the bar’s weight helps you track your true progress.
h4 How much does the preacher curl bar weigh at Planet Fitness?
The preacher curl bar is part of a machine with a weight stack. You select weight from the stack. You do not add the bar’s weight to the stack weight.
Summing It Up
Knowing how much the bars weigh at Planet Fitness is simple once you know what to look for.
- The Smith machine bar is the most unsure one. Guess its weight (maybe 15-20 lbs if not super light) or treat it as a low, consistent number. Add this to your plates.
- The fixed weight barbells (straight and EZ curl) are easy. The number on the bar is the weight.
- Bars on machines (like preacher curl) don’t have a weight you add; the weight comes from the machine’s stack.
These bars are part of the Planet Fitness equipment list that helps you work out. Knowing the weight helps you see how much stronger you are getting. Keep it simple, focus on good form, and keep track of your lifts!