How Much Do The Bars Weigh At Planet Fitness? Guide

Image Source: i.redd.it

How Much Do The Bars Weigh At Planet Fitness? Guide

Bars at Planet Fitness weigh different amounts. The weight depends on the type of bar you are using. The most common bars you will find are the Smith machine bar and fixed weight bars. These have different weights compared to standard gym equipment like Olympic bars. This guide will help you know what to expect from the different planet fitness barbell types and other gym equipment weights.

Deciphering Smith Machine Bar Weight

Let’s talk about the big bar you see on a guided machine. This is the Smith machine bar. Many people wonder, “How much does this bar weigh?”

The answer is not always simple. The weight of a Smith machine bar can change. It depends on the specific machine model at your Planet Fitness.

• Typical Weight Range: A Smith machine bar usually weighs between 15 and 35 pounds.
• It Can Feel Lighter: Here is a key point. Most Smith machines at Planet Fitness use a counterbalance system. This system is like a helper. It uses cables and weights to lift part of the bar’s weight. So, even if the bar weighs 20 pounds, it might feel like only 5 or 10 pounds when you lift it. This is the effective smith machine starting weight.

This is why the smith machine bar weight is different from a loose barbell. A standard barbell weight is usually heavier. An olympic bar weight is typically 45 pounds and has no counterbalance. The Smith machine is designed to help you balance and control the lift. This means the bar itself is often lighter and made to feel even lighter.

You use the Smith machine for many exercises. These include squats, lunges, rows, and the bench press bar weight. When you use it for bench press, remember the weight shown on the machine or felt might not be the true weight of the bar alone because of the counterbalance.

What a Counterbalance Does

Think of a see-saw. If you put a weight on one side, it goes down. If you put a smaller weight on the other side, it helps lift the heavier side. A counterbalance on a Smith machine works like this.

There are weights inside the machine. These weights are connected to the bar by cables. They pull up on the bar. This upward pull reduces the force you need to lift the bar.

• Benefit: It makes the initial lift easier. This helps people who are new to lifting. It can also help people focus on their form.
• Downside: It can make it tricky to know exactly how much weight you are truly lifting. The feeling of the smith machine starting weight is less than the physical weight of the bar.

So, the smith machine bar weight is not a set number like 45 pounds for an Olympic bar. It varies by machine and feels lighter due to the counterbalance. If you want to know the exact weight or effective weight, look for a sticker on the machine. You can also ask a Planet Fitness staff member.

Comparing Smith to Other Bars

It is helpful to know how the Smith machine bar compares to other bars you might see in gyms.

• Smith Machine Bar: Guided path, counterbalance often used, bar weight 15-35 lbs (feels lighter).
• Standard Barbell: Free weights, not guided, usually weighs 45 lbs for Olympic size, or less for smaller bars. Planet Fitness typically does not have these loose bars.
• Fixed Weight Bars: Bars with weights already on them. We will talk about these next.

So, when you see the Smith machine bar, remember it is lighter than a free standard barbell weight or olympic bar weight. It is designed for a different kind of workout experience.

Examining Fixed Weight Bars at Planet Fitness

Besides the Smith machine, Planet Fitness has other types of bars. These are called fixed weight bar planet fitness. They are much easier to figure out the weight of.

Fixed weight bars are exactly what they sound like. They are bars that have a set weight already on them. The weights are attached and cannot be removed.

You will find these bars in racks. They come in different shapes and weights.

Straight Fixed Weight Bars

These look like mini-barbells. They are straight bars with round weights on the ends. They start at a certain weight and go up in steps.

• How to Know the Weight: The weight is always clearly marked on the bar. Look for a number. It is usually on the weight part at the ends. It might also be on the bar itself.
• Weight Range: Fixed straight bars at Planet Fitness typically start at 20 pounds. They go up in 10-pound steps (30 lbs, 40 lbs, 50 lbs, etc.). Some gyms might have a slightly different range or steps.

These straight fixed bars are good for many exercises. You can use them for curls, triceps extensions, rows, and even some pressing movements if the weight is right for you.

EZ Curl Bars (Fixed Weight)

You will also see bars that are not straight. They have a wavy or zig-zag shape in the middle. These are called EZ curl bars. The shape helps you hold the bar with a more natural grip for exercises like bicep curls and triceps extensions.

Just like the straight fixed bars, these ez curl bar weight bars are fixed. The weight is set.

• How to Know the Weight: The weight is marked on the bar. Look at the ends or the bar itself.
• Weight Range: Fixed EZ curl bars usually start at 20 pounds. They also go up in 10-pound steps.

The preacher curl bar weight you use on a preacher bench is typically one of these fixed EZ curl bars. You grab the bar from the rack and use it on the preacher bench.

Summary of Fixed Bar Types

• Straight Fixed Bars: Look like small barbells, weight marked, usually 20 lbs and up in 10 lb steps.
• EZ Curl Fixed Bars: Wavy shape, weight marked, usually 20 lbs and up in 10 lb steps. Used for curls and extensions.
• Preacher Curl Bar: This refers to using an EZ Curl fixed bar on a preacher bench. The bar weight is the weight of that specific EZ Curl fixed bar.

These fixed weight bar planet fitness options give you many choices for different exercises. They are simple because the weight is right there for you to see.

Grasping Why Weights Vary in Gyms

It is normal for different gyms and different machines to have different weights. This is true for all gym equipment weights, not just bars.

Planet Fitness is a “Judgment Free Zone.” It is set up for general fitness and exercise. It is not a gym for competitive powerlifting or Olympic lifting. This is a key reason why they might not have standard 45-pound Olympic bars or platforms for lifting them from the floor.

• Focus on General Fitness: The equipment is chosen to be easy for most people to use.
• Safety: Machines like the Smith machine offer more stability. This can be safer for beginners.
• Variety: Fixed weight bars and dumbbells allow for a wide range of exercises without needing to load plates onto a bar.

So, the specific weight of a bar at Planet Fitness might be different from what you find elsewhere. The important thing is to know what these bars weigh so you can track your progress at this gym.

Knowing the planet fitness barbell types and their approximate weights helps you choose the right equipment for your workout goals. Whether it’s the smith machine bar weight, a fixed weight bar planet fitness, an ez curl bar weight, or a preacher curl bar weight, each serves a purpose.

Locating the Weight Information

Finding out how much a bar weighs at Planet Fitness is usually easy.

• Smith Machine: Look closely at the machine itself. Sometimes, there is a sticker near the bar hooks or on the frame. This sticker might tell you the bar weight. If not, you can assume it is in the typical 15-35 pound range and likely feels lighter.
• Fixed Weight Bars: This is the easiest one. The weight number is almost always printed or engraved on the bar or the weights at the ends. Just look at the bar you are picking up.

If you cannot find the weight marked, or if you are not sure, just ask a staff member. They are there to help you. They can tell you the weight of the bar you are interested in.

Remember that for the Smith machine, the feeling of the weight might be less than the actual bar weight. This is because of the counterbalance. So, the smith machine starting weight felt by you is the key number for tracking your progress on that machine.

Your Workout Matters More Than the Number

For most people working out at Planet Fitness, the exact, precise weight of the bar is not the most important thing.

What is more important?

1. Consistency: Coming to the gym regularly.
2. Effort: Working hard during your exercises.
3. Proper Form: Doing the exercises safely and correctly to target the right muscles.
4. Progress: Getting stronger or building endurance over time.

Whether the bar on the Smith machine weighs 20 pounds or 30 pounds is less critical than making sure you are challenging yourself. If you lifted the Smith bar with 20 pounds of plates last week, try lifting it with 25 or 30 pounds of plates this week if you feel strong enough.

The bench press bar weight on the Smith machine, combined with the plates you add, is what matters for your bench press progress on that machine. Don’t get too caught up comparing it to a standard barbell weight bench press in a different gym.

The same goes for fixed bars. If you used the 40-pound ez curl bar weight last time, try the 50-pound one when you are ready.

Focus on how the exercise feels. Focus on completing your sets and reps. Focus on getting stronger. The numbers on the bars are tools to help you track that progress at Planet Fitness.

Using different planet fitness barbell types like the Smith machine and the fixed weight bars lets you do many exercises. You can work your legs, chest, back, arms, and shoulders. Knowing the weights helps you plan your workouts and see your improvement.

Getting Stronger at Planet Fitness

You can definitely build strength and improve your fitness using the bars and gym equipment weights at Planet Fitness. Here are some tips:

• Track Your Workouts: Write down the exercises you do, the weight you lift (including the bar weight), and how many sets and reps you complete. This helps you see your progress. For the Smith machine, note the bar weight and the plates you added. For fixed bars, note the weight printed on the bar.
• Focus on Progression: To get stronger, you need to lift heavier over time. This could mean:
  • Lifting a heavier fixed weight bar next time.
  • Adding more plates to the Smith machine bar.
  • Doing more repetitions with the same weight.
  • Doing more sets.
• Listen to Your Body: Do not try to lift too much too soon. Use weight you can control with good form. It is better to lift a lighter weight correctly than a heavy weight incorrectly.
• Use All the Equipment: Planet Fitness has more than just bars. Use the dumbbells, resistance machines, and cardio equipment for a full-body workout. The variety of gym equipment weights available allows for a complete fitness plan.

Whether you are using the smith machine bar weight for squats, the bench press bar weight on the Smith, or a preacher curl bar weight (one of the fixed EZ bars), understanding the weights helps you plan and track. But remember, the effort you put in is the most important thing.

More Details on Specific Bars

Let’s break down the weight info again for clarity on the different planet fitness barbell types.

Smith Machine Bar

• Actual Bar Weight: Varies by machine model, usually 15 lbs to 35 lbs.
• Effective Starting Weight (What it feels like): Often much lower due to counterbalance, possibly as low as 5-10 lbs.
• How to Find Weight: Look for stickers on the machine, ask staff. Assume 15-35 lbs if no info, but know it feels less.
• Use: Guided exercises like squats, bench press (where it’s the bench press bar weight), rows, lunges.

Fixed Straight Bars

• Actual Bar Weight: Includes the bar and the fixed weights on the ends.
• Weight Range: Typically starts at 20 lbs and goes up in 10 lb steps (30, 40, 50, etc.).
• How to Find Weight: Clearly marked on the bar or weights.
• Use: Curls, triceps extensions, rows, overhead press, etc.

Fixed EZ Curl Bars

• Actual Bar Weight: Includes the bar and the fixed weights on the ends.
• Weight Range: Typically starts at 20 lbs and goes up in 10 lb steps (30, 40, 50, etc.). Same range as straight fixed bars in many gyms.
• How to Find Weight: Clearly marked on the bar or weights.
• Use: Bicep curls (like the ez curl bar weight), triceps extensions (like the preacher curl bar weight on a bench).

Olympic Bars (Standard Free Weights)

• Typical Weight: 45 lbs (20 kg).
• Counterbalance: None.
• Found at PF?: Usually NO. Planet Fitness gyms are not set up for standard free barbell lifting with loose plates and 45 lb bars from the floor. They have Smith machines instead.

Standard Bars (Other Free Weights)

• Typical Weight: Can vary widely (e.g., 15 lbs, 25 lbs). Less common than Olympic size in modern gyms.
• Counterbalance: None.
• Found at PF?: Usually NO free bars that you load plates onto, other than the Smith machine.

So, when thinking about planet fitness barbell types, focus on the Smith machine bar and the various fixed weight bar planet fitness options.

Comparing Fixed vs. Smith Machine

Both the Smith machine and fixed weight bars are useful.

• Smith Machine Pros:
  • Good for beginners due to guided path.
  • Safer for max attempts as bar locks into place.
  • Helps isolate muscles by removing need for stabilization.

• Smith Machine Cons:

  • Unnatural movement path for some exercises.
  • Counterbalance makes tracking true strength gains harder (compared to free weight).
  • Does not work stabilizing muscles as much.

• Fixed Weight Bar Pros:

  • Easy to know the exact weight.
  • Good for a variety of exercises, especially isolation movements.
  • Portable and easy to switch between weights.
• Fixed Weight Bar Cons:
  • Weights jump in 10-pound steps, which can be a big jump for some people.
  • Heaviest weights might not be enough for very strong individuals on some lifts.

Both are part of the gym equipment weights available at Planet Fitness. Using both can give you a well-rounded workout plan. Use the Smith machine for guided exercises like the bench press bar weight or squats. Use fixed bars like the ez curl bar weight or straight bars for curls, extensions, rows, and more.

Interpreting Your Progress

Since the bars at Planet Fitness have different weights than standard free weights, how should you look at your progress?

Do not worry about comparing your Smith machine bench press weight to someone else’s free weight bench press weight at a different gym. They are not the same.

Instead, compare your current lifts to your past lifts at Planet Fitness.

• “Last month, I used the 30-pound fixed straight bar for rows. This month, I can use the 40-pound one!” (Clear progress)
• “Last week, I did Smith machine bench press with the bar plus two 25-pound plates on each side. This week, I did the bar plus two 30-pound plates on each side.” (Clear progress, even if you don’t know the exact bar weight, you added load).

Focus on increasing the weight, reps, or sets over time on the equipment you are using. The number on the bar or machine is just a marker for your journey in that gym.

Frequently Asked Questions About PF Bars

Here are some common questions people ask about the bars at Planet Fitness.

Q: Is the Smith machine bar really lighter than a regular bar?
A: Yes, usually. The bar itself is often lighter (15-35 lbs), and the counterbalance makes it feel even lighter when you lift it. A standard Olympic bar is 45 lbs and has no counterbalance.

Q: How much does the heaviest fixed weight bar at Planet Fitness weigh?
A: This can vary a bit by location, but fixed straight and EZ curl bars usually go up to 80, 90, or sometimes 100 pounds. Check the rack at your specific club.

Q: Can I use the fixed weight bars for squats or bench press?
A: You could, but they are often not heavy enough for these exercises for most people. The Smith machine is the main bar for squats and bench press at Planet Fitness, using plates to add weight. Fixed bars are better for exercises like curls, extensions, and rows.

Q: Does Planet Fitness have 45-pound Olympic barbells?
A: No, typically they do not. Planet Fitness is not set up for Olympic lifting or standard free weight barbell training with loose 45 lb bars and plates used from the floor. They provide Smith machines for guided bar exercises.

Q: How do I know the weight of the Smith machine bar?
A: Look for a sticker on the machine itself. If you can’t find one, ask a staff member. You can also search online for the specific model of the machine used at your club, but remember the counterbalance affects how it feels.

Q: What is the difference between an EZ Curl bar and a Preacher Curl bar?
A: An EZ Curl bar is a type of bar shape (the wavy one). A Preacher Curl bar exercise uses an EZ Curl bar while sitting at a preacher bench. So, the preacher curl bar weight is just the weight of the EZ Curl fixed bar you are using on that bench.

Q: Do the fixed weight bars include the bar’s weight in the total?
A: Yes, the number marked on the fixed weight bar is the total weight of the bar plus the weights attached to the ends. This includes the ez curl bar weight and straight bar weights.

Q: Why doesn’t Planet Fitness have standard barbells?
A: Their model focuses on general fitness and ease of use. Smith machines are often seen as safer and simpler for beginners. Not having platforms for Olympic lifting avoids potential issues and fits their training philosophy.

Bringing It All Together

Understanding the weights of the bars at Planet Fitness is helpful for your workouts. You now know that the smith machine bar weight is different from a standard barbell weight or olympic bar weight. You also know that fixed weight bar planet fitness options like the ez curl bar weight and preacher curl bar weight have their weight clearly marked.

The key takeaway is that while the weights may differ from other gyms, they are consistent within Planet Fitness. Use this guide to identify the bars, find their weights, and use that information to track your personal fitness journey. Focus on performing exercises with good form and challenging yourself consistently. That is the true path to progress with any gym equipment weights.