How Long is a Barbell? If you’re new to weightlifting or lifting weights as a form of exercise, you may be just getting to grips with the basics. Learning the names of different types of equipment can prove to be a bit confusing, especially when some of them are so similar! An example of this is the difference between dumbbells and barbells; they both have similar sounding names, are used for the purposes of muscle and strength training and can work almost all of the same muscle groups. However, while a dumbbell is an individual weight that can be used to target just one body part, a barbell is designed for using both pairs of muscles at the same time.
What is a barbell used for?
How Long is a Barbell? A barbell is a metal bar that holds weighted discs on each end of the bar, with raised sleeves on the ends to keep the weights in place. The barbell is most commonly used during weightlifting exercises that target the upper body, such as the biceps, triceps, pectorals and all back and shoulder muscles like rhomboids and lats. The great thing about it is it allows you to work both sides of the body at the same time in a smooth, synchronised motion, allowing for balance and a chance for muscles to grow at an equal pace. Weights can be taken off or added on each side, but it’s very important that one side doesn’t outweigh the other; this causes an imbalance that leads to one side to developing faster than the other, and can also lead to serious strain or injury when trying to compensate for the difference in weight!
So what is the length of a typical barbell?
How Long is a Barbell?There are different lengths of barbells that are used for different activities. There are generally two main types of barbell. A smaller barbell and those with a narrow grip are optimised for the likes of bicep curls and overhead presses for shoulders. These are generally known as standard barbells. Longer barbells are great for exercises where heavier weight is involved, such as deadlifts, squats and the bench press. They’re referred to as Olympic barbells.
What’s the difference?
Standard Barbells
How Long is a Barbell?Standard barbells are generally about 5 to 6 feet long and weigh around 15 to 25 lbs. They have a load bearing capacity (the amount of weight they can hold) of anywhere between 100 to 200 lbs. These barbells usually have curves in the middle to help with close grip exercises like bicep curls. The sleeves at the end are normally about 25mm (1 inch).
How Long is a Barbell? Olympic barbells are 7 feet long and weigh 45 lbs. Thickness and diameter of the barbell can depend on the type of metal or manufacturer, but its length and weight are generally the same. The maximum load bearing capacity of an olympic barbell is between 600 lbs and 1500 lbs. The sleeves at the end are usually around twice the size of those on a standard barbell, measuring at about 50mm (2 inches).
When would you need a standard barbell?
How Long is a Barbell? They may be smaller, but a standard barbell is well suited to general weight training and bodybuilding exercises. They are also significantly cheaper than an Olympic barbell, and their thinner frame and smaller size allow for an easier grip. This may be ideal for children, or those just starting out on their fitness journey.
When would you need an Olympic barbell?
How Long is a Barbell?Olympic barbells are deemed as superior as they are capable of holding heavier amounts of weight, are made of stronger and thicker metal, and are used not only for general weight training, but also professional weight lifting! They may be more expensive than the standard models, but if you want to carry out bigger and more exhaustive exercises, it’ll be worth spending the extra money on the right tool for the job.
RELIFE Barbells
How Long is a Barbell? If you’re looking to purchase some barbells for use at home, we have some great barbells on offer on our website, relife sports. These include shorter barbells for smaller exercises and those looking for a narrower range of motion, or longer barbells for bigger and heavier exercises like deadlifts or bench presses.
Our PITHAGE Adjustable Barbell Set Total Weight is akin to a standard model of barbell. It is an adjustable barbell, meaning you can remove or add weight to suit your workout needs. With an overall weight of 45lbs, it comes equipped with two 11lbs weights, two 5.5lbs weights and two 2.75 weights to get you started!
The VIGBODY Olympic Straight Barbell is also an Olympic barbell used for heavier exercises. Although it doesn’t come equipped with weights, it does have anti-rust coated metal and two weight holders to keep your weights in place during exercise! Its premium 45 steel body also has an outstanding load bearing capacity of up to 500 lbs, allowing you to push your limits and achieve your weight lifting goals!
Our VIGBODY Barbell Curl model is also an Olympic barbell, but its metal frame possesses curves in the centre that are ideal for performing biceps curls and exercises that need to be carried out with a narrower grip!
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Summary
How Long is a Barbell? Whether it’s the standard size or the Olympic size, a barbell is a great investment for any home gym and a fantastic addition to your repertoire of exercise equipment. Not only are they a useful tool to help you carry out many beneficial exercises for strength training and muscle growth, but they are also a necessary piece of equipment for those looking to carry out deadlifts, squats or any other exercise that requires a large amount of weight or more than one set of muscles to be targeted at once. If you’re looking to expand your home gym, or whether you just want to try them out, the barbells we have available on the relifepsorts website will suit every need and help you achieve your fitness goals. Not only are they affordable, but they’ll aid you in multiple aspects of weight training and bodybuilding, no matter what model you choose. If you see one you like, place an order today!
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