How heavy is a bench press bar?
How heavy is a bench press bar?
A standard barbell bar weighs in at 45 pounds before any weights are added to it. Although there is a lighter alternative weighing in at 33 pounds which is smaller in diameter, most gyms will have both in their weights room so it’s important to check which bar you’re using before you lift. Don’t forget you add the weight of the bar to the weight of your plates to determine the total load you’ve lifted. An instant 33lb to 45lb added on to your maximum lift straight without even trying.
Contents
How to tell which bench press bar your using?
It’s important to know why type of bar you are using as its not only their weight which differs, but also the amount of weight you can load on to them and the type of weights you will need to use.
Well the easiest way is to ask the staff at the gym, they will be able to tell you and will likely admire your curiosity. However if your too shy or your gym staff aren’t around then there are some tell tale signs.
What are the features of an Olympic bench press bar?
Olympic bars are usually 7 feet long and weigh in at a standard 45lb, they are 2 inches in diameter and are more likely to have knurling ( the technical name for the criss cross pattern ) on the outer parts of the bar. This type of bar is more sturdy and can take a load up to 600lb (1200 for a competition bar) and needs plates which fit it’s 2 inch diameter bar.
What are the features of a standard bench press bar?
Standard bars are usually 5 or 6 feel in length and only weigh around 33lbs although come also weigh in at 45lb like their olympic counter parts. They are designed for smaller hands and usually are around 1 inch in diameter. They can sometimes have the knurling common to an olympic bar, dependent on the brand, but more typically will feature a totally smooth bar. This type of bar can take smaller plates, with a 1 inch diameter hole and are rated for less weight.
Are their any other types of bench press bar?
There are 2 other types of bar worthy of a mention when it comes to determining the weight of a bench press bar. The Swiss bar, is bench press bar with an open rectangle shape in the center of the bar, it can be used for all kinds of lifts and presses not just a bench press and weighs in at 35lbs. In 2018 a new type of bar called the axle was introduced by the American council on exercise, this bar can take standard Olympic weight plates and was introduced for its portability so it only weights 11lbs.
How heavy is a bench press bar?
A standard or olympic bench press bar is likely to weight 45lb, but a lighter version could be 33lb. If it has a open rectangle in the center then it’s likely to weigh 33lb and if its the newly introduced Axle bar then only 11lbs.
Want a stronger Bench Press?
Use Testo Lab Pro
Testo Lab Pro is an all natural testosterone booster, and is by far the most impressive option that we've come across on the market.
With plenty of clinical studies and research behind it, it's ideal for boosting:
- Muscle Strength
- Muscle Size
- Stress Resistance
- Fat Loss
- Masculinity
- Bone Strength
And more, especially when it comes to adding weight to your bench press, and it's also completely vegan.
To read our full review of Testo Lab Pro can do for you, read our full review in the link below:
Related articles:
- Wilt Chamberlain Bench Press
- How much can Zion Williamson Bench Press?
- How much can Captain America Bench?
- Scot Mendelson | Bench Press, Pec Tear, Height and More
- Decline Bench Press Alternatives
- How much does Luke Voit Bench Press?
- Elbow wraps for Bench Press
- How to Pop Your Pecs
- How much does Stephen Curry Bench Press?
- Calories Burned With Bench Press
- How much can Vince Wilfork Bench press?
- How much can Tiger Woods Bench Press?
- How much does Samaje Perine bench press?
- How much does Ezekiel Elliott Bench Press?
- What is the world record for bench press?
- How to increase bench press by 100lbs?
- How to Bench press a person?
- How much does The Rock bench press?
- How much does a bench press cost?
- How many reps for a bench press?
- How heavy is a bench press bar?
- How much should I bench press for my weight?
- How to get stronger at bench press?
- What is a good bench press weight?
- How often to Bench Press?
- How much can Brock Lesnar Bench Press?
- How much do bench press bars weigh?
- Why does my shoulder hurt when I bench press?
- What muscles do decline bench press work?
- How much can Arnold Schwarzenegger Bench Press?
- What does close grip bench press work?
- How much would a gorilla bench press?
- How many sets of bench press?
- What muscle does bench press work?
- How much does John Cena bench press?
- What distinguishes push-ups from other chest exercises such as the bench press and dumbbell flies?
Paul Pardner is the editor of Bench-Press.net. He is obsessed with lifting weights, and the science of muscle building. Whenever he’s not in the gym attempting to maximize his bench press, he’s online looking for the best ways to optimize his body, strength and overall results.