Do You Count the Bar When Lifting?

By - Muneeb Haider

Everyone wants to know how much they’re lifting in terms of weight. It’s crucial to maintain track of your weight, whether for bragging rights or for keeping a log.

But is counting the weight plates sufficient when counting the weight?

Or, do you count the bar when lifting?

Yes, while taking a total count, you should always count the bar. There are numerous varieties of bars, each with a different weight. They vary from 6 to 20 kg. These weights are too significant to ignore in case of lifting. It is a decent weight for growth and strength increases for a beginner. 

Continue reading if the answer has piqued your interest. We’ll go over every aspect of the matter in detail.

Why Do You Count the Bar When Lifting? Is It Necessary?

Firstly, the bar itself has a weight varying from 6 kg to 20 kg or even more. When lifting, you must also lift the bar weight in addition to your weight plates.

Even if the bar isn’t loaded, you are lifting at least 6 to 20 kilograms. It is a decent weight for growth and strength increases for a beginner.  

Secondly, in any powerlifting or strength competition, any kind of weight added is counted. Even the collars, which might weigh a few hundred grams, are counted. Even if a gym rat can probably avoid this weight, the total weight is still significant.

You’re lifting 135 pounds, not 90 if you put two 45-pound plates on a 45-pound Olympic bar.

How Much Does the Gym Bar Weigh?

Bars of various sizes and shapes can help you lift in a more efficient and productive way. Bars are similar in most gyms. But the weight of the bar at one gym may differ from another depending on the brand.

Straight barbells are the most frequently used type of barbell. They are available in lengths scaling from 4 to 7 feet. The standard bar might weigh anything between 6-7 kg and 20 kg. Usually, a 7-foot standard bar weighs between 17 and 20 kg.

Whereas Olympic bars, which are mostly used in powerlifting, are roughly 20 kg in weight. These weights are before you add any weight plates.

Their thickness also varies. The sleeves on Olympic and Standard bars are 2″ and 1″ respectively. Olympic bars are stronger than standard bars, but they are also more difficult to lift.

Some brands indicate the weight of a barbell at the very end of the bar. But if in doubt, consult with a trainer before putting on the weight plates.

You might be wondering why there are so many distinct sorts of bars in the first place. What difference do they really make?

Do Different Types of Barbells Make Any Difference in Lifting?

Barbells are available in a wide range of designs, lengths, and weights. Most of them can help you advance your training, and boost your complex lifts. They can help you work with old injuries or any limitations.

If you work out using the same equipment every time, consistency is crucial. If you gradually add more weight to the bar, you can measure the outcome regardless of weight.

However, if you use different bars from workout to workout, you must acknowledge the bar weight. Because the weight of bars also varies greatly depending on their shape. 

This is to ensure that you can log the exact weight lifted and make valid improvements. We’ll go through each type of weight bar and how they vary down below

Swiss Bars

Swiss bars range in weight from 39 to 60 pounds, depending on the brand. These bars are an excellent substitute for a straight barbell. They’re multi-grip, which allows you to modify your workout routine.

Because the grips are more neutral, they’re also softer on the wrists. This type of bar helps you avoid pain in your palm while benching. This can help with bigger lifts since smaller joints are less stressed. Bicep curls, bench presses, and deadlifts are all possible with this type of bar.

EZ Curl Bars

There is no standard weight for EZ curl bars. These are angled weight bars that are typically 4 feet long. However, an EZ curl bar typically weighs between 14 and 30 pounds (6 to 14 kg).

When lifting, having an angled grip helps to ease the stress on your wrists and elbows.EZ curl bars are particularly great for workouts that require a close grip.

Axle Bars

The Axle Bar is 25 pounds in weight and has a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds. These bars aren’t very common in smaller gyms. Axle bars are far more difficult to manage with a diameter of only 5 cm. 

They also lack knurling, so there’s nothing to rely on while training. The additional challenge is great for anyone wanting to enhance their grip strength. This can be difficult, but it is necessary for heavier lifts and hand-intensive activities like pull-ups.

Thick Grip Bars

Anyone who lifts knows how frustrating it is to have enough arm power to raise a weight. But not enough grip strength to keep it in place. This is rather common, which is why improving grip strength and muscle strength is critical.

The thick grip bars are made just for these reasons. They weigh only a 24-pound and have a  5cm diameter center. When lifting, you can immediately build your forearm and wrist strength. These bars are also knurled which makes them easier to grip.

Tricep bars

Triceps bars typically range in weight from 20 to 40 pounds. These bars are one of the greatest forms of weight bars for consistency. Especially if you’re just starting out. 

Along with tricep extension, they can be used for bicep hammer curls, shoulder presses, and chest presses. 

Safety Squat Bars

A safety squat bar aids in more evenly distributing weight over your shoulders. If holding a straight barbell puts a lot of strain on the bottom of your shoulders, this is a good option. Our squats are sometimes weaker than our deadlifts. A weak knee is usually the reason behind this.

With the safest squat bar, you can quickly improve your core stability. Extra stress on your knee, lower back, and hip will also be relieved. However, if the weak knee is producing excessive joint pain, take the following supplement for relief. 

A typical safety squat bar weighs between 20kg and 32kg. The average weight is slightly higher than a regular Olympic 20kg barbell. This bar requires some effort, but once you’ve mastered it, it’s well worth having in your collection.

With all of these bars ranging in weight and affecting the actual weight you lift, it’s reasonable to wonder if the clamps or collars should also be counted.

Do You Need to Count the Weight of Collars?

A light springy collar is no reason to be concerned. However, heavier ones, such as Olympic collars, which weigh 2.5kg (5.5lbs), should be counted.

Olympic collars often have a specified weight. Because in a competition like the Olympics, every kilogram or pound might have a significant impact on the outcome. Olympic competition collars are also thinner than other collars, allowing the user to stack more plates on their barbell.

FAQs

Do You Count the Bar Weight on Smith Machine?

Yes, the bar should be counted. Smith machine bars’ weight ranges from 6 to 40 pounds. So, you must know the weight to know how much you are lifting.

Is Benching Your Weight the Same as Completing a Pushup?

Push-ups and bench presses are similar in a way. To target the front shoulders, chest, and triceps, they both use a pushing motion. Bench Press involves moving the weight while stabilizing the upper body on a bench. This allows you to concentrate on your chest and press more weight. This makes it simpler to focus on your chest and push more weight.

Is It Cheating to Use a Smith Machine?

No, it isn’t cheating. It’s hardly even a fitness tip. Smith Machine helps you strengthen your quads, posterior chain, core muscles, and hamstrings. At the same time, it helps you burn a lot of calories.

Final Words

So, here we have to go apart. We hope everything is clear about the topic of do you count the bar when lifting.

You need to count the bar weight because of the aforementioned reasons. However, it is more important for you to attend your gym sessions. And complete the sets and reps that you have planned.

Happy lifting and best of luck!