An Ultimate Guide To The Weight Of The Planet Fitness Bars

Last Updated on September 4, 2023 by Chase Reiner

Planet Fitness bars come in various weights, typically ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Check with your local gym for specific weight options, as they may vary. Start with a comfortable weight and gradually increase as your strength improves.

How Much Do The Bars At Planet Fitness Weigh?

The Smith machine at Planet Fitness weighs around 15-25kgs. The free-weight barbells can weigh up to 45 pounds. You can use the Smith machine in different other exercises. The free-weight barbells and the Smith machine have benefits when used correctly. Below are the benefits of the free-weight barbell and the Smith machine.

The Benefits Of Free Weight Barbells At Planet Fitness Gym

Free-weight barbells are not restricted to any machine, and you can use them in doing anybody’s exercise. Free-weight barbells can be in any weight. They can go for a lot of pounds. However, the free-weight barbells are up to 45 pounds. Here are the benefits:

• First and foremost, the free-weight barbells don’t restrict any movements that you’re doing. The free activities help you in doing an effective workout. You will get most of the training you are undertaking.
• Secondly, using gym equipment attached to machines hinders your movements tremendously. The free-weight barbells allow you to move naturally in them. However, this is best when you can do the movements out of your own accord. They also avoid injuries when you are building your muscles.
• The free weights allow you to move freely on each side of your body. You can move each side of your body independently. When training, you can avoid any imbalance and see your weaknesses.
• The free weights are very versatile, and you can use them to target areas you want to work on. When you work out a specific area, at the same time, this leads to an efficient workout that you are going to love.

You can use free weights efficiently for an upper-body workout. You can target your arms, chest, shoulders, and back if you prefer and use the lightweight repetitively to get the most out of your training.

You can also use the free weights to work out your lower body. Free weights are the best if you want to build a serious muscle mass. You can work out consistently so that you get to have the muscle mass that you would like to develop in a period. Using a Planet fitness-free weight barbell with light pounds, you can have the mass muscle weight you want.

You can use free weights to stabilize your muscles after a workout. When you are working out your upper body, your lower body can rest. So you can work one body muscle, one at a time.

Factors That Affect How Much a Smith Machine Bar Weighs

A Smith machine bar typically weighs 15-20 pounds (6.8-9.1 kilograms), but several factors can influence its exact weight:

1. Machine Design: Smith machines from different manufacturers may have varying bar weights, so it’s essential to check the specifications of the specific machine you’re using.
2. Attachments: Some Smith machines come with additional attachments or counterweights, which can affect the overall weight of the bar.
3. Bar Type: The type of bar used in the Smith machine can vary. Standard bars are often around 15-20 pounds, but Olympic-sized bars, which are thicker and heavier, may be used, increasing the bar’s weight.
4. Machine Condition: Older or poorly maintained machines may have differences in the bar’s weight due to wear and tear or missing parts.
5. Plates: When you add weight plates to the machine, they contribute to the overall resistance you’re lifting. The combined weight of the bar and plates determines your total workload.
6. Calibration: Precision can vary between different machines, leading to slight weight variations.

To determine the exact weight of the Smith machine bar you’re using, you can:

• Consult the machine’s user manual or specifications.
• Ask gym staff for information on the machine’s bar weight.
• Use a scale to weigh the bar if other methods are unavailable.

What Are The Benefits Of The Smith Machine At The Planet Fitness Gym?

The main benefit of the Smith machine is that it works out all the muscles in the body. The added benefits are: 

• It is used for any weight-lifting movement. 
• It is very safe and stable. 
• It has features that protect you from accidents as it enhances safety. 
• It helps you push yourself to the limits as it harbors your fear.

The bar also has a Smith machine with its bars fixed along with the machine’s sliding plane of motion. The position of the plane helps you avoid dropping it to one side. It improves your concentration as you work on one side of your body.

What Are The Major Activities You Can Do With A Free-weight Barbell?

You can do a free-weight barbell hammer curl: You can use a light free-weight barbell of different weights on both hands, down to your hips. Then, you can bring your arms above 90 degrees in a maintenance position. The wrists should be neutral, and the thumbs should be pointing upwards. You can do this many times to get the most out of it.

You can use a barbell to help in shoulder pressing: Do you crave a shoulder pressing exercise? Then the free-weight barbells at Planet Fitness suit you better. To do the shoulder pressing workout using planet fitness’ free-weight barbells, follow the following steps: 

1. Sit holding a barbell in both hands and then bring your arms to push the weights above the head. 

2. Then you bring them down and make sure you keep your back straight and your hips on the bench. Repeat these steps to get the most out of the process.

What Are Some Of The Exercises You Can Carry Out Using A Smith Machine At Planet Fitness?

The main thing about the Smith machine is that you can do a full-body workout using this machine alone. It is the best thing about this gem found in Planet Fitness. Some beginner exercises you can do using the Smith machine are:

• First, you can use the Smith machine to squat. You need to start with zero weights on the bar. You can grip the bar at a distance slightly past the shoulder, resting it at your upper back. Then lower yourself into a proper squat and raise yourself in a squat position. Once you are pretty comfortable with your current position, you can add bars and do your sit-ups safely.
• You can do a Smith machine bench press at the Planet Fitness gym. You start with no weight on the bar and place it on a flat bench. Distribute the weight of the bar evenly, lower the bar, lock the safety hook, and put it an arm’s length higher than the bench. This way, you can hold onto the bar above you easily. 

The next step is lying down on the bench with the back straight. You control the bar and ensure that the hands are more expansive than your shoulder-width distance. It would be best to lower the bar towards the chest, with elbows back straight. 

The last step is to raise your arms until they are almost straight. Repeat the process till you get the most out of the exercise.

Does the Smith Machine vs. Regular Bar (Barbell) Weigh the Same?

The Smith Machine and the Regular Bar (or Barbell) are two common weightlifting apparatuses found in most gyms. They serve similar functions for strength training exercises. However, they also have distinct differences, including differences in weight.

Smith Machine

The Smith Machine is a piece of gym equipment that features a barbell on vertical fixed rails with safety mechanisms. It allows for a limited range of motion, confined to a fixed vertical path.

Regular Barbell

In contrast, the regular barbell or free weights allow for a wide range of motion allowing the user to perform diverse workouts including squats, presses, and rows.

2. Weight of Smith Machine Bar vs. Regular Barbell

There is a noticeable difference in weight between bars on a Smith Machine and bars on a regular Barbell.

Smith Machine Bar Weight

Typically, a Smith Machine bar weighs about 15-20 pounds. This is lighter than the average barbell. One of the reasons for this is the Smith Machine has a balancing mechanism built in, supported by the machine.

Regular Barbell Weight

Regular barbells, on the other hand, have a standard weight of around 45 pounds, without any additional weights. This extra weight yields a higher level of difficulty, making regular barbells better suited for advanced weightlifters.

3. Effect of Weight Difference on Workouts

The weight difference between these training apparatuses should be taken into account when designing your workout routines.

Using a Smith Machine can make the same exercise easier, compared to a free-weight barbell. This is because the machine assists with balance, which can be especially beneficial for beginners or those with injuries.

On the other hand, using a regular barbell can offer a more challenging workout, as you must utilize more muscles to stabilize the weight.

4. Choice Between Smith Machine and Regular Barbell

Whether you choose to work out with a Smith Machine or a regular Barbell depends largely on your fitness level, workout goals, and personal preference.

In conclusion, the Smith Machine bar and the Regular Barbell don’t weigh the same, but both can be effectively incorporated into diverse training routines to build strength and muscle.

Conclusion

The Planet Fitness gym is mainly known for its lightweight gym equipment. For instance, free weights are lightweight. The famous Smith machine at Planet Fitness also has a few pounds. It is lightweight too. If you want to find light bars, then Planet Fitness is the place to be. Also, although the bars at Planet Fitness are lightweight, you can use them to do exercises that will benefit your body.

References:

https://luxeluminous.com/how-much-does-the-bar-weigh-at-planet-fitness/
https://physiqz.com/exercises/planet-fitness-smith-machine-bar-weight/