Do you lift weights at Planet Fitness? Have you wondered about the weight of the bars? This is a common question. Many people ask, “How much does the Smith machine bar weigh at Planet Fitness?” Also, people wonder, “Are Planet Fitness bars olympic size?” Let’s get the facts. The bar on the Smith machine at Planet Fitness is special. It usually weighs less than bars at other gyms. Most times, this bar weighs about 15 to 20 pounds. It is not a standard Olympic size bar. Olympic bars are heavier. They weigh 45 pounds. Planet Fitness uses different types of bars. This is part of their gym setup. We will look at the weight of different bars you can find there.
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Grasping Bar Weights at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is known for being a “Judgment Free Zone.” It offers a simple place to work out. They have many machines. They also have free weights. But some things are different from other gyms. One big difference is the bars they use.
Many gyms have heavy, loose bars. These are called barbells. They are used for lifts like squats and bench press. These bars weigh a standard amount. An empty Olympic bar weighs 45 pounds. Women’s Olympic bars weigh 35 pounds. Powerlifting bars can weigh 55 pounds.
Planet Fitness is different. They do not have these standard, loose Olympic bars. This is important to know. If you look for a heavy 45-pound bar, you won’t find it there. This affects how you track your weight lifting.
Instead, Planet Fitness has specific types of bars.
- Smith Machine Bar: This bar is fixed in a machine. It slides up and down on rails.
- Fixed Barbells: These are bars with weights already on them. You pick up the whole thing.
- EZ Curl Bars: These are shorter bars. They have a wavy shape. They also have fixed weights.
- Pre-Loaded Barbells: This is another name for fixed barbells.
The Planet Fitness bar types are picked for their gym style. They want lifting to be simple and safe for everyone. The weights are often lighter or fixed. This helps people get started.
Deciphering the Smith Machine Bar Weight
The Smith machine is a very common piece of equipment at Planet Fitness. It has a bar that moves up and down. It moves on tracks. You can lock the bar at different heights. This can make lifting feel safer for new people.
People often ask about the Planet Fitness Smith machine bar weight. This bar does not weigh the same as a loose bar. A standard loose Olympic bar weighs 45 pounds. The Smith machine bar is lighter.
How much does the Smith machine bar weigh at Planet Fitness? It usually weighs about 15 to 20 pounds. This weight can be different. It can change based on the machine model. It can also change based on the gym location. Some older machines might have bars that weigh a little more. Some newer ones might weigh a little less. But 15 to 20 pounds is a good guess.
Why is it lighter? The machine helps support the weight. The tracks help balance the bar. This means the bar itself feels lighter to lift. The machine does some of the work. This is why the weight is less than a free bar.
It is hard to know the exact weight without checking. You cannot easily put the bar on a scale. The gym might have the weight written on the machine. Look closely at the machine itself. Sometimes gyms label their equipment.
It is important to remember this weight. If you lift 100 pounds on a Smith machine, the total weight is not just the plates. It is the plates plus the bar weight. If the bar is 20 pounds, you are lifting 80 pounds in plates. Plus the 20-pound bar. Total is 100 pounds. This is different than a free bar. With a free 45-pound bar and 55 pounds in plates, you lift 100 pounds total. The bar weight is a bigger part of the total weight on the Smith machine when you use light weight plates.
For tracking your progress, note that you are using the Smith machine. Do not compare the weight directly to free bar lifting. Lifting 100 pounds on a Smith machine is different from lifting 100 pounds with a free bar. This is because the machine helps you balance the weight. It also limits your movement.
So, the Planet Fitness Smith machine bar weight is usually around 15-20 pounds. Keep this in mind when you use it.
Why the Smith Machine Bar Weight Matters
Knowing this weight helps you understand your lifts. If you use the Smith machine for bench press, you add plates. If you add 40 pounds in plates (20 on each side), and the bar is 20 pounds, you lift 60 pounds total.
If you switch to a gym with free weights, a standard empty bar is 45 pounds. Lifting just the empty bar is heavier than the Smith machine bar.
This is why tracking matters. Write down “Smith machine bench press – 60 pounds”. This is more correct than just “Bench press – 60 pounds”. This helps you see your progress clearly.
Many people start with the Smith machine. It can feel safer. It helps you learn movements. Just know the bar is not the same weight as a free bar. The weight of the Smith machine bar at Planet Fitness is a key fact for using this machine.
Weight of Other Bars at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has more than just the Smith machine. They have other kinds of bars. These bars have weights already on them. You cannot change the weight. This makes them simple to use.
Fixed Barbells
These are straight bars. They have round weights on the ends. The weight is fixed. You cannot add or remove plates. They come in different weights. You will see a rack with many of these bars. They go from light weights to heavier weights.
The weight of fixed barbells at Planet Fitness starts low. They might start at 10 pounds. Then they go up. You might see 20, 30, 40 pounds, and so on. They often go up to 60 pounds or maybe 100 pounds in some locations. The weight is usually written on the bar. It is often on the weight part at the end.
These are good for many exercises. You can use them for squats (if you can lift it onto your back), lunges, rows, and other moves. Since the weight is set, you just pick the bar that has the weight you want to lift.
These are also called Planet Fitness pre loaded barbells. The weight is already loaded on them. This makes them different from bars where you add plates.
EZ Curl Bar Weight at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness also has EZ curl bars. These bars have a wavy shape. The shape helps you hold the bar in a different way. This can be easier on your wrists. EZ curl bars are often used for arm exercises like bicep curls.
Like the fixed barbells, the EZ curl bars at Planet Fitness have set weights. You cannot add plates. They are also part of the Planet Fitness pre loaded barbells set.
The weight of EZ curl bar at Planet Fitness varies. They come in a set of different weights. They might start at 10 or 20 pounds. They go up from there. The weight is usually marked on the bar. These bars are shorter than the straight fixed barbells.
These are good for focused arm work. The fixed weight makes it simple to grab and go. You just choose the bar with the weight you need for your exercise.
Empty Bar Weight Planet Fitness
This term usually means a bar with no weight plates on it. At gyms with free weights, the empty bar has a standard weight (like 45 pounds). At Planet Fitness, there is no standard empty bar in the traditional sense.
The closest thing to an “empty bar” where you could add weight is the Smith machine bar. As we discussed, the empty bar weight Planet Fitness on the Smith machine is about 15-20 pounds.
There are no loose, empty barbells waiting for plates at Planet Fitness. This is a key part of their setup. They focus on machines and fixed weights. So, if you are looking for the weight of a basic, standalone barbell you can load, you won’t find one here.
Are Planet Fitness Bars Olympic Size?
No, most bars at Planet Fitness are not Olympic size. This is a simple answer to a common question.
What does “Olympic size” mean for a bar?
* It is a standard length (about 7 feet).
* It weighs a standard amount (45 pounds for men’s, 35 pounds for women’s).
* The ends are a standard size to fit Olympic weight plates (plates with a 2-inch hole in the center).
* It is a loose, free bar. You lift it off a rack.
Planet Fitness does not have these bars.
* The Smith machine bar is attached to a machine. It does not weigh 45 pounds.
* The fixed barbells and EZ curl bars have weights fixed on them. You cannot add plates. They are not loose bars meant for adding standard plates.
The plates at Planet Fitness might look like Olympic plates. They have the big hole. But you use them on the Smith machine. Or they are fixed onto the pre-loaded bars. You do not load them onto a loose 45-pound bar.
So, to answer “Are Planet Fitness bars olympic size?”, the answer is generally no. They use different types of bars that fit their gym model. This affects how you train if you are used to Olympic bars.
Why No Olympic Bars?
There are reasons Planet Fitness does not have loose Olympic bars and squat racks:
1. Safety: Lifting heavy with a free bar requires balance and skill. It can be risky for beginners. Smith machines and fixed weights are seen as safer options for people new to lifting.
2. Gym Focus: Planet Fitness targets casual users. They focus on ease of use and a comfortable environment. Free weight areas with heavy Olympic lifting can feel scary to some.
3. Space: Racks for Olympic lifting take up a lot of space.
4. Cost: High-quality Olympic bars and racks are expensive.
This is why the Planet Fitness squat rack bar weight question is tricky. Most Planet Fitness gyms do not have a traditional squat rack with a loose bar. They have Smith machines for squats. The bar on the Smith machine is the one you would use for squats there. Its weight is 15-20 pounds, not 45 pounds.
Some locations might have a “cage” or frame, but it’s usually designed for use with the Smith machine, not as a stand for a loose bar. So, the idea of a standard barbell for squatting is not part of the typical Planet Fitness setup.
Weight of Planet Fitness Equipment
Beyond the bars, what about the Planet Fitness equipment weight? This covers all the machines and weights.
- Selectorized Machines: These machines have a weight stack. You move a pin to pick the weight. The weight is shown on the stack. This is very clear.
- Plate-Loaded Machines: Some machines let you put plates on them. These are less common than selectorized machines at Planet Fitness, but some might exist. You add the weight you want.
- Dumbbells: Planet Fitness has dumbbells. They have fixed weights. They usually go up to 50 or 60 pounds. Some gyms might have dumbbells up to 75 pounds. The weight is written on the dumbbell.
- Kettlebells: Some locations have kettlebells. Their weight is also marked on them.
The weight on machines is usually very clear. You choose the weight from the stack. For dumbbells and kettlebells, the weight is right there on the equipment.
The main place where bar weight is less obvious is the Smith machine. Remember that 15-20 pound bar weight on the Smith.
For fixed barbells and EZ curl bars (the Planet Fitness pre loaded barbells), the weight is also clearly marked. You just need to look at the end of the bar.
Knowing the weight of different Planet Fitness bar types and other equipment helps you plan your workout.
Interpreting Bar Weights for Your Workout
Now you know the bars at Planet Fitness are different. The Smith machine bar is light (15-20 lbs). Fixed barbells and EZ curl bars have set weights (10 lbs and up). There are no standard 45-pound free bars.
How does this change your workout?
* Tracking Progress: Be specific. Note “Smith machine bench press – 80 lbs total” or “Fixed barbell squat – 50 lbs”. This helps you see if you are getting stronger on that specific machine or weight.
* Moving to Free Weights: If you plan to lift with free bars later (at another gym or place), know that a 45-pound bar is heavier than the Planet Fitness Smith bar. Start light when you use a free bar for the first time.
* Exercise Choice: Some exercises done with free bars are not possible or are different on the Smith machine. For example, deadlifts are usually done with a loose bar from the floor. You cannot do this exactly the same on a Smith machine. Planet Fitness also does not have platforms for deadlifts.
* Weight Limits: Planet Fitness dumbbells only go up to 50-60 pounds typically. The fixed barbells go up to 60-100 pounds. If you lift more than this with dumbbells or barbells, you might need another gym. The Smith machine allows for heavier weights by adding plates, but remember the bar is light.
The Planet Fitness equipment weight is chosen for a certain fitness level and goal. It’s great for getting started, staying active, and using machines. It’s less suited for heavy powerlifting or Olympic lifting which use heavy standard bars.
How to Find the Exact Weight
The exact weight of the Smith machine bar can vary slightly. How can you find out for sure?
- Look at the Machine: Check the frame of the Smith machine. Sometimes, the weight of the bar is written on a sticker or plate.
- Ask the Staff: Gym employees might know the weight of the bar for their specific machines. Ask the people working at the front desk or walking around.
- Check Online: You can search online for the specific model of Smith machine used at your Planet Fitness. If you find the model name, you might find the bar weight in the machine’s specs.
- Estimate: If you cannot find the exact weight, use the common estimate of 15-20 pounds. This is usually close enough for tracking purposes, especially when you add a lot of plates.
For fixed barbells and EZ curl bars (Planet Fitness pre loaded barbells), the weight is almost always marked on the bar itself. Just look at the ends.
The weight of fixed barbells at Planet Fitness and the weight of EZ curl bar at Planet Fitness are usually very clear. The Smith machine bar is the one that causes the most questions.
Understanding these weights helps you use the Planet Fitness bar types effectively. It ensures you know what you are lifting.
A Summary of Planet Fitness Bar Weights
Let’s quickly review the key bar weights you’ll find:
- Smith Machine Bar: About 15-20 pounds. This is the bar on the machine that slides up and down. It is not a loose bar.
- Fixed Barbells (Pre-Loaded): Weights start low (e.g., 10 lbs) and go up to perhaps 100 lbs. The weight is set and marked on the bar.
- EZ Curl Bars (Pre-Loaded): Weights start low (e.g., 10 or 20 lbs) and go up. The weight is set and marked on the bar. Wavy shape.
- Standard Loose Barbells (Olympic Size): Not available at typical Planet Fitness locations. These weigh 45 pounds (or 35/55 lbs) and you add plates. Empty bar weight Planet Fitness usually refers to the Smith machine bar, not a standard empty barbell.
- Squat Rack Bar: Most Planet Fitness gyms do not have traditional squat racks with loose bars. Squats are usually done on the Smith machine, using the 15-20 lb bar. The Planet Fitness squat rack bar weight is therefore the Smith machine bar weight.
Knowing this helps clear up confusion. You know that lifting 100 pounds on the Smith machine is different than lifting 100 pounds with a free 45-pound bar. You know that the fixed barbells have set weights. You know you won’t find a standard loose bar for heavy lifting.
This setup fits the Planet Fitness goal. It offers a gym for general fitness. It is not aimed at competitive powerlifters or weightlifters. The Planet Fitness equipment weight and bar types support this goal.
Why These Weights Fit the Gym
The choice of Planet Fitness bar types and their weights matches their business idea. They offer a low-cost gym. They want to attract people new to gyms. They want people who might feel shy in a hardcore gym.
- Lighter Smith bar: Less scary to start with than a heavy 45lb bar.
- Fixed weights: Simple, no need to load plates onto a bar (except Smith). Just pick the weight you want.
- No loose heavy bars/racks: Removes a place that might feel scary or too advanced for some members. Avoids potential misuse that could lead to injury for people not trained in using free weights.
So, while the bars might be lighter or different than you expect if you’re used to other gyms, there’s a reason for it. It’s part of the Planet Fitness style. The weight of fixed barbells at Planet Fitness and the Planet Fitness Smith machine bar weight are picked to make the gym easy to use for many people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about bar weights at Planet Fitness.
h4> Does Planet Fitness have 45-pound bars?
No. Most Planet Fitness gyms do not have standard loose barbells that weigh 45 pounds. These are common at other gyms for lifts like bench press and squats in racks.
h4> How much does the bar weigh on the squat rack at Planet Fitness?
Most Planet Fitness gyms do not have traditional squat racks with loose barbells. Squats are usually done on the Smith machine. The bar on the Smith machine typically weighs about 15 to 20 pounds. So, the Planet Fitness squat rack bar weight is the Smith machine bar weight.
h4> What is the empty bar weight at Planet Fitness?
There is no standard loose “empty bar” at Planet Fitness like you find at gyms with free weights (which is usually 45 pounds). The closest thing is the Smith machine bar. Its weight is about 15 to 20 pounds.
h4> What is the heaviest fixed barbell at Planet Fitness?
The heaviest fixed barbell varies by location. They often go up to 60 pounds or maybe 100 pounds in some larger gyms. Look at the end of the bar to see the weight.
h4> Can I add my own plates to Planet Fitness bars?
You can add plates to the Smith machine bar. You cannot add plates to the fixed barbells or EZ curl bars; their weights are set. The plates you use on the Smith machine are usually available near the machine.
h4> Are the dumbbells at Planet Fitness Olympic size?
No, dumbbells are a different type of weight. “Olympic size” refers to barbells and the plates used with them (plates with a 2-inch hole). Planet Fitness has dumbbells with fixed weights marked on them, typically up to 50 or 60 pounds.
Knowing the true Planet Fitness equipment weight, especially the Planet Fitness bar types and their weights, helps you use the gym well. You can work out safely and track your progress correctly. Get the facts about the weights and lift smart!