When walking into a gym or looking through a fitness equipment catalog, you will notice many different varieties of weightlifting bars. Each of these bars is designed for particular activities, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Olympic Bar
The Olympic bar is a versatile weightlifting bar. The Olympic bar is a straight barbell that has two sleeves on either end of the bar where the weight plates are added. The sleeves are larger in diameter than the rest of the bar and will rotate on an Olympic bar. Due to the large size of the sleeve, only Olympic plates can be used with an Olympic bar. The Olympic bar comes in different lengths, but the 7-foot bar is what's used in Olympic lifting competitions. The Olympic bar weighs in at 44 pounds. The Olympic bar is used for snatch, clean and jerk, bench press, squats and many other exercises.
Standard Bar
The standard bar is similar in use to the Olympic bar and also is versatile. However, the design and size of the two bars are different in several ways. Standard bars are sometimes referred to as regular bars. Standard bars are straight from one end to the other and do not feature larger, rotating sleeves. Only standard plates can be used with a standard bar. The standard bar is lighter, often weighing in at only 20 pounds. The standard bar can be used for squats, bench press, curls and other exercises.
Triceps Bar
The triceps bar is designed specifically for triceps extensions, but it can be used for other activities. The triceps bar is different from other bars because it has a rectangular or oval body that features grips perpendicular to the weight sleeves. The triceps bar is offered in several different weights from a low of 11 lbs. to a high of 23 lbs. The most common bars weigh in at 16 or 23 lbs. The grip orientation makes it more comfortable to complete exercises, such as the triceps extension. This grip style also makes the bar an alternative for individuals with weaknesses or injuries at the wrist joint.
E-Z Curl Bar
The E-Z curl bar is designed specifically for the biceps curl but it can be used for quite a number of other activities. The E-Z curl bar is easily recognizable because it is a short bar with angled grips, which give it a zigzag shape. There are different variations of the E-Z curl bar with different size weight sleeves and some with rubber comfort grips. These variations alter the weight of the bar with the lightest variations weighing in at 10 lbs. and the heaviest variety weighing 25 lbs. The angled grips make the bar easier to hold when performing certain exercises, such as the biceps curl. In addition to the biceps curl, the bar can also be used for other arm exercises, such as the overhead triceps extension.
Member Comments