A barbell is a long, metal rod with thick ends that holds weight plates. You can use barbells for a large number of both upper body and lower body exercises. Barbells are available in two different types: Olympic barbells and standard barbells. Each type has different features and attributes.
Function
Using a barbell for an exercise allows you to use more weight than using dumbbells. A barbell works the muscles bilaterally -- you use both sides of the body in unison to move the weight. Dumbbells work the body unilaterally -- each side has to move the weight independently of the other side. If you perform a bench press movement with 35 lbs. in each hand, your muscles not only have to press the weight, but they also have to balance the dumbbells. When you use a barbell to bench press, all your effort goes to pressing the weight. In general, if you can bench press 35 lb. dumbbells, you can bench press more than a 70 lb. barbell.
Significance
Barbells are an important and versatile fitness tool. You can perform both upper and lower body exercises using a barbell. For your lower body, perform squats, lunges, step-ups and deadlifts. Upper body exercises using a barbell include shoulder presses, chest presses, bent-over rows, bicep curls and overhead triceps extensions.
Olympic Barbell
An Olympic barbell has specific weight and size specifications. This is what differentiates it from a standard barbell. The diameter of an Olympic barbell is between 1 1/16 and 1 1/8 inch, but the ends are thicker, about 2 inches in diameter. You have to use Olympic weight plates, with 2 inch centers, with Olympic barbells. An Olympic barbell is 7 feet long and weighs 45 lbs.
Standard Barbell
Contrary to its name, the standard barbell does not have any standard sizes or weights. A standard barbell is about 1 inch in diameter the entire length of the bar. You can use standard or Olympic weight plates, but for Olympic plates, you should use Olympic adapter sleeves so the plates don't slide around. Standard barbells are 4 to 6 feet long and weigh 15 to 20 lbs.
Considerations
Olympic barbells are designed to handle more weight than a standard barbell. A standard barbell can usually only handle loads up to 200 lbs., but an Olympic barbell can handle loads over 800 lbs. Some Olympic barbells are rated for 1,000, or even 1,500 lbs.
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