A barbell is a piece of exercise equipment used in weight-training, weight-lifting and powerlifting. It consists of a 5- to 7-foot steel bar, varying in diameter, to which weighted plates can be added to each side to achieve the desired total training weight. Olympic bars are standardized for use in the Commonwealth Games, the Pan-American Games, the World Championships, and the Olympics. The Men's bar is a chrome-vanadium steel, measuring 7.3 feet in length and weighing in at 44.1 lbs. The Women's bar is similar, only shorter, lighter and thinner in grip. Powerlifting trainees often use sturdier barbells to accommodate much heavier weights. The simplicity of the barbell allows for great versatility. Barbells are used to perform a variety of exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, clean and presses, bench press, overhead press, arm curls and many more. A barbell's range of uses is only limited to your imagination. Always make sure to use proper form in any exercise involving a barbell. Improper use can result in severe injury. Training benefits of barbell exercises include reduced muscle and bone loss, increased muscle mass, and burning calories.
What to Look for
There are many kinds and sizes of barbells, which can be made from solid steel, cast iron, chrome or combination metals. Make sure to match the barbell to your needs. A home gym is often too small for Olympic-sized training equipment. Some weight benches will not accommodate barbells safely, so make sure that all of your equipment is compatible. It is also important to be certain that the bar you purchase can hold the amount of weight you intend on using. Specialty barbells accommodate certain exercises. For example, EZ curl barbells have a specific shape to ease the strain on the wrists during curling exercises. Likewise there are shrug, deadlift and hammer curl bars to accommodate those exercises. Cambered bars, such as the safety squat bar, allow for better natural positioning during exercise to reduce the chance of injury. Power bars accommodate greater weights. Even extra thick bars are used for a kind of training that focuses on grip, known as Dinosaur Training. Barbell accessories include plated weights, clips or sleeves, plate racks, various benches and squat racks. Ideal places to purchase barbells are Sporting Goods stores, fitness equipment specialty retailers, and the Internet. Most will deliver or include free shipping. A less expensive alternative is to check out used equipment online or at local garage sales. Most barbells are built to last a long time, so you should not have to worry much about wear and tear. As always make sure the equipment is safe before using.
Common Pitfalls
The most common pitfall when buying barbells is failing to properly diagnose your specific needs. If you have allocated a corner of a garage or basement for your home gym, you will not be able to fit an extensive Olympic weight-lifting set. Most of us recreational trainees do not need to have thousands of pounds of barbell equipment to get a good workout. Following proper usage and storage procedures is essential to avoid injury to you, your family and pets. Always make sure to consult with a personal trainer or professional before trying to perform barbell exercises. Bodybuilding.com is a great reference tool; they have exercise guidelines and instructions. Start light and add weight gradually and progressively. When used properly barbells are an incredibly versatile and essential part of every gym.
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