How Much Does The Bar At Planet Fitness Weigh?
Are you considering joining Planet Fitness? One of the most frequent questions that one finds themselves asking is: How Much Does The Bar At Planet Fitness Weigh? Knowing this is important as it provides one with insight into the tracking of your fitness progress.
Moreover, it also makes sure one lifts the right amount of weight. If you are thinking, “How can I know all this stuff?” Well, here is a quick guide that answers all the questions running around in your head.
What Kind of Bar Does Planet Fitness Use?
It is not like many gyms. For most of their barbell exercises, Planet Fitness uses Smith machines. A Smith machine is such a machine: it is a piece of equipment with a barbell attached to a sliding mechanism; nonetheless, it allows controlled vertical movement.
At the very same time, the bar follows a fixed path, and it is balanced by counterweights of the machine; this adds an element of safety and ease.
How much does the bar at planet fitness weigh? it is not like the free weights that you have to balance the bar and move it freely.
But the Smith machine’s bar is stabilized by the rails. Meanwhile, it makes Smith machine a popular choice for beginners those who want to recover the injuries.
Or it is ideal for the individuals who simply want a safer way to lift heavy weights without needing a spotter.
How Much Does the Smith Machine Bar Weigh at Planet Fitness?
It is necessary to know about the weight of a bar. However, by default, the Smith machine bar in Planet Fitness weighs 15 to 20 pounds (7 to 9 kg).
Meanwhile, it is lighter than a standard Olympic barbell. Such Olympic barbells have a weight of 45 pounds (20 kg). Because the Smith machine bar is partially supported by the frame of the machine, it reduces its overall weight.
There would have been slight differences in the exact weights, considering various models of Smith machines. But in general aspects, it falls in the range of 15 to 20 pounds.
This is a light bar that allows users to emphasize more form and control rather than lifting the full weight of a traditional barbell. Thus, it can be said this is a user-friendly bar for beginners.
Why Is the Bar Lighter at Planet Fitness?
Is it that you’re wondering or trying to ask why the bar is so light at Planet Fitness, or perhaps how much does the bar at Planet Fitness weigh? The major reason why the bar on the Smith machine is lighter is because of something called the counterbalance system.
It’s a system whereby there are added weights or springs that would take some of the weight of the bar off, which in turn makes it easier to be able to lift.
However, such counterbalance helps the novices minimize the chances of injury. Also, it allows them to get used to proper lifting techniques. Moreover, It is also helpful for those who would like to focus on the form or are rehabilitating after an injury.
Pros and Cons of the Smith Machine
How much does the bar weigh at planet fitness? That’s what you want to know. But before going deeper into that particular detail let’s look at some pros and cons of using the Smith machine in comparison to free weights.
Benefits of the Smith Machine
Safety
Smith machine is safety. It is the first advantage of applying it. Because the bar is attached to rails, this diminishes any threats to lose your balance.
Secondly, in most machines there are safety stops, which could be adjusted according to your height to set up the limit to which you can lower the bar. However, it may save you from injuries.
How much does the bar at planet fitness weigh? Beginner-Friendly
Smith machine does provide the way to get comfortable with the movements. It is the best for new bar lifters as the guided movement of the bar will help them in focusing on building muscle memory for proper form.
Controlled Movement
It also constrains the bar to travel in a purely vertical path. This can be useful in such exercises as the squats, wherein assuming proper form is necessary. Meanwhile, an orderly movement would enable you to hit your target muscles better.
No Need for a Spotte
Such a feature makes it more outstanding. It reduces having a spotter to help if you cannot complete the lift. However, with the Smith machine, the inbuilt safety features allow you to lift heavy without the need for someone to assist you.
Disadvantages of the Smith Machine
Less Stabilization Work
Less word stabilization doesn’t make your body stabilize the weight. However, with free weight exercises, your muscles work with each other and balance your bar while keeping it in control through the movement. This need, however, gets removed when you work on the Smith machine.
Fixed Movement Path
You know controlled movement can be a benefit. It can also be a disadvantage. But your body rarely moves in a perfectly straight line. In free weights, though, there is allowed a more natural range of motion, which is good for an overall functional strength.
Not Ideal for Advanced Lifters
How much does the bar at planet fitness weigh? The Smith machine is great for a complete beginner; it might be somewhat limiting if one has become a more advanced weight lifter. The bar is lighter and controlled in its movement, thus it will not require as much work from the lifter comparing with free weights. For a person interested in maximum strength gain, they may wish to lean towards free weights.
How to Use the Smith Machine at Planet Fitness
Are you a new user of Smith machines? You have to know the usage mechanism properly to avoid injury. Also, the measures would lead one to know how to get the most out of their workout. Here goes a quick guide in using the Smith Machine.
Adjust the Safety Stops
Set the safety stops to a height before starting your exercise. This will help in preventing the bar from going too low or, in case you can’t lift the bar it will not fall on you.
Position Yourself Correctly
It is important to understand that depending on the exercise, like squats or bench presses, position yourself at the correct position under the bar. The bar for squats should sit on your shoulders while for the bench presses, the same should be sitting above your chest.
Unlock the Bar
First, unlock the bar: Every time you approach the Smith machine, the bar is locked. Turn the bar slightly to unlok it; it will disengage from the safety locks. Always make sure the bar is unlocked before starting your exercise.
Focus on Form
Smith machine allows you to focus on your form without having to balance the weight, Therefore, keep your core engaged and your posture good. Also, try making the movement slow and controlled.
Lock the Bar When Done
At the end of your exercise set, you can easily rotate the bar back to its locked position. It lets you secure it in place.
How Does the Smith Machine Bar Compare to a Traditional Barbell?
A standard Olympic barbell weighs 45 pounds (20 kg). However, it is more than the Smith machine bar at Planet Fitness. Here’s a quick comparison to let you know everything in detail.
| Feature | Smith Machine Bar | Traditional Barbell |
| Weight | 15-20 pounds (7-9 kg) | 45 pounds (20 kg) |
| Movement | Guided by rails | Free movement |
| Balance Requirement | None, supported by machine | Full-body stabilization |
| Safety Features | Safety stops, controlled path | Requires a spotter for safety |
| Ideal for | Beginners, controlled lifting | Advanced lifters, functional strength |
Also Read: Why Try Planet Fitness Red Light Therapy
What Should You Use the Smith Machine or Free Weights?
That depends on your workout objectives. Whether you are using smith machine or free weights depend on knowledge you must have before and clear your goals. If you are a complete beginner to recover your injury, smith machine can be a great tool for you. It will help you to build up confidence and strength by doing exercises safely.
On the other hand, for professional lifters, free weights could be a good substitute. Yet, it builds functional strength and involves more muscles while working out.
More than anything, the Free weights allow for more natural movement patterns. It also engages more stabilizer muscles, provides a greater challenge to push to limits.
Final Thoughts
How much does the bar at planet fitness weigh? On Planet Fitness, the weight on the Smith machine bar could range from 15 to 20 pounds. But that makes it lighter than conventional barbells. The design allows for safer, more controlled lifting, especially for beginners.
It’s just what one would need to look for in having a guided exercise experience. While the Smith machine is a great tool for a lot of exercises, it demands a little bit more consideration toward your fitness goals, be it free weights or the Smith machine, on which ones better suit your needs.
