What is the weight of a Smith Bar?

charleigh78
charleigh78 Posts: 247 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
The gym owner didn't know but thought it was 45 lbs....does that sound right?

Replies

  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
    Gym owner doesn't know the specs of the equipment he put in his gym? Find another gym, pronto.


    Oh, and it's probably somewhere between 25-35 lbs. If you know the model, you could probably look it up online.
  • Leadfoot_Lewis
    Leadfoot_Lewis Posts: 1,623 Member
    It's going to depend on the model.

    You can't go by the weight of the bar alone because it will "feel" like it weighs less since it's counter-balance by the machine. So the bar most likely weights 45lbs, but with the counter-balancing it is like you're lifting 15lbs.
  • charleigh78
    charleigh78 Posts: 247 Member
    I thought 45 sounded high. I would have guessed more in the 25-35 range.

    This is a small gym close to my house. If I add a huge gym commute then it becomes too difficult on gas and time.
  • astronomicals
    astronomicals Posts: 1,537 Member
    if ya cant find the answer you can put a bathroom scale on a bench and lay the bar on it... youll get your answer along with some curious looks.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    It's going to depend on the model.

    You can't go by the weight of the bar alone because it will "feel" like it weighs less since it's counter-balance by the machine. So the bar most likely weights 45lbs, but with the counter-balancing it is like you're lifting 15lbs.

    I looked up several different models and 20lb seemed to be the most common weight--but, like you say, there is some variance.

    Oddly enough, the Life Fitness Optima Light Commercial Smith Machine is listed as not counter balanced, with a 45lb starting resistance. Seems odd.
  • charleigh78
    charleigh78 Posts: 247 Member
    curious looks....I can take that :) Good idea.
  • charleigh78
    charleigh78 Posts: 247 Member
    Someday, I am going to get my brave on and ditch the smith machine.
  • CipherZero
    CipherZero Posts: 1,418 Member
    Someday, I am going to get my brave on and ditch the smith machine.

    Do it next workout. The Smith machine is death to knees because of the way it forces you to move.
  • OverDoIt
    OverDoIt Posts: 332 Member
    The weight of the bar on the smith machine cannot be counted in the Iron Dojo. Count the plates only. Just kidding. Every smith is different some are smooth some are rough some are heavy some are light some are angled some are straight up and down. With all of these variables to count it is better to just count the plates. I would only recommend doing back squats on the smith, but everyone's physiology is different. Do only what is comfortable to you. The smith has a bad reputation that is really undeserving in alot of cases. Alot of trainers who do not have a partner must rely on them to safely increase workload It is better to be safe and take your time to really master the smith. alot more damage can be done with the barbell if you do not know what you are doing and do not have a spotter. My 2 cents and I am a total troll so if you have any questions let me know. Also, I am not as smart as I may sound if I do sound smart.
  • Shawshankcan
    Shawshankcan Posts: 900 Member
    The one in my old gym I could move with two fingers.
  • smc864
    smc864 Posts: 570 Member
    Do yourself a favor and avoid the smith machine at all costs... I seriously cringe anytime I see someone doing squats on that thing.
  • toddis
    toddis Posts: 941 Member
    The smith machine has it's uses.

    I'm not sure what you'd be afraid of though. I'd me more afraid of thinking I had developed strength and finding out I didn't have the accessory muscles to back it up.
  • bheathfit
    bheathfit Posts: 451 Member
    The one in my old gym I could move with two fingers.

    Dude... Looks like you're lifting 500 pounds plus the rack in your profile pic... Of course you can move the Smith Press bar with two fingers!

    I've never seen a rack like that, but it looks pretty impressive...

    Cheers!
  • jayche
    jayche Posts: 1,128 Member
    The one at every gym I've gone to is 20lb
  • Shawshankcan
    Shawshankcan Posts: 900 Member
    The one in my old gym I could move with two fingers.

    Dude... Looks like you're lifting 500 pounds plus the rack in your profile pic... Of course you can move the Smith Press bar with two fingers!

    I've never seen a rack like that, but it looks pretty impressive...

    Cheers!

    It's called a yoke carry. It is a strongman event, VERY few gyms will have one. Normally, people will find a welder and have them made - or pay rogue fitness outrageous prices.

    The total weight in my picture was 660. Was suppose to be 600, but the person loading forgot to factor on the weight of the uprights. Since then I have done a much easier 720 for almost three times the distance I did there.
  • SunofaBeach14
    SunofaBeach14 Posts: 4,899 Member
    Someday, I am going to get my brave on and ditch the smith machine.

    Do it next workout. The Smith machine is death to knees because of the way it forces you to move.

    And your lower back for the same reason. And you can't throw the bar if you fail, but have to rely on its safety catches. Ditch it and go to the squat rack.
  • SunofaBeach14
    SunofaBeach14 Posts: 4,899 Member
    The one in my old gym I could move with two fingers.

    Dude... Looks like you're lifting 500 pounds plus the rack in your profile pic... Of course you can move the Smith Press bar with two fingers!

    I've never seen a rack like that, but it looks pretty impressive...

    Cheers!

    It's called a yoke carry. It is a strongman event, VERY few gyms will have one. Normally, people will find a welder and have them made - or pay rogue fitness outrageous prices.

    The total weight in my picture was 660. Was suppose to be 600, but the person loading forgot to factor on the weight of the uprights. Since then I have done a much easier 720 for almost three times the distance I did there.

    Damn!

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