How to count weight for barbells?

beabria
beabria Posts: 541 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So, this is a pretty basic question, but if you are lifting with a barbell, do you count the weight of the bar? For example, today I did my first deadlift with the bar (~40lbs.) and one 25lbs. weight on each end. Do I count that as 50lbs. or 90lbs?

Replies

  • xsmilexforxmex
    xsmilexforxmex Posts: 1,216 Member
    The bar counts as weight. Most standard/olympic barbells are 45lbs so whatever you add to that is your total weight.
  • beabria
    beabria Posts: 541 Member
    Thanks - awesome, I just got a lot stronger! :P
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    So, this is a pretty basic question, but if you are lifting with a barbell, do you count the weight of the bar? For example, today I did my first deadlift with the bar (~40lbs.) and one 25lbs. weight on each end. Do I count that as 50lbs. or 90lbs?

    the bar is 45 if it's a standard bar.

    so you did 95 lbs :D

    and I'm not really sure why you wouldn't thinkcount it- you picked it up- so it adds to the weight. For competitions they even count the collars for the plates- if it's on there- and you lifted it- it counts.
  • beabria
    beabria Posts: 541 Member
    and I'm not really sure why you wouldn't thinkcount it- you picked it up- so it adds to the weight. For competitions they even count the collars for the plates- if it's on there- and you lifted it- it counts.

    Even the collars - wow! I guess I've seen pictures of some hefty ones that would add significant weight. My gym has these tiny butterfly clip things that probably weigh less than a quarter pound combined! :) But I can imagine that in competitions, every ounce counts.
    Being perfectly honest here, I wanted to know how to count weights for comparison purposes. I know we're not supposed to compare ourselves to others, but once I get into it, it would be nice to know how I stack up to averages and such, and want to be sure I'm comparing apples to apples. :)
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    lol seems a common question.

    if it makes you feel better i usually only count the weights when i'm using like an ez-curl bar because i have no idea what the bar ways
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    lol seems a common question.

    if it makes you feel better i usually only count the weights when i'm using like an ez-curl bar because i have no idea what the bar ways

    ez curl bars are typically 25 lbs.

    The prefix ones are the weight that is labelled on there.
    Being perfectly honest here, I wanted to know how to count weights for comparison purposes. I know we're not supposed to compare ourselves to others, but once I get into it, it would be nice to know how I stack up to averages and such, and want to be sure I'm comparing apples to apples. :)

    well it's good to know you need to count the bar- that way you are on the same page.

    You'll get there.

    seems for most big lifts the mile markers go
    100 lbs
    135 (bar plus a single 45 on each side)
    and then body weight
    200 lbs
    then 1.5 body weight

    :)
  • beabria
    beabria Posts: 541 Member
    Great suggestions for some goals! I found 95lbs to be quite easy, although my back muscles were a little sore the next day, so I think I'll make 100 next time and start setting my sights on 135. :)

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