How do you count the weights you use?

meerkat70

When people say stuff like 'I squat with a hundred pounds', is it usual to count the bar weight, or not?

For instance, I'm trying to get decent form on my squats. I use 2 x 10kg (so 44lb) on a 45lb bar. Is that 44lb or 89lb?

BrianSharpe

Count the bar, you're lifting it!

gtwin

You always count the bar.

scottishhighlander

Agreed count he bar too

meerkat70

Cool. I suddenly sound so much more impressive! :-)

IronSmasher

Count the bar, and in metric. Arcaic measurements are confusing

meerkat70

i'm a metric baby. But most people don't seem to understand what I mean when I speak in kilos.

thefuzz1290

Make sure your bar is the weight you think it is. A standard Men's Olympic barbell weighs 44.1lbs (20kg) and a Woman's Olympic barbell weighs 33.07lbs (15kg).

meerkat70

Yeah i know. it's an Olympic bar. no women's bars at my gym.

IronSmasher

I wondered what that thing was for. I'm still wondering. But I was annoyed that one of the few full bars were being taken up by a granny and her personal trainer when she could've been using the smaller one. I guess the real reason is to save money, as the smaller bars are cheaper.

HeidiMightyRawr

Always count the bar

IronSmasher

Back to the subject, some people just say how much they were lifting a side. This is due to maths being difficult for these people.

Some only state how many plates on each side, usually referring to 20kg or the closest imperial weight. This is because counting is a challenge for them.