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    Please don't shoot me

    Posts: 285 Member
    edited February 8 in Fitness and Exercise
    So, when doing squats and you say you squat 100lbs....are you counting the weight of the barbell as well or just the plates?

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    • Posts: 8 Member
      Count the weight of the barbell too. You're squating that weight just like the plates. No reason to short-change yourself
    • Posts: 285 Member
      I thought so too, just wanted to make sure! Thanks!
    • Posts: 127 Member
      I most definitely would count the bar as well. The bar is 45 pounds (at my gym). I can barely do more than just the bar.
    • Posts: 1,821 Member
      Yeah definitely, it's expected and assumed when you're talking about barbell exercises.

      Anyone who claims you don't, is just being a bonehead.
    • Posts: 285 Member
      Thanks guys, I feel better now. The bar at my gym on the smith's machine is 72.5......lol
    • Posts: 21,219 Member
      Thanks guys, I feel better now. The bar at my gym on the smith's machine is 72.5......lol

      I'm pretty sure Smith Machine bars only weigh 20 pounds.
    • Posts: 1,173 Member
      We won't shoot your for your question about the barbell weight,but people may shoot you when mention "lifting" in a Smith Machine! :laugh: Yes that bar at least at my gym for the smith is super light, like 20 pounds. No way its 72. May I ask why you are using a Smith machine instead of free weights?
    • Posts: 5,789 Member
      show previous quotes

      I'm pretty sure Smith Machine bars only weigh 20 pounds.

      I understood to count the smith at 35, but ya..either way there's no chance the smith bar is 72.5 lbs.
    • Posts: 8,059 Member
      Get off the Smith machine, and no way the bar on that things weighs more than 35. As much as the machine holds it for you, it probably only weighs 10...
    • Posts: 21,219 Member
      show previous quotes

      I understood to count the smith at 35, but ya..either way there's no chance the smith bar is 72.5 lbs.

      They can range between 10 and 35. Most standard smith machines are 20. When couting the weight used on a smith machine I only count the plates and not the bar (I only use for OHP every few months).
    • Posts: 3,624 Member
      I had a smith at home with a 45 lb bar, but 72 is probably high. Can't imagine it.
    • Posts: 285 Member
      I had a smith at home with a 45 lb bar, but 72 is probably high. Can't imagine it.

      I thought so too but that's what the bar itself says...I should ask the gym owner!
    • Posts: 285 Member
      We won't shoot your for your question about the barbell weight,but people may shoot you when mention "lifting" in a Smith Machine! :laugh: Yes that bar at least at my gym for the smith is super light, like 20 pounds. No way its 72. May I ask why you are using a Smith machine instead of free weights?

      LOL...I use it for proper form..I do use free weights and the bar itself for other excercises
    • Posts: 2,925 Member
      show previous quotes

      LOL...I use it for proper form..I do use free weights and the bar itself for other excercises
      Squatting on a smith machine is not proper form. Read this before you hurt yourself
      http://www.ptdirect.com/training-design/training-fundamentals/movement-mechanics-and-motor-learning/moment-arms-force-vectors-and-a-squat-analysis
    • Posts: 1,821 Member
      I didn't know we were talking about a smith machine here. The smith machines I know of all have a cable that *basically* pull up on the bar with equal force, making it neutral.

      In that case, you do not count the bar.

      Also, you're better off learning the key points of proper form on the squat (search YouTube for "So you think you can squat?"), and using a free barbbell.

      Smith squats don't give you any room to move forward or backwards AT ALL, and frankly at high weight (like, 1.5 - 2x bodyweight) I think I would hurt myself bigtime on the smith machine.
    • Posts: 285 Member
      Okay, thanks! So smith's machine is out of my routine...damn no wonder it seem easier than I though it would be. Thanks for the articles and help...I am very new to weight training (no kidding) so I am learning as I go.
    • Posts: 694 Member
      I recently started lifting (while I work away from home) and I texted my husband telling him I could only bench press 20 lbs and he almost died laughing . I didn't know the bar weighed 40 lbs ..:blushing:
    • Posts: 1,821 Member
      Okay, thanks! So smith's machine is out of my routine...damn no wonder it seem easier than I though it would be. Thanks for the articles and help...I am very new to weight training (no kidding) so I am learning as I go.

      If you can trust me on this one, the best thing you can do right now is read up on lifting so you know what you're doing. I highly recommend New Rules of Lifting for Women. It 's an excellent book, and the routine at the end is pretty good, focused on fundamentals. The info in this book is gold though, it'll get you started on the right foot.
      I recently started lifting (while I work away from home) and I texted my husband telling him I could only bench press 20 lbs and he almost died laughing . I didn't know the bar weighed 40 lbs ..:blushing:

      Adorable.
    • Posts: 285 Member
      Please please please step FAR FAR FAR away from the Smith machine.

      There are So many resources to help you with proper squat form, lots of youtubes, people at the gym... just Please. Away from that awful contraption
    • Posts: 285 Member
      Got, no more Smith's machine...thanks!
    • Posts: 8,329 Member
      check out these two videos that give onfo on proper squat form

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kawBY5p29fQ
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yha2XAc2qu8
    • Posts: 8,329 Member
      Please please please step FAR FAR FAR away from the Smith machine.

      There are So many resources to help you with proper squat form, lots of youtubes, people at the gym... just Please. Away from that awful contraption
      honestly i wouldnt trust any old person giving squat info. i see LOTS of bad form in the gym, even from some of the trainers
    • Posts: 285 Member
      check out these two videos that give onfo on proper squat form

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kawBY5p29fQ
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yha2XAc2qu8

      Will do..thanks!
    This discussion has been closed.

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