Barbells

Barbells are a versatile piece of exercise equipment that can be used for a wide variety of exercises. They are commonly used in strength training, bodybuilding, weightlifting, powerlifting, and strongman training. 

You can use them on their own, with a weight bench or a power rack/squat rack. 

FitnessFactory.com features one of the largest selections of barbells, curl bars, trap bars, and triceps bars anywhere. Built to the highest standard using high-quality materials, FitnessFactory.com barbells feature a variety of finishes and materials and are made to be durable for a lifetime of quality weight lifting.

Choose from Olympic barbells, standard barbells, curl bars, trap bars, triceps bars, and more. 

All FitnessFactory.com barbells are designed to meet industry specs and give users a sure grip and control to perform various exercises.

Choosing the correct barbell for your fitness level ensures safe and effective workouts. 

1. Consider Your Fitness Level:

If you're new to weightlifting, a standard barbell with a weight capacity of 150-200 pounds is a suitable choice. This lighter weight allows you to practice proper form and gradually increase the intensity.

You should upgrade to a more robust and heavier barbell as you progress. This heavier barbell is designed for more advanced exercises and heavier loads.

For seasoned lifters, a high-quality Olympic barbell with a tensile strength of 190,000 PSI or higher is recommended. These barbells can withstand rigorous training and heavy weights.

2. Determine Your Exercise Focus:

Olympic Weightlifting: If you focus on Olympic weightlifting exercises like the snatch and clean & jerk, a specialized Olympic weightlifting barbell with a thinner diameter (25-28mm) is ideal. This design allows for a better grip during the dynamic Olympic weightlifting movements.

Powerlifting: For powerlifting exercises like the squat, bench press, and deadlift, a powerlifting barbell with a thicker diameter (28-29mm) is preferred. This thicker bar provides a more stable grip for heavy powerlifting movements.

General Strength Training: For a variety of strength training exercises, a standard Olympic barbell with a moderate diameter (28-29mm) is a versatile choice. This barbell can handle a range of exercises and weights.

3. Assess Your Grip Strength:

Smaller Hands: If you have smaller hands, a barbell with a thinner diameter (25-28mm) may be more comfortable to grip. This allows for a better hand position and reduces strain on your wrists.

Larger Hands: A barbell with a thicker diameter (28-29mm) provides a more secure grip for individuals with larger hands, especially when handling heavier weights.

4. Evaluate Your Budget:

Entry-Level: An entry-level barbell with a lower tensile strength (150,000-170,000 PSI) can be a good starting point for beginners or those on a tight budget.

Mid-Range: For intermediate lifters or those seeking a more durable option, a mid-range barbell with a tensile strength of 170,000-190,000 PSI is a solid choice.

High-End: A high-end Olympic barbell with a tensile strength of 190,000 PSI or higher is recommended for advanced lifters or those prioritizing the highest quality.

Remember, the correct barbell is an investment in your fitness journey. 

The weight capacity of a barbell is a crucial consideration when choosing one for your fitness level and goals. 

Here's a breakdown of how weight capacity impacts your workouts:

For Beginners:

• Lower Weight Capacity (150-200 pounds): Ideal for learning proper form and gradually increasing strength without overloading your body.

For Intermediate Lifters:

• Moderate Weight Capacity (200-400 pounds): Suitable for progressive overload, allowing you to lift heavier weights and challenge your muscles as you progress.

For Advanced Lifters:

• High Weight Capacity (400+ pounds): Essential for handling heavier loads and pushing your strength limits, particularly in powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting.

Factors Influencing Weight Capacity Needs:

• Strength Level: Choose a barbell that can accommodate your current lifting capacity and allow for future progression.
• Exercise Focus: Consider your primary exercises and the weight requirements for those movements.
• Training Style: If you plan on lifting heavy weights, prioritize a barbell with a higher weight capacity.
• Safety: Ensure the barbell is rated for the weight you intend to use to prevent damage or injury.

Barbell knurling is the raised diamond-shaped pattern that is etched on a barbell shaft. This pattern is designed to improve grip by increasing friction between your hands and the bar. It is especially important when lifting heavy weights, as it can help to prevent your hands from slipping.

There are several different types of barbell knurling, which vary in depth, pattern, and aggressiveness. The type of knurling that is used on a barbell will depend on the type of barbell and the intended use. For example, barbells that are designed for Olympic weightlifting will have a more aggressive knurling than barbells that are designed for powerlifting.

Here are some of the benefits of barbell knurling:

• Improved grip: Knurling increases friction between your hands and the bar, which helps to prevent your hands from slipping.
• Reduced grip fatigue: Knurling helps distribute the pressure of your grip more evenly across your hands, which can help reduce grip fatigue.
• Increased safety: Knurling can help to prevent accidents by keeping your hands securely on the bar.

Overall, barbell knurling is an important feature that can improve grip, reduce grip fatigue, and increase safety. However, choosing a barbell with a knurling pattern that is appropriate for your needs and comfort level is essential.

What safety precautions should I take when using barbells?

Barbell training is a versatile and effective way to build strength, muscle mass, and improve overall fitness. 

It offers a wide range of benefits that can be tailored to individuals of all fitness levels.

1. Builds Strength and Muscle Mass:

Barbell exercises allow you to lift heavy weights, essential for stimulating muscle growth and increasing strength. Compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and rows engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting overall strength development.

2. Improves Functional Strength:

Functional strength refers to the ability to apply strength in everyday activities. Barbell exercises train your muscles to work together in a coordinated manner, enhancing your ability to perform tasks like lifting, carrying, and pushing easily.

3. Enhances Athletic Performance:

Barbell training can improve athletic performance by increasing strength, power, and explosiveness. Athletes in various sports can benefit from incorporating barbell exercises into their training routines.

4. Boosts Bone Density:

Weight-bearing exercises like barbell training can help increase bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially as you age.

5. Promotes Weight Loss and Fat Burning:

Barbell training can boost metabolism and increase calorie expenditure, contributing to weight loss and fat-burning efforts.

6. Improves Posture and Stability:

Barbell exercises strengthen core muscles, leading to better posture and stability. This can reduce back pain and improve overall balance.

7. Versatility and Adaptability:

Barbell exercises can be modified to suit individuals of all fitness levels and training goals. From beginners to advanced lifters, barbells offer a versatile training tool.

8. Affordable and Accessible:

Barbells are relatively inexpensive and widely available, making them an accessible training option for individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

9. Longevity and Durability:

Barbells are built to last, providing years of reliable use. With proper care, barbells can become a permanent part of your fitness journey.

Here are some safety precautions you should take when using barbells:

1. Warm up before lifting. A proper warm-up prepares your muscles for activity and helps to prevent injuries. You should spend 5-10 minutes doing light cardio and dynamic stretching before lifting weights.
2. Use proper form. Using proper form is essential for preventing injuries. If you need help with how to perform a particular exercise, ask a certified personal trainer for help.
3. Start with a light weight and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger. Don't try to lift too much weight too soon. This can lead to injuries.
4. Don't hold your breath. Holding your breath can increase your blood pressure and make you feel lightheaded. Exhale as you lift and inhale as you lower the weight.
5. Control the weights at all times. Don't let the weights control you. Lower the weights slowly and under control.
6. Use a spotter when necessary. A spotter can help you lift the weight if you cannot do it on your own. A spotter is especially important when you are lifting heavy weights or performing exercises that are difficult to bail out of, such as the bench press.
7. Don't lift in pain. If you feel pain, stop the exercise and rest. Don't push yourself too hard.
8. Wear proper clothing and shoes. Wear tight-fitting clothes that won't get in the way of your lifting. Wear shoes with good traction to help you keep your balance.
9. Be aware of your surroundings. Ensure there is enough space around you so you don't hit anything while lifting.
10. Don't lift alone. Lifting with a partner can help you stay motivated and safe.
11. Inspect the equipment before you use it. Ensure the barbell is in good condition and the weights are securely fastened.
12. Use safety collars when necessary. Safety collars are used to secure the weights on the barbell and prevent them from sliding off.
13. Listen to your body. If you are feeling tired or sore, take a rest day. Don't overtrain.

By following these safety precautions, you can help prevent injuries and have a safe and enjoyable weightlifting experience.

Proper barbell storage is essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of your barbells, ensuring safety, and optimizing gym space. 

Here are some effective barbell storage methods:

Barbell Racks: Barbell racks are the most common and versatile way to store barbells. They provide a secure and organized way to keep your barbells off the ground, protecting them from rust, scratches, and damage. Barbell racks come in various styles, including wall-mounted, freestanding, and two-tier racks, to suit different gym layouts and storage needs.

Vertical Barbell Holders: Vertical barbell holders are a space-saving option for gyms with limited floor space. They allow you to store barbells vertically against a wall, maximizing the use of vertical space. These holders come in various designs, including hooks, pegs, and magnetic holders, to accommodate different barbell types and quantities.

Horiztonal Barbell Racks: Horizontal barbell racks are a unique storage solution that efficiently stores multiple barbells in a compact footprint. 

Regardless of the storage method, ensure that the barbells are stored in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent rust, warping, and damage to the knurling.

The best barbell exercises are those that compound movements, engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously. 

This compound effect promotes overall strength development, muscle growth, and functional strength. 

Here are some of the top barbell exercises:

Barbell Squats: Squats are a fundamental exercise that targets the legs, hips, glutes, and core. They are essential for building lower body strength and improving functional movement.

Barbell Deadlifts: Deadlifts are a compound exercise that engages the entire posterior chain, including the back, hamstrings, and glutes. They are known for building overall strength, power, and grip strength.

Barbell Bench Press: The bench press is a staple chest exercise that targets the shoulders and triceps. It is crucial for building upper body strength and muscle mass.

Barbell Overhead Press: The overhead press is a compound exercise that works the shoulders, triceps, and upper back. It is essential for developing upper body strength and improving shoulder mobility.

Barbell Rows: Barbell rows are a compound exercise that targets the back, biceps, and forearms. They are crucial for building back strength and improving grip strength.

Barbell Shrugs: Barbell shrugs are an isolation exercise that targets the trapezius muscles in the upper back. They are effective for building upper back strength and improving posture.

Barbell Bicep Curls: Barbell bicep curls are an isolation exercise that targets the biceps muscles in the front of the upper arm. They are effective for building bicep strength and size.

Barbell Triceps Extensions: Barbell triceps extensions are an isolation exercise that targets the triceps muscles in the back of the upper arm. They are effective for building triceps strength and size.

These barbell exercises provide a solid foundation for building strength, muscle mass, and functional fitness. They can be incorporated into various training programs, catering to different fitness levels and goals.

Watch this video for even more great barbell exercises to incorporate into your training: