Olympic Barbell Dimensions report
Professional barbells come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and when used wisely, they can add variety to training and complement heavy training. Adjusting the correct weightlifting position for different types and weights of the barbell can allow people to push the limits and avoid injury.
The barbell is a core training equipment that is also used for weightlifting. Barbell exercise is a kind of weight training that can effectively improve muscle strength training and promote the coordination of the body. Weightlifting is a sport based on the weight of the barbell lifted.
Have you ever noticed the differences between Olympic barbell and standard barbell? An Olympic barbell is irreplaceable. You can't finish a gym set up without a barbell and weight plates. This weightlifting equipment guide will focus on the dimensions of straight Olympic barbells.
Olympic Barbell Description
In 1896, weightlifting was listed as an official Olympic sport. In 1910, Casper Berger exhibited the plate barbell for the first time at the Frankfurt Sports Game Exhibition, which became a milestone in the history of world powerlifting. Certified Olympic barbells come in two varieties; Men's and Women's. You will often also see Olympic barbells in public gyms, especially those designed for various weightlifting events.
Olympic barbells are specifically designed for weightlifting events to improve athlete performance and reduce injuries. They look just like regular barbells but have slightly different designs due to different exercise characteristics. They are made of special steel and have better elasticity than regular standard barbells, making them easier to hold. Because of the precision bearings on both ends, they rotate more easily, helping to prevent wrist and arm injuries.
Olympic Barbell Dimensions
- Men's Olympic barbells are 220 cm long and have a 28 mm / 29mm shaft diameter, 50 mm spinning sleeves, and weigh 20 kg.
- Women's Olympic barbells are 201 cm long, 25 mm shaft diameter, 50 mm diameter spinning sleeves, and weigh 15 kg.
Features | Men's | Women's |
---|---|---|
Length | 220cm (7'2") | 201cm (6'6") |
Shaft length | 131cm | 131cm |
Shaft diameter | 50mm (2") | 50mm (2") |
Sleeve length | 41.5cm | 32cm |
Bar thickness | weightlifting bars: 28mm;powerlifting bars: 29mm | 25mm |
Weight | 20kg (44LB) | 15kg (33LB) |
Standard Barbell Dimensions
A standard 25mm barbell will vary depending on the length and materials used. Let's compare an Olympic barbell's thickness, weight, and length and a standard barbell.
- Length: The standard barbells can be 5', 6', or 7' long.
- Shaft diameter: A standard barbell is 25mm along its shaft and sleeves and will have to be used with standard plates with a 25mm opening.
- Thickness: Standard barbells are 25mm (1 inch) thick. Some specialty bench press bars are 30mm thick to reduce the whip. And squat bars can be 32mm thick.
- Weight: Typically, they will weigh between 5 and 12kg (11-22 lbs), but they don't have to adhere to a standard.
Final Words
Olympic barbells and standard barbells are the most common barbells in gyms. In general, an Olympic bar is easily identifiable from a standard bar in that the end sleeves of an Olympic bar for loading weight plates are much thicker. You will find other strange barbells in professional gyms. Be sure to use different equipment correctly under the guidance of professional fitness trainers. The type of barbell you choose depends on your training goals, level, and body shape.