Ever started a workout at Planet Fitness, only to pause and wonder, “How much does this Smith machine bar actually weigh?” You’re not alone—knowing the bar’s weight is key to accurately tracking your lifts and progress.
This question matters whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer. In this article, we’ll reveal the typical weight of Planet Fitness’s Smith machine bars, explain why it varies, and share practical tips for your workouts. Let’s clear up the mystery so you can lift with confidence!
How Much Does the Smith Machine Bar Weigh at Planet Fitness?
Figuring out the weight of the Smith machine bar at Planet Fitness can be surprisingly tricky. If you’ve ever moved from a standard free-weight barbell to the fixed, sliding bar in Planet Fitness’s signature purple gym, you probably noticed that the bar feels a lot lighter. You might wonder: how much weight am I really lifting?
Let’s clear up the confusion and give you the full scoop on Planet Fitness’s Smith machine bar weight, what makes it unique, and how to use it for your fitness advantage.
The Quick Answer: Planet Fitness Smith Machine Bar Weight
Most Planet Fitness locations feature a Smith machine bar that weighs around 15 to 20 pounds (7 to 9 kg).
This is considerably lighter than the standard Olympic barbell, which weighs 45 pounds (20.4 kg). Some Planet Fitness Smith machines use counterbalanced bars, making the bar lighter and easier to handle. In rare cases, the bar might weigh as little as 10 pounds, but the 15–20 pound range is the norm for these gyms.
Why Is the Smith Machine Bar Lighter at Planet Fitness?
There are several reasons for the lighter Smith machine bar weight:
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Counterbalancing: Most Smith machines at Planet Fitness have a counterbalance mechanism, which offsets some of the bar’s weight. This makes the bar easier to lift for beginners and those interested in controlled, lighter lifts.
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User Friendly: Planet Fitness designs their equipment to be accessible for people of all fitness levels, especially beginners. A lighter bar makes the gym less intimidating and helps users focus on their form.
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Equipment Design: The Smith machine’s bar is built differently than a free barbell. It slides on rails and is attached to a supporting structure, eliminating the need for it to be as heavy as an Olympic bar.
How to Tell the Weight of Your Planet Fitness Smith Machine Bar
If you want an exact number for your gym’s Smith machine bar, try these easy techniques:
- Check the Details on the Machine: Sometimes, the Smith machine has a sticker or label with the bar’s weight printed on it.
- Ask Gym Staff: Staff members are usually trained to answer equipment questions or can find out for you.
- Use a Scale: If you’re curious (and if your gym allows), you can balance a standard bathroom scale on the bench, lower the Smith machine bar onto it, and note the reading. Make sure to zero the scale and keep the bar still for an accurate result.
- Look for Consistency: Most Planet Fitnesses use the same brand and style of Smith machine, so if you’ve found the weight for one, it likely matches the others.
Benefits of the Planet Fitness Smith Machine Bar
The unique features of the Planet Fitness Smith machine bar provide several advantages, especially for specific types of gym-goers. Here’s why it might work in your favor:
1. Beginner Friendly
- A lighter bar reduces intimidation for those new to lifting.
- It’s easier to practice form without excessive weight.
2. Controlled Movements
- The Smith machine guides your motion, making lifts safer.
- Stability helps focus on muscle engagement rather than just balancing the bar.
3. Safe Solo Workouts
- Built-in safety mechanisms allow for heavy lifts with less risk if you get stuck.
- You can easily rack the bar at multiple heights.
4. Progressive Training
- Adding small amounts of weight (even as little as 2.5-pound plates) allows for gradual progress.
- Helps rehab or train through injuries by permitting lighter loads.
Challenges and Considerations
While the Planet Fitness Smith machine bar offers many perks, there are some important things to remember:
1. Not the Same as Free Weights
- The movement is fixed in a straight line—you won’t develop the same stabilizing muscles.
- Transferring your Smith machine progress to free barbell exercises may feel different.
2. Bar Weight Calculation
- If you think you’re lifting the same as on a traditional barbell, remember to adjust for the lighter bar.
- Always add the bar weight to your plate total for an accurate number.
3. Advanced Lifting
- For powerlifters or those training for specific sports, the Smith machine can’t fully mimic free-weight lifts.
- Some exercises, like Olympic lifts or deep squats, are better suited to free weights.
How to Adjust Smith Machine Bar Weight into Your Program
Garnering the most benefit from the Smith machine at Planet Fitness involves a few steps:
- Know the Bar Weight: Start by assuming the bar weighs 15–20 pounds unless you can verify otherwise.
- Add Your Plates: Add the weight of all the plates loaded.
- Calculate Total Load: Combine the bar weight and plates for your total lifted load.
- Record Progress: Track total weight, not just plates, to gauge your strength gains.
- Mix It Up: Combine Smith machine exercises with dumbbells and other equipment for a well-rounded routine.
Practical Tips for Using the Smith Machine at Planet Fitness
Here are some expert tips for maximizing your Smith machine workouts at Planet Fitness:
- Perfect Your Form: Use the lighter bar to hone your squat, bench, and overhead press form.
- Try New Exercises: Explore single-leg squats, lunges, calf raises, or even inverted rows using the Smith machine.
- Utilize Safety Stops: Set the safety stops at an appropriate height for your range of motion—especially helpful for beginners or if you lift alone.
- Warm Up Properly: Even with a light bar, warming up your joints and muscles is crucial. A set with only the bar lets you check your form and activate your muscles.
- Progress Gradually: Unless you’ve tested your max, start lighter than you think and add weight gradually. Remember, total weight includes the bar.
Weight Comparison: Planet Fitness Smith Machine Bar vs. Other Bars
Let’s clarify how the Smith machine bar stacks up to other common gym bars:
| Bar Type | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Planet Fitness Smith | 15–20 lbs |
| Standard Smith | 15–25 lbs |
| Olympic Barbell | 45 lbs |
| EZ Curl Bar | 10–15 lbs |
| Fixed Weight Bars | Varies (10–110 lbs) |
- Keep in mind, Smith machines in other gyms may have bars up to 25 or even 35 pounds.
- The lighter bar at Planet Fitness is not a “fault”; it’s by design for member accessibility.
Best Practices for Accurate Lifting
To make the most out of your workouts and track your strength progress effectively, follow these key practices:
- Always Include the Bar Weight: Don’t forget to count the (around) 15–20 lb bar in your total.
- Be Consistent: Use the same Smith machine at your gym if possible, as bar weights can vary from machine to machine.
- Ask for Clarification: If you’re starting a new program, ask staff or trainers about the specific equipment to avoid confusion.
- Use Other Equipment: To develop stabilizer muscles, add dumbbell and free-weight barbell work when possible.
Summary
The Smith machine bar at most Planet Fitness locations weighs approximately 15 to 20 pounds—about a third of a standard barbell. This lighter bar, combined with a counterbalanced system and guided rails, provides a safe, user-friendly lifting experience perfect for beginners, those rehabbing injuries, and anyone looking to focus on lifting technique.
Knowing the bar’s true weight ensures you accurately track your lifts, make steady progress, and tailor your training to your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I find out the exact Smith machine bar weight at my Planet Fitness?
Most Smith machine bars at Planet Fitness weigh between 15 and 20 pounds. For an exact figure, check for a label on the machine, ask gym staff, or use a scale to measure it directly.
Is it okay to only train on the Smith machine?
The Smith machine is excellent for practicing form and safe, solo lifting. However, for complete strength and muscle development, include free weights and dumbbells in your routine, as they work additional stabilizing muscles.
Do all Smith machines weigh the same?
No. Smith machine bar weight can range from 10 to 35 pounds across different brands and gyms. Planet Fitness machines are usually on the lighter end—15–20 pounds.
How do I calculate the total weight I’m lifting on the Smith machine?
Add the Smith machine bar’s weight (usually 15–20 lbs) to the total weight of the plates you load. For example, two 25 lb plates plus the bar equals 65–70 pounds total.
Why does the Smith machine feel easier than using free weights?
Smith machines are designed with rails, which stabilize the bar and limit its movement to a straight line. Coupled with a lighter, often counterbalanced bar, this setup makes lifts feel easier and removes the need for balance and stabilization you get with free weights.
Use this knowledge to train smarter at Planet Fitness and make sure your progress on the Smith machine matches your goals!