Image Source: i.redd.it
How Much Does A Planet Fitness Bar Weigh? Guide
A standard Planet Fitness barbell typically weighs 35 pounds.
Many gym-goers, especially those new to fitness or accustomed to different training environments, often wonder about the specifics of the equipment they use. Planet Fitness, with its widespread accessibility, is a common starting point for many fitness journeys. A frequently asked question revolves around the weight of their barbells. While the 35-pound standard is prevalent, understanding the full spectrum of Planet Fitness barbell weight and other related equipment helps in planning workouts and setting realistic goals. This guide aims to decipher the weight of various pieces of Planet Fitness workout equipment, providing a comprehensive resource for members.
Deciphering the Planet Fitness Barbell Weight
When you step into Planet Fitness and head towards the free weight section, you’ll encounter a variety of barbells. The most common type you’ll find is the standard Olympic-style barbell.
The Standard Planet Fitness Barbell Weight
The quintessential barbell at Planet Fitness, often used for bench presses, squats, and overhead presses, is designed to be lighter than a full Olympic barbell. This intentional design choice caters to a broader range of users, including beginners who might find a standard Olympic barbell too heavy to start with.
- 35 Pounds: This is the most common weight for the Planet Fitness standard barbell. It’s a good starting point for learning proper form without the added challenge of a heavier bar.
- Color Coding: While not always strictly adhered to, often barbells of a specific weight might have some form of color coding on the collars or the bar itself. However, it’s always best to confirm the weight by checking for markings on the bar or by asking a staff member.
Planet Fitness Olympic Bar Weight vs. Standard
It’s important to distinguish between a “standard” barbell and a full Olympic barbell.
- Standard Olympic Barbell (Planet Fitness): As mentioned, these are typically 35 lbs. They are usually shorter and thinner than true Olympic barbells.
- Olympic Barbell (General): A true Olympic barbell, used in Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting, typically weighs 45 pounds (20 kg) and is longer and sturdier to accommodate heavier loads. Planet Fitness does not typically feature these standard 45 lb Olympic barbells in their main free weight areas.
The Planet Fitness EZ Curl Bar Weight
Another common barbell found in most Planet Fitness locations is the EZ curl bar. This bar has a distinctive wavy or angled design, making it more comfortable for certain bicep and tricep exercises.
- EZ Curl Bar Weight: The Planet Fitness EZ curl bar generally weighs 15 pounds. This lighter weight is suitable for isolation exercises where the focus is on muscle engagement rather than lifting maximal weight.
Examining Planet Fitness Dumbbell Weights
Planet Fitness offers a wide range of dumbbell weights to accommodate various fitness levels and exercise types. The dumbbells are usually of the hex-head variety, meaning they have hexagonal heads to prevent them from rolling.
Dumbbell Weight Increments
You’ll find dumbbells starting from very light weights and going up to heavier options. The increments typically increase by 5 pounds.
- Light Dumbbells: Often starting at 5 pounds and going up to 20-25 pounds. These are great for warm-ups, isolation exercises, and for beginners.
- Medium Dumbbells: Typically ranging from 25 pounds up to 50-60 pounds. These are suitable for a wider array of exercises, including lunges, rows, and presses.
- Heavy Dumbbells: Planet Fitness usually has a selection of heavier dumbbells, often going up to 75 or even 100 pounds, though availability of the heaviest sets can vary by location. These are for more advanced users or for exercises requiring heavier loads.
Table: Typical Planet Fitness Dumbbell Weight Range
| Dumbbell Weight (lbs) | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|
| 5-15 | Warm-ups, bicep curls, tricep extensions, shoulder raises |
| 20-30 | Lunges, rows, chest presses, goblet squats |
| 35-50 | Heavier squats, deadlifts (alternative), presses |
| 55+ | Advanced strength training, deadlifts, compound movements |
Fathoming Planet Fitness Weight Plate Weights
When you use the barbells at Planet Fitness, you’ll often add weight plates to increase the load. These plates are crucial for progressive overload, a key principle in strength training.
Standard Weight Plate Sizes
Planet Fitness typically uses standard Olympic-style weight plates, which have a 2-inch hole in the center to fit Olympic barbells.
- 2.5 lbs Plates: Small, thin plates often colored red.
- 5 lbs Plates: Usually colored blue.
- 10 lbs Plates: Typically colored green.
- 25 lbs Plates: These are the largest and heaviest standard plates, usually colored yellow.
- 45 lbs Plates: While Planet Fitness focuses on lighter barbells, they may have a limited number of 45 lb plates available, often colored black. However, don’t expect these to be as readily available as the smaller plates.
Important Note on “Bumper Plates”: Planet Fitness generally does not stock Olympic bumper plates. Bumper plates are made of dense rubber and are designed to be dropped from overhead without damaging the bar or the gym floor. This is consistent with their “Judgement Free Zone” philosophy, which aims to create a less intimidating environment and often discourages activities like Olympic weightlifting or powerlifting where dropping weights is common.
Comprehending Planet Fitness Workout Equipment Weight
Beyond barbells and dumbbells, Planet Fitness offers a vast array of weight machines. The weight of these machines is not about the user lifting the entire machine, but rather about the resistance the machine provides, which is determined by the weight stack.
Weight Stacks on Machines
Most resistance machines at Planet Fitness utilize a weight stack. You select the desired weight by inserting a pin into one of the holes on the stack.
- Weight Stack Increments: Weight stacks typically increase in increments of 5 or 10 pounds.
- Maximum Weight: The maximum weight on a machine’s stack can vary, but it’s common to see stacks going up to 200-300 pounds.
It’s important to note that due to the nature of how weight stacks work (pulleys and levers), the actual resistance you feel might be slightly different from the weight indicated on the stack due to mechanical advantage. However, for practical training purposes, the labeled weight is what you’ll use as your reference.
Interpreting Planet Fitness Machine Weights
Each machine at Planet Fitness is designed for specific muscle groups and movement patterns. The “weight” here refers to the resistance provided by the machine’s weight stack.
Common Machine Weights and Their Resistance
While specific weights on machines vary, here’s a general idea of what you might encounter:
- Leg Press Machine: The weight stack can go up to 250-300 lbs or more.
- Chest Press Machine: Typically ranges up to 200-250 lbs.
- Lat Pulldown Machine: Often goes up to 200-250 lbs.
- Seated Row Machine: Similar to lat pulldowns, with stacks up to 200-250 lbs.
- Cable Machines (Functional Trainers): These often have dual stacks, with each stack usually going up to 150-200 lbs.
The actual weight you select on these machines will depend entirely on your strength level and the specific exercise you are performing.
Appreciating Planet Fitness Gym Equipment Weight
The overall weight of Planet Fitness gym equipment encompasses everything from the machines themselves to the rack systems and even the benches. This is less about the user lifting the weight and more about the structural integrity and stability of the equipment.
Planet Fitness Rack Weight
Planet Fitness typically features squat racks or power racks, though they are often less robust than those found in dedicated powerlifting gyms.
- Rack Construction: These racks are designed to hold barbells and allow for exercises like squats and bench presses. The weight of the rack itself can be several hundred pounds, ensuring stability.
- Weight Capacity: While the exact weight capacity isn’t usually advertised, these racks are generally built to safely handle weights well above what a typical Planet Fitness member would use on a barbell, often exceeding 500-600 pounds.
Bench Weights
The weight benches at Planet Fitness, whether flat, incline, or decline, are also substantial pieces of equipment.
- Bench Construction: They are made of steel and padding, designed to support the user and the weights being lifted.
- Approximate Weight: A standard weight bench can weigh anywhere from 40 to 100 pounds or more, depending on its features and sturdiness.
Why the Weight Matters
Knowing the weight of the equipment at Planet Fitness is crucial for several reasons:
- Setting Realistic Goals: If you’re accustomed to lifting heavier barbells at another gym, knowing that the standard bar is 35 lbs helps you adjust your expectations and focus on form and volume.
- Progressive Overload: To continue making gains, you need to gradually increase the weight you lift. Understanding the available weights allows you to plan how you’ll add weight over time.
- Exercise Selection: Knowing the available dumbbell weights helps you choose appropriate exercises for your strength level.
- Workout Planning: Whether you’re following a specific program or just creating your own, having an idea of the equipment’s weight capabilities is essential for effective planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the weight of a Planet Fitness barbell?
A1: The standard barbell at Planet Fitness weighs 35 pounds.
Q2: Can I find 45 lb Olympic barbells at Planet Fitness?
A2: It is uncommon for Planet Fitness to have standard 45 lb Olympic barbells in their general free weight areas. Their primary barbells are the lighter 35 lb versions.
Q3: How much does a Planet Fitness EZ curl bar weigh?
A3: A Planet Fitness EZ curl bar typically weighs 15 pounds.
Q4: What are the common weights for Planet Fitness dumbbells?
A4: Planet Fitness dumbbells start around 5 pounds and go up in 5-pound increments, with heavier options often reaching 75-100 pounds, though availability can vary by location.
Q5: Do Planet Fitness weight plates have specific weights?
A5: Yes, Planet Fitness weight plates come in standard increments like 2.5 lbs, 5 lbs, 10 lbs, and 25 lbs. They may also have 45 lb plates, but these are less common.
Q6: How does the weight on Planet Fitness machines work?
A6: Planet Fitness machines use weight stacks. You select the desired resistance by inserting a pin into the stack, with weights typically increasing in 5 or 10-pound increments. The actual weight you lift is the value indicated on the stack, though pulley systems can alter the perceived resistance slightly.
Q7: What is the weight of a Planet Fitness rack?
A7: While the exact weight of a Planet Fitness rack isn’t specified, these are substantial pieces of equipment weighing several hundred pounds to ensure stability and safety during use.
Q8: Are there different types of barbells at Planet Fitness?
A8: Primarily, you’ll find the standard 35 lb barbell and the 15 lb EZ curl bar. They do not typically offer the heavier 45 lb Olympic barbells or specialty bars like deadlift bars.