Smith Machine is a versatile weight training equipment. It has a barbell attached to the steel rails, which allows for only vertical movements. The machine’s design leads to proper balancing of the barbell’s weight. This, in turn, helps with maintaining proper posture during the movement.
However, while working out with a Smith Machine, a question on the minds of most individuals is regarding its weight. Those wanting to increase or modify the weight to suit their workout often wonder about how much the Smith Machine’s bar weighs. Commonly, the bar’s weight is between 20 to 45 pounds. However, this figure can vary depending on the specific manufacturer of the machine.
Keep reading to find out more about the bar’s weight and how it can help you.
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What is a Smith Machine and How Does It Help You?
Smith Machine is an exercise equipment consisting of a barbell with weights. The weights are secured between two steel rails. The machine only permits vertical movements and a small amount of horizontal movements. The most common utilization of this machine is for squats and bench presses.
The most noteworthy benefit of a Smith Machine lies in providing stabilized weight. The barbell is self-balancing. So you don’t have to think about how to balance it. This is not the case while doing squats and presses without this machine. When you don’t have to think about balancing the weight, not only does it help you focus more on lifting the weight, but it also increases safety.
A unique feature of the Smith Machine is its fixed barbell path. This provides the essential support needed during exercises like shoulder presses, bench presses, and squats. The machine has a counterbalance system. It lowers the actual bar’s weight by 4 to 6 kg. Thus, the Smith Machine can be used even by those recovering from injuries.
Although it is used mainly for squats and presses, various other exercises targeting major muscle groups are possible with it. The machine is secured in place with the weights, so it helps you perform your movements with proper form.
The Weight of the Smith Machine Bar
The weight of the Smith Machine Bar isn’t uniform. They can be as light as 6lbs, as heavy as 45lbs, or anything in between them. However, in most gyms, the bar’s weight is anywhere from 15 to 25lbs.
The Smith Machine’s bar is attached to it. It glides up and down the side bars when you use it. The resultant friction can impact the heaviness of the bar. If the bar hasn’t been oiled and the friction is intense, you may find it to be heavier. Similarly, a well-oiled bar that glides up and down smoothly will make the bar feel lighter.
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What Factors Affect the Weight of a Smith Machine Bar?
There are three major factors that impact the bar’ weight. These include the bar’s material, counterbalances, and the angle of the rails.
1. Bar Material
Smith Machine’s bars are made of steel. However, they are much lighter than the steel used to make Olympic bars. This is because the Smith Machine also has other elements. These include pulleys, bearings, clamps, and slides. This means that they don’t need to be made out of higher-strength steel that holds heavy weights without assistance.
Outer steel beams in a Smith Machine bar provide additional reinforcement and support while you exercise. Also, the bars are lighter than conventional barbells. However, they are capable of holding the same amount of weight as them.
2. Counterbalances
Smith Machines that have counterbalance mechanisms have lower bar weight. This is found mostly in Smith Machines for commercial gyms.
The counterbalance system contains counterweights attached to the barbell carriage through wires passing over pulleys. These pulleys are present at the top of both sides of the Smith Machine. Counterweights on a Smith Machine lower the overall weight of the barbell. So, it lets the user exercise with resistance that is less than the real weight of the barbell carriage.
If you use a Smith Machine at a commercial gym, such as Equinox, Planet Fitness, or Gold’s Gym, it is probably counterbalanced.
3. Angle of the Rails
Smith Machines can have perfectly vertical rails or slightly inclined ones. This inclination impacts the weight of the bar. Vertical rails are common in residential Smith Machines. In commercial gyms, you’ll find Smith Machines with a slight incline of 7 to 12 degrees. This makes the bar feel lighter by no more than 1 to 2 lbs.
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Why Should You Know the Weight of a Smith Machine Bar?
Knowing the weight of the Smith Machine bar can help you in various ways.
1. To Know How Much You are Lifting
Knowing the bar’s weight will help you determine the amount of weight you are capable of lifting at a certain point. Say, for example, you used a 50-pound bar earlier and then switched over to a Smith Machine. Now, you cannot simply start exercising with the same weight. You need to consider the weight difference to maintain the integrity of your lifting sessions. Overlooking a few pounds can immensely affect the efficacy of your overall training.
2. Help with Progressive Overloading
Progressive overload means increasing the weight little by little throughout your workout routine. It helps you build muscle and shed fat. While working out with the Smith Machine, too, you should know the weight of the bar to make necessary adjustments to your workout. How will you progressively overload if you don’t know the weight of the bar in the first place? It will increase the chances of you wrongly overloading, which will further increase the likelihood of injuries.
3. Track Your Progress Better
The weight of the bar can make a big difference to your workout. Knowing about its weight helps you make better decisions about your gym routine. When you know exactly how much you are lifting at a certain point, it helps you track your progress better. Thus, you are more likely to set realistic goals.
Summing Up
Working out with a Smith Machine correctly helps you achieve your fitness goals. The bar on a Smith Machine can add anywhere between 5 and 45 pounds to your lifts. Properly understanding this weight will help you optimize your weight training sessions and achieve the desired progress.
