How Much Is the Bar at Planet Fitness? Full Guide for Beginners

Why Planet Fitness Bars Are Lighter Than Other Gyms

Unlike traditional gyms that use 45 lb Olympic barbells, Planet Fitness is designed for accessibility and beginners.

Key reasons:

• ✔️ Less intimidating for new lifters
• ✔️ Easier to learn proper form
• ✔️ Lower injury risk
• ✔️ Better for high-rep training

This aligns with their well-known “Judgement Free Zone” philosophy.

Types of Bars at Planet Fitness (Explained)

1. Free Weight Barbells

6

• Usually 20 lbs (9 kg)
• Used for:
  • Squats
  • Bench press
  • Rows
  • Deadlifts

👉 Great for beginners learning compound lifts.

2. Smith Machine Bars

5

• Typically 15–25 lbs
• Some machines (like Precor or Hammer Strength) vary
• Often counterbalanced, so it feels lighter

👉 Ideal for:

• Solo workouts
• Safer heavy lifting
• Controlled movements

Why Knowing the Bar Weight Matters

1. Accurate Progress Tracking

If you don’t include the bar weight, your numbers will be off.

Example:

• Bar (20 lbs) + plates (20 lbs total) = 40 lbs actual lift

2. Injury Prevention

Starting too heavy = bad form + higher risk.

👉 The lighter bar helps you:

• Learn technique first
• Build confidence
• Progress safely

3. Better Workout Planning

Knowing your base weight helps you:

• Set realistic goals
• Apply progressive overload
• Track strength gains over time

Pro Tips for Using Planet Fitness Bars

✔️ Start with the bar only

Perfect for mastering:

• Squats
• Bench press
• Deadlift form

✔️ Add weight gradually

Increase by:

• 5–10 lbs per session (beginner-friendly)

✔️ Use Smith machine for safety

Great if:

• You train alone
• You’re new
• You want controlled reps

✔️ Always check the machine label

Each location may vary slightly.

Common Questions

❓ Does Planet Fitness have 45 lb bars?

👉 Usually no — they focus on lighter, beginner-friendly equipment.

❓ Is the Smith machine easier than free weights?

👉 Yes — due to:

• Fixed path
• Built-in safety stops
• Reduced stabilization requirement

❓ Can beginners build muscle with lighter bars?

👉 Absolutely. Progress comes from:

• Consistency
• Proper form
• Gradual overload

Final Thoughts

Understanding how much the bar is at Planet Fitness gives you a huge advantage:

• You train smarter
• You stay safer
• You track real progress

👉 Whether you’re just starting or getting back into fitness, these lighter bars are actually a feature, not a limitation.