Catch Major Madness! 21% OFF Sitewide and 8 FREE Accessories on Orders Over $1000.
Man doing a deadlift workout using a Smith machine.
·

How Much Does the Bar Weigh on a Smith Machine at Planet Fitness?

If you're a fitness enthusiast or a beginner stepping into the world of gym workouts, understanding the equipment you're working with is crucial. One question that often pops up, especially among new Planet Fitness members, revolves around the Smith machine - a key piece of equipment in many gyms. Specifically, how much does the bar weigh on a Smith machine at Planet Fitness? This question is not just about satisfying curiosity; it's about tailoring your workout to achieve maximum efficiency and safety.

Shop and Begin Your Fitness Journeyat Major Fitness - Enjoy 24 Install-ment Plans Now!

Planet Fitness, known for its judgment-free zone philosophy, hosts a range of equipment catering to all fitness levels. Among them, the Smith machine stands out due to its versatility. The bar on a Smith machine is fixed within steel rails, allowing only vertical or near-vertical movement. This unique feature provides stability and support for a variety of exercises, making it a favorite among gym-goers. But to effectively incorporate it into your workout regime, knowing the bar's weight is paramount.

Man lifting a barbell with green weight plates while bench pressing.

The answer to the burning question varies. Traditionally, a free-weight Olympic barbell weighs about 45 pounds (20.4 kg). However, the Smith machine at Planet Fitness is a bit different due to its construction and safety features. The bar is counterbalanced, which can make it lighter than standard Olympic barbells. At most Planet Fitness locations, the Smith machine bar's weight ranges from 15 to 25 pounds (6.8 to 11.3 kg). This variance largely depends on the model of the Smith machine installed at a specific location.

Why does this matter? Understanding the weight of the bar on the Smith machine allows you to calculate accurately the total weight you're lifting. This is especially important for those tracking their progress over time or aiming to increase their strength in a measured safe way. Incorrect assumptions about the bar's weight can lead to overestimation or underestimation of your actual lifting weights, potentially impacting the effectiveness of your workout or even posing a risk of injury.

Besides the practical aspect of knowing the bar weight for accurate weight calculation, there's also a psychological benefit. For beginners, starting with the perception that they are lifting a traditional 45-pound bar can be intimidating. Realizing that the Smith machine's bar is lighter might provide psychological comfort, encouraging them to engage with the equipment more confidently and safely.

How can you find out the exact weight of the Smith machine bar at your local Planet Fitness? The simplest way is to ask a staff member. Planet Fitness prides itself on its friendly and approachable staff, who are there to assist with all your gym queries. Furthermore, some locations have the information posted near the Smith machine or in the membership guide. Another method is to use a handheld scale if allowed, though it's less common and might be impractical for many.

Armed with the knowledge of the Smith machine bar's weight, you can better plan your workout. Once you understand the weight of the Smith machine barbell, you can choose an Olympic barbell that fits your body and helps improve your explosive power and overall strength. Remember, it's not just about the numbers; it's also about how you use the machine. Incorporating a mix of free weights and Smith machine exercises can provide a comprehensive workout. Regardless, knowing the specifics of the equipment you're using can enhance your workout's efficiency, safety, and overall gym experience.

So, the next time you step into Planet Fitness and head towards the Smith machine, you'll not only be working out with confidence but with the precision of knowledge as well. This understanding could be what stands between you and your next fitness milestone. Don't shy away from asking questions or seeking clarity on your gym equipment; it's the first step toward a more informed and effective workout.

Back to blog

Best sellers

Major Fitness Spirit B52 All-In-One Smith Machine Home Gym Major Fitness smith machine home gym spirit b52

Major Fitness Spirit B52 All-In-One Smith Machine Home Gym

5-in-1 Strength Training System in a Single Machine Supports Free Weight and Smith Machine Workouts Upgraded Adjustable Foot Plate and 6 Band Pegs Premium Cable Pulley System for functional Training Independent Dual Pulley System for multiple user workouts Heavy-Duty build for safe and steady usage  
From $1,449.99
From $1,449.99
$1,499.99
Major Fitness F22 Power Rack All-In-One Home Gym Major Fitness F22 Power Rack All-In-One Home Gym

Major Fitness F22 Power Rack All-In-One Home Gym

Ultimate Fusion of Power and Aesthetics Perfect for Intermediate to Advanced Users Enhanced Versatility with 6 Band Pegs Ultra-stable Structure Dual Independent Pulley System 17 Height Adjustable Holes 800 lbs Reinforced Safety Arms Capacity Max Capacity on Pulley System 300 lbs on Each Side
From $879.99
From $879.99
$929.99
Major Fitness Lightning F35 Wall-Mount Folding All-In-One Power Rack Home Gym Major Fitness home gym power rack lightning f35 black front view

Major Fitness Lightning F35 Wall-Mount Folding All-In-One Power Rack Home Gym

Unique Foldable Design 4 Functional Systems Integration 7 Adjustable Folding Angles 15 Adjustable Height Options Double Pulley System Various Practical Attachments Included
From $899.99
From $899.99
$949.99
Major Fitness Adjustable Bench | 1300Lbs Capacity Weight Bench PLT01 Major Fitness Adjustable Bench | 1300Lbs Capacity Weight Bench PLT01

Major Fitness Adjustable Bench | 1300Lbs Capacity Weight Bench PLT01

An Expertly Crafted Gym Bench  The PLT01 weight bench has everything fitness enthusiasts want in a workout bench. It’s easily adjustable, allowing you to do a diverse array of incline, decline, and flat exercises at different angles when you pair this bench with a weight set. It’s also made with highly durable metals and with meticulous attention paid to construction and design, so you can workout confidently knowing that this gym bench is built to last! On top of that, it has a staggeringly high weight capacity of 1300 pounds! Finally, the PLT01 adjustable weight bench is made with comfort and ergonomics in mind. Its padding is made to withstand intense wear and tear as well as sweat, and it’s built to be intuitively and easily altered. This bench with a weight set can last a lifetime and you’ll never need or want another one! Support Your Fitness Journey With Benches and Dumbbells Weight benches and dumbbells are the bread and butter of countless different exercises for virtually every part of the body. Whether you’re doing incline bench presses, decline dumbbell presses, bent over dumbbell rows, or seated curls, you’re going to need either a weight bench or dumbbells or both. Playing such a central role in so many exercise routines, Major Fitness strives to provide high-quality products that reflect that importance. That’s why we go the extra mile to make sure our benches with weight sets are built for the long haul. All of our benches and dumbbells are made with high-quality, durable materials and are designed as well as tested to make sure that they can withstand intense use!  When it comes to our commitment to quality, don’t just take our word for it! Major Fitness is committed to providing our customers top-of-the-line home gym equipment, made with durable materials and exceptional attention to detail, all for a competitive price. We take pride in our high rated customer reviews and welcome you to take a look at what our many satisfied customers have to say about our products.
From $219.99
From $219.99
$259.99
Major Fitness Rack Mounted Leg Extension Major Fitness Rack Mounted Leg Extension

Major Fitness Rack Mounted Leg Extension

The MAJOR Multi-Function Pad, transcending a typical gym seat, offers enhanced support to your training routine. Multi-functional pad for versatile use Fast & easy setup Extensive adjustability for diverse users Boost exercise effectiveness
$389.99
$389.99
$389.99
Major Fitness Rubber Flooring Gym Mats 0.31" Thickness Major Fitness Rubber Flooring Gym Mats 0.31" Thickness

Major Fitness Rubber Flooring Gym Mats 0.31" Thickness

Material: 100% Rubber Color: black & white dots Quantity：16 pcs per box Size/Tile: 20'' x 20'' ( 1.6ft x 1.6ft ) Footprint per tile: 2.7 SQFT Tile thickness: 0.31'' (8mm) GUIDANCE:  Power Rack: 12-16 pcs Smith Machine: 16-20 pcs Weight Bench: 6-8 pcs
$316.99
$316.99
Major Fitness 4ft Olympic EZ Curl Barbell Major Fitness 4ft Olympic EZ Curl Barbell

Major Fitness 4ft Olympic EZ Curl Barbell

Ergonomic Design: A bent shaft is a characteristic of MAJOR Curl Bar (an EZ curl bar) to lessen joint stress. The cambered shape of EZ curl barbells allows for a semi-supinated grip, which reduces strain on the wrists and elbows. It has the same medium-depth knurling as the most popular multipurpose barbells from MAJOR. It has the medium-depth knurling which offers an excellent grip without causing your hands any pain.Specification: This Olympic EZ curl bar is 47.2" in length and 1.1“ in diameter. The bar's loadable sleeve length is 6.5 inches. It Weighs 20.61 pounds and holds weights up to 500 lbs.Durability: This MAJOR EZ curl bar is made of 45 gauge steel. Silver finish material is chrome and black is electrostatic coating. The precise medium-depth knurling gives this bar a grip that feels glued but is not too tough to tear your skin.For 2-inch plate: This barbell is intended for Olympic weight plates with a centre opening of 2“. The bar also has rotating sleeves, which ensures smooth lifting motions and reduces stress on your arms.Versatile: The EZ bar allows for various workouts such as preacher bicep curling, tricep extension and bent-over row. If you're hunting for a curl bar for your home gym arsenal, don't miss this one.Purchase confidently: We offer a 1-year warranty and a 35-day no-reason return policy. Don't hesitate to contact us with questions; we will respond within 12 working hours.
$119.99
$119.99
$149.99

Recommended

Rebuilding Together: How We’re Supporting First Responders & Communities
Raymond Cai·
Rebuilding Together: How We’re Supporting First Responders & Communities
Read more
How to Achieve Powerful, Defined Legs from Home with the Leg Press Hack Squat
Jhon Kenneth Delos Reyes·
How to Achieve Powerful, Defined Legs from Home with the Leg Press Hack Squat
Read more
The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Leg Press Hack Squat Machine for You
Jhon Kenneth Delos Reyes·
The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Leg Press Hack Squat Machine for You
Read more

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.
SHOP
EXPLORE MAJOR
SUPPORT
MAJOR PROGRAM
800-276-8577

Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm EST

700 Westlake Pkwy SW Ste 760
Atlanta, GA 30336

  • Amazon
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa
© 2022-2025 Major Fitness. All Rights Reserved.
© 2022-2025 Major Fitness. All Rights Reserved.