Hey there! If you’ve been hitting the gym and looking for some new exercises to challenge yourself with, then barbells are a great option.
There are all kinds of different types of barbells that can help you take your workout to the next level. From Olympic Barbells to Powerlifting Barbells, each type of barbell offers its own unique challenge and benefits.
We’ll explore some of the most popular types of barbells so that you can decide which is best for your fitness goals. So let’s get started.
1. Olympic Barbells
Olympic barbells are the most popular type of barbell for weightlifters and powerlifters, and they can hold up to 700 lbs – which is an incredible amount of weight!
Olympic bars have a distinctive design, with thick ends that make them ideal for lifting heavy weights. They feature a center knurling that helps provide grip while lifting, which also keeps the hands in place during exercises such as squats or deadlifts.
The sleeves on Olympic bars are designed to accommodate Olympic-sized plates, which typically weigh 45 lbs each. This makes it easy to load and unload plates onto the bar without having to carry them individually.
The construction of an Olympic barbell is designed to be very strong and durable. The shaft is usually made from steel or stainless steel and can range in diameter from 28 mm up to 32 mm depending on the size of the barbell. The shaft also features grooves called ‘whipping’ which help reduce whip when performing dynamic movements like cleans or snatches.
The sleeves on either end are constructed from brass or bronze bushings which offer smooth spinning action when adding and removing weights from the barbell. Olympic bars come in a variety of sizes ranging from 5 feet to 7 feet long, allowing you to find one that fits your height perfectly for optimal performance during lifts.
2. Standard Barbells
If you’re looking for a barbell to help with your strength training, then a standard barbell is the perfect choice. Standard barbells are designed with a straight, cylindrical shape and have rotating sleeves on each end, where you can add weight plates to increase the overall resistance of the exercise.
They allow for a wide variety of exercises like squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. These barbells also come in different lengths ranging from 5ft – 6ft and have different knurling patterns that allow for better grip when lifting.
When using a standard barbell, it’s important to use the proper form as well as adequate warm-up sets before performing any heavy lifts. It’s also important to make sure that you maintain an even balance between both sides while lifting in order to avoid any injuries or muscle imbalances.
Additionally, some standard barbells may feature center knurling which adds extra grip but can be uncomfortable if used incorrectly or without proper padding on your body or clothing.
Standard barbells are incredibly versatile pieces of equipment that can be used by athletes of all levels to improve their strength and athletic performance safely and effectively. With proper usage and form, they will help build muscle mass quickly while keeping your joints healthy at the same time.
3. Hex Trap Barbells
Hex trap barbells offer a unique way to lift and build power, like driving a Ferrari compared to the traditional sedan of standard barbells. It’s designed with two handles that are connected to a hexagonal-shaped weight in the center.
This design makes it easier for the lifter to keep their arms closer together, reducing strain on the lower back. The hex shape allows for more stability than a regular barbell, making it safer for those who are new to lifting weights or recovering from an injury.
Here’s why this type of barbell can be so beneficial:
- Hex trap barbells allow you to lift heavier weights without sacrificing form or safety.
- The hex shape offers more stability than traditional round bars, which reduces the risk of injury for beginners or those recovering from injuries.
- Hex trap bars create less strain on the lower back due to the design of having two handles connected by a hexagonal-shaped weight in the center – allowing you to keep your arms closer together while lifting heavier weights.
The versatility of hex trap bars allows users to perform exercises such as squats, deadlifts, shrugs, and bent-over rows with ease and minimal risk of injury while building strength and power effectively.
With its sturdy construction, superior grip, increased safety features, and highly effective results, it’s no wonder why many people prefer using this type of barbell over others when lifting heavy weights!
Transitioning into curl bars now – they provide yet another unique way to work out muscles in the arms efficiently…
4. Curl Barbells
Curl barbells offer an exciting alternative to the standard barbell for targeting those hard-to-reach arm muscles. Unlike straight barbells, which require a wide range of motion to perform bicep curls and triceps extensions, curl bars provide an ergonomic design that is ideal for isolating and strengthening these specific muscle groups.
Curl bars are designed with a curved shape that allows users to place their hands in a neutral position, rather than having their wrists bent outward or inward during lifts. This makes the curl bar much more comfortable and helps reduce stress on the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and back.
In addition to being great for performing bicep curls and triceps extensions, curl bars can also be used for exercises such as upright rows, shoulder presses, and shrugs. The different grip widths available on the curl bars allow users to target deeper layers of muscle fibers in each exercise movement by varying their hand positions throughout sets.
Many experts believe that this style of training can help improve muscular endurance while promoting overall strength gains in less time compared to traditional techniques using straight barbells. Due to their compact size and versatility, curl bars are becoming increasingly popular among weightlifters at all levels who want maximum results from their workouts without sacrificing form or safety.
5. Swiss Barbells
You can take your arm workouts to the next level with Swiss Barbells, which offer a unique design that allows you to target those hard-to-reach muscles precisely.
Swiss barbells are designed with two parallel handles on each side of the bar and usually have several grip positions. This makes it easy for you to perform different types of exercises like chest presses, skull crushers, tricep extensions, bicep curls, bent-over rows and more.
The versatility of a Swiss Barbell also makes it ideal for performing exercises in multiple planes of motion which helps build strength and stability in the arms. Furthermore, Swiss barbells are shorter than standard barbells so they can be used in smaller spaces or even outdoors.
What really sets Swiss Barbells apart from other types of barbells is the ergonomic design that reduces stress on your wrists and elbows during exercise movements. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from elbow pain due to repetitive strain injuries or arthritis.
In addition, using this type of bar gives you better control and balance over how much weight you’re lifting because it has an evenly distributed weight center which puts less pressure on your wrists and elbows while still allowing you to lift heavier weights safely.
Swiss Barbells are an excellent choice if you’re looking for versatile equipment that will help reduce joint pain while giving you precise targeting capabilities when working out at home or in the gym.
6. Safety Squat Barbells
Moving onto a slightly different type of barbell, the safety squat barbell is also becoming increasingly popular. You may have seen them at your gym or in workout videos, and you may be wondering what makes them so special.
With its unique shape and design, the safety squat barbell can help athletes of all levels safely perform squats, presses and various other exercises with greater comfort and improved form. The safety squat barbell provides an effective way for experienced lifters to increase their strength while keeping their bodies safe from injury by improving their form during lifts.
The safety squat barbell has a few notable features that set it apart from traditional straight bars. The ends of the bar are curved to make it easier to hold onto during certain exercises like reverse grip rows or neutral grip presses. It also has thick handles on either side that provide extra stability when doing overhead chest press exercises or any other exercise where you need balance with a heavy weight load. Finally, the center of gravity for this type of barbell is shifted forward which keeps the lifter’s posture more upright as they lower themselves into their squats, making them even safer than regular squats with heavier weights.
This is why many powerlifters and bodybuilders now include this piece of equipment in their arsenal for training sessions. Not only does this type of bar allow for better technique but it also allows users to lift heavier loads without putting too much strain on their back muscles or shoulders due to its unique design.
7. Cambered Barbells
With its curved shape, cambered barbells stand out among the various other barbell designs. Cambered barbells have a slight arch in their design and are used by lifters to target specific muscle groups for strength training, as well as to provide balance in compound exercises. They can be used for squats, deadlifts, military presses, rows, bicep curls and more.
Here are some benefits of using cambered barbells:
- They allow you to use heavier weights than standard bars because they reduce the stress on your joints.
- The angled design allows you to reach deeper into your muscles while lifting which leads to better overall gains.
- The curved shape allows you to move around the weight easier and helps with proper form during lifts.
You can target certain muscle groups more efficiently with cambered barbells due to their unique shape. You can perform a variety of different exercises with them such as squats, deadlifts, overhead presses and more.
Cambered barbells are an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile piece of equipment that can help increase their strength and build muscle mass quickly. With an array of exercises available using this type of barbell it’s easy to see why it has become so popular in today’s fitness world.
8. EZ Curl Barbells
Say goodbye to boring old straight-bar bells and hello to fun, curvy EZ curl barbells – the perfect way to spice up your workouts!
EZ curl bars are a great option for those who want a more comfortable workout without sacrificing effectiveness. Unlike regular straight barbells, EZ curl bars allow you to hold the weight in a more natural position which reduces strain on your wrists and elbows, making it easier for beginners and those with joint issues. The unique shape of the bar also allows for more varied exercise options such as bicep curls, hammer curls, tricep extensions, French press exercises, and many more.
Due to its ergonomic design, an EZ curl barbell is the ideal choice if you’re looking to develop strong arm muscles while avoiding injury or discomfort. You can use heavier weights than you would with a standard straight bar because the shape of the bar takes some of the strain off your arms and shoulders.
For instance, when doing bicep curls with an EZ curl bar instead of a straight-bar bell you can keep your palms facing upward during all phases of motion because they’ll be supported by the angled handlebars. This makes it much easier on your joints since there won’t be any twisting or awkward movements involved in each rep.
EZ curl bars are also great for improving muscle definition since they allow you to focus on isolated muscle groups like never before. When using these types of bars it’s important that you keep good form at all times since bad posture can easily lead to injuries down the line.
9. Thick Barbells
For those looking to take their strength training to the next level, thick barbells are an excellent option. These barbells, also referred to as ‘fat bars’, provide a significantly higher amount of resistance than traditional barbells due to their thicker diameter. This increased resistance can help build muscle faster and more efficiently.
Thick barbells have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many gyms now offering them as part of their equipment lineup. The added resistance of the thicker bar increases both grip and forearm strength, making it ideal for athletes who are looking for a way to add power and explosiveness to their lifts.
Additionally, using fat bars helps strengthen tendons and ligaments which is especially beneficial for weightlifters looking to improve form and technique while increasing overall strength. The use of thick barbells has been found to be effective with Olympic-style lifts such as cleans and snatches as well as more traditional exercises like deadlifts or overhead presses.
While they may seem intimidating at first, most people quickly adapt and discover that fat bars can actually make certain movements easier or even safer due to the extra stability they offer when gripping the bar. With this in mind, they’re an ideal tool for anyone wanting to push themselves further in their workouts while reducing injury risk at the same time.
10. Powerlifting Barbells
If you’re looking to take your strength training to the next level, powerlifting barbells are a great way to do just that! Powerlifting barbells are designed specifically for athletes who want to improve their lifting performance. They usually have a more aggressive knurling pattern than other barbells, which increases grip and reduces slipping. The shaft is also thicker than other types of barbells, with an increased tensile strength that allows it to hold heavier weights with ease. This makes them perfect for squats, deadlifts, bench presses, or any heavy weightlifting activity.
Powerlifting bars come in many different varieties including specialty bars like the Texas Power Bar and the Deadlift Bar. Specialty bars have unique features such as extra-long sleeves for accommodating larger plates or rotating collars which make loading and unloading plates easier. They also often feature stiffer construction that supports greater loads while maintaining accuracy during lifts.
Additionally, some powerlifting bars may have center knurling which can help keep your back in proper position while performing lifts like squats or deadlifts.
While powerlifting bars are ideal for those seeking increased strength gains due to their higher load capacity and specialized design elements, they can be quite expensive compared to standard Olympic-style bars. As such, if you’re new to lifting or just starting out with basic exercises then a slightly less expensive option might be preferable until you’ve honed your technique and built up enough strength for heavier weight lifting activities.
11. Multi-Grip Barbells
Take your strength training to the next level with a multi-grip barbell. It’s like unlocking the keys to a muscle-building kingdom.
Multi-grip barbells are designed to give you a wide range of motion for your weightlifting exercises. This allows you to efficiently and safely target various muscles. They provide different handle grips, such as diamond or parallel grip, so you don’t have to switch up your stance or grip too often.
This means you can focus on the exercise at hand and maximize your results without wasting time and energy transitioning between exercises. Multi-grip barbells are also great for targeting smaller muscle groups that may be hard to reach with traditional bars.
With their unique design, they offer enough stability and support for heavier lifts while helping reduce joint pain and injury risk. They keep stress off particular areas of the body. Plus, they’re perfect for athletes who want more variety in their workouts or need assistance doing lifts that require more stabilization than what’s offered by typical straight bars.
Multi-grip barbells have become one of the most popular tools among serious lifters looking to improve their strength training performance. Whether it’s powerlifting or bodybuilding, or those looking for an edge when it comes to Olympic lifting movements.
12. Specialty Barbells
Do you want to take your strength training to the next level? Look no further than Specialty Barbells; they’ll give you the edge you need to truly stand apart from the crowd.
When it comes to specialty barbells, there are a variety of options available and each one has its own unique benefits. Trap bars are a great choice for those with mobility issues who can’t perform traditional barbell exercises, such as deadlifts or squats. They also allow for a greater range of motion and use more stabilizer muscles while still allowing you to lift heavy weights.
Safety bars are another type of specialty barbell that is designed with an angled grip in order to reduce strain on your wrists and elbows. This makes them particularly useful for overhead pressing movements like military presses or push presses. Additionally, they help minimize stress on the lower back during squats by providing support throughout the entire movement.
And finally, Cambered Bars offer an enhanced range of motion which increases the engagement of muscle fibers over traditional straight bars; this makes them ideal for powerlifting movements like bench presses and squat variations. Specialty barbells can be used in a wide range of exercise programs from bodybuilding to powerlifting and beyond – making them extremely versatile pieces of equipment that can help take your training up a notch!
With so many different types available, it’s easy to find one that suits your needs regardless of what kind of athlete you are or what goals you have set for yourself. Plus, they’re often less expensive than regular barbell sets too!
So don’t wait any longer – start adding some specialty barbells into your fitness routine today and watch as your strength gains skyrocket!