How Much Does the Bar Weigh at Planet Fitness: Beginners Guide

Wait, That Bar Feels Lighter? You’re Not Crazy!

So, you’ve just joined Planet Fitness your keychain tag is dangling with pride, you’ve got a freshwater bottle, and you finally muster the courage to approach the Smith machine. You slide under the bar, do a couple of reps, and think: “Either I’m stronger than I thought… or this bar is lying.”

Spoiler alert: it’s not you. (Okay, it might be you.) But if you’ve found yourself asking, “How much does the bar weigh at Planet Fitness?” you’re not alone. Let’s break it down for you like your favorite gym playlist: smooth, motivating, and beginner-friendly.

So, How Much Does the Bar Weigh at Planet Fitness?

Short Answer: It’s 35 pounds.

Planet Fitness primarily uses Smith machines, and unlike your traditional Olympic barbells that weigh 45 pounds, the Smith machine bar at Planet Fitness typically weighs 15 to 35 pounds, depending on the counterbalance system.

At most locations, though, you’ll find it’s 35 pounds which is 10 pounds lighter than the standard free-weight barbell.

This is why it can feel lighter when you bench, squat, or shrug. You’re not dreaming. You’re just on a Smith machine, friend.

What Is a Smith Machine, Anyway?

If you’ve never heard of a Smith machine before, it’s a barbell that’s attached to steel rails, allowing only up-and-down movement.

Why Planet Fitness Loves It:

• Safety: Great for beginners. No spotter is needed.
• Stability: Helps you maintain good form.
• Controlled range of motion: Harder to mess up (but not impossible form still matters).

So when you’re asking how much the bar weighs at Planet Fitness, remember: it’s on a Smith machine, not a traditional squat rack.

Does It Vary By Location?

Ah, the tricky part. While 35 pounds is the standard at most Planet Fitness gyms, the bar’s actual weight may vary slightly (between 15–35 pounds) due to:

• The manufacturer of the Smith machine
• The counterbalancing system (some bars are nearly weightless due to the assist)
• Wear and calibration over time

Best move? Ask the staff at your location. They won’t bite. They’re probably thrilled to help a newbie take charge.

How Does It Compare to a Free-Weight Barbell?

Type of Bar	Weight	Used At
Olympic Barbell	45 lbs.	Most commercial gyms
Smith Machine Bar	15–35 kg	Planet Fitness & other beginner-friendly gyms

Free-weight bars require more stabilization. Smith machine bars? Not so much. That means you can focus on form and reps, especially as a beginner.

So if you’re tracking lifts and wondering, “Should I count this like a real squat?” yes, but note the bar difference. You’re lifting less on the Smith machine, but you’re still putting in real work.

Why the Lighter Bar Helps Beginners

Using a 35-pound bar might seem like “cheating,” but it’s a genius move for new lifters. Here’s why:

• Less intimidating than a full 45-pound bar
• Reduces injury risk (especially for solo gym sessions)
• Helps you learn the correct mechanics first
• Perfect for progressive overload without burnout

Fitness is not about ego. It’s about consistency. And starting smart? That’s how you win long-term.

Pro Tip: Affordable Tools to Track Your Lifts

Tracking your progress at Planet Fitness can feel tricky when you’re using a Smith machine, but here are some helpful informational tools to keep you on point:

• Beginner Weightlifting Logbooks – Keep tabs on reps, bar weight, and gains.
• Form Check Posters or Guides – Visual reminders for proper squat, bench, and deadlift posture.
• Resistance Bands – Complement your barbell workouts with joint-friendly resistance.

Want to keep it renter-friendly or budget-conscious? These are all available on Amazon under $20 no need to haul a home gym into your apartment.

What Not to Do: Barbell Ego Traps

We’ve all seen that guy trying to bench four plates in the form of a wet spaghetti noodle. Don’t be that guy (or gal).

Even if the bar at Planet Fitness weighs less, form is more important than weight. Always.

Avoid:

• Ignoring bar weight entirely (“It’s only 35 pounds, I’ll just stack plates!”)
• Rushing to match other gym-goers
• Neglecting warm-ups and cooldowns

Start slow, track honestly, and make gains you can sustain.

How to Know When You’re Ready for More

The Smith machine is a fantastic tool, but it’s not the end game. As you get stronger and more confident, here’s when to consider moving on:

• You’ve maxed out the Smith machine weight for 10+ reps with good form
• You want to train stabilizer muscles (free weights do this better)
• You’re bored and need a new challenge

Planet Fitness doesn’t have barbells beyond the Smith machine but that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade your routine.

Smart Add-Ons to Your Planet Fitness Routine

Looking to balance things out? Add these beginner-friendly extras to your sessions:

• Dumbbell circuits (many PF gyms go up to 75 lbs!)
• Cable machines (underrated for muscle targeting)
• Bodyweight moves (planks, lunges, push-ups)
• Stretching zones for flexibility and cooldown

These additions help create a well-rounded, effective plan no matter the weight of the bar.

FAQs: How Much Does the Bar Weigh at Planet Fitness?

1. How much does the bar weigh at Planet Fitness precisely?

Most commonly, 35 pounds but the weight can vary slightly depending on the location and machine brand.

2. Why does it feel lighter than other gyms?

Because of this, the Smith machine utilizes counterbalance systems that reduce the bar’s base weight, making it lighter than a free Olympic barbell.

3. Can I build muscle with the Smith machine bar?

Absolutely. Especially as a beginner, the Smith machine bar lets you focus on controlled, safe reps. Muscle growth comes from consistency and progression, not just bar weight.

4. Should I track Smith machine lifts differently?

Yes. Note the bar weight (35 lbs instead of 45), and remember it doesn’t engage stabilizer muscles as free weights do. Still valid just a bit different.

5. Can I switch to free weights later?

Totally. Once you master form and build a solid base of strength, you can transition to gyms with barbells or start incorporating dumbbells into your workouts for added variety.

Experts Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Planet Fitness sometimes gets a bad rap, but if you’re starting your fitness journey, it’s the perfect place to learn, grow, and gain confidence without the intimidating pressure.

Yes, how much does the bar weigh at Planet Fitness is a legit question and now, you know the answer. But more importantly? You’re showing up. That’s the real flex.

So go ahead. Load that bar. Track your progress. And high-five yourself because you’re already stronger than yesterday.