barbell

A barbell is a long, straight metal bar designed to be loaded with weight plates on its ends. It is a primary implement in weightlifting and strength training, capable of performing squats, bench presses, deadlifts, cleans, snatches, and overhead presses. Barbells allow the lifter to move heavy resistance through multiple movements and to load varying weights quickly.

Most barbells consist of a central bar and rotating end sleeves where weight plates are mounted. The central portion is knurled to provide grip. The sleeves typically rotate on bearings or bushings to reduce wrist and shoulder torque during lifts; collars or clips secure the plates. Barbells come in several varieties, including Olympic bars (standard in international competition) and power bars, each with different tensile strength, flexibility, and whipping characteristics. Standard home-use bars may be shorter and lighter than competition bars. Women's bars are generally lighter and shorter than men's bars.

Common dimensions for an Olympic bar are about 2.2 meters in length and around 20 kilograms in weight, with grip diameter approximately 28 millimeters for men and around 25 millimeters for women; load capacity depends on construction. Proper technique and safety practices, such as warm-ups, progression, using collars, and having a spotter for heavy lifts, are essential.

The barbell evolved from earlier free-weight systems and weights used in weightlifting and gymnasiums in the 19th and 20th centuries. Modern standardized bars and weight plates are used in fitness clubs, schools, professional weightlifting, and home gyms worldwide.