For those of you who regularly lift weights, you'll often want to increase the weight you use during your workouts. When it comes to barbells, there are two types: standard barbells and Olympic weight plates.
However, are there any significant differences between these two types of barbells? So, which one is best for you? Each barbell has its own specific purpose. Before we explore the differences between standard and Olympic barbells, let's first discuss what a barbell is and its purpose.
Barbells are essential equipment in weightlifting, helping to build muscle and strength. A barbell is a piece of exercise equipment consisting of a metal bar with metal plates attached to each end. These plates have a specific weight and can be removed or modified as needed.
You can perform a variety of intense movements with the help of a barbell, such as squats, deadlifts, bicep curls, shoulder presses, and many more. Using a barbell provides the additional load needed to "challenge" the muscles, making them stronger.
Standard barbell
A standard barbell is a common piece of exercise equipment used for weightlifting and various other strength training exercises. Barbells can help you improve your overall muscle development and strength.
Unlike specialized barbells, such as Olympic barbells, standard barbells can be used for a wide variety of exercises. These barbells are typically suitable for compound exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
Weight training with a standard barbell can help improve posture and target multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Standard barbells are also generally more affordable and space-saving than Olympic barbells, making them suitable for both home and commercial gyms.
Standard barbell plates generally have a hole diameter of 18–32 mm, which fits standard barbell bars. This means that only bars of the same size can be paired with standard plates.
Benefits of using standard barbells
Using a standard barbell in your regular weightlifting routine can offer many benefits, for example, you can perform a wide variety of forms and types of exercises to improve your muscle tone and strength.
Training with a standard barbell can provide a diverse training experience, targeting a variety of muscle groups. Using a standard barbell allows you to focus on specific muscles. Whether you're building core strength, increasing muscle mass, or improving overall balance and stability, you can rely on a standard barbell.
A sturdy standard barbell is also good for long-term use, making it a valuable investment in your health. Choosing a barbell made of high-quality materials also offers the advantage of greater comfort during weightlifting.
Olympic barbell
Olympic barbells are specifically designed for use in professional weightlifting competitions. For this reason, Olympic barbells must be of higher quality than standard-sized barbells.
The size of Olympic barbells is determined by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) to meet competition standards. This is also why Olympic bumper plates are available in a variety of colors, as this is a requirement of the IWF and is an internationally recognized color-coding system.
One of the main advantages of this Olympic barbell is its ability to accommodate more barbell plates, allowing for progressively increased weight and body strength.
Olympic plates have steel rings for easier installation and removal from the barbell. Olympic barbells also have a larger steel core than standard barbells, providing extra protection in the event of a fall.
The steel core is encased in a rubber coating to protect the barbell plates and floor from damage. Olympic barbells are made with a high-quality polyurethane coating, which is designed to reduce rebound when thrown to the floor.
Olympic barbells typically have a diameter of around 28–32 mm. Their overall length is usually around 2.13 meters, allowing them to hold multiple plates at once.
Benefits of using Olympic barbells
Olympic barbells are not only suitable for competition but also for training. The advantage of using an Olympic barbell during training is that you can perform weightlifting movements effectively and maintain stability throughout the workout.
Regularly using Olympic barbells for weightlifting not only improves muscle development but also ensures more accurate and optimal lifting technique. Olympic barbells are also excellent for use in various training movements, such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
The Olympic barbell's standardized length and weight distribution ensure greater stability and balance, minimizing the risk of injury during lifting movements.
Olympic barbells, which can hold a lot of weight, also allow you to gradually increase the weight, making your weight training more progressive. This will ultimately have a significant impact on your overall fitness.
Also read: Tips for Weightlifting at Home to Achieve Your Body Goals
Which barbell is best for you?
After knowing what standard barbells and Olympic barbells are, as well as the benefits of both, you can choose which barbell is most suitable for you.
When choosing the right barbell for your workout routine, consider a number of factors such as your training goals, your level of experience in weightlifting, and the type of exercise you want to do to optimize your choice of exercise equipment.
Choosing between a standard and Olympic-grade barbell will significantly impact your training results. For beginners, a standard barbell may be more suitable due to its lighter weight and simpler design. Using a standard barbell also makes it easier for beginners to grasp the basic techniques and form of weightlifting exercises.
On the other hand, if you are already more advanced in weightlifting or perhaps you are even a professional who wants to increase strength and flexibility in training, then you can choose Olympic barbells.
This is because Olympic barbells are heavier, so they can provide a greater challenge and an opportunity for you to improve your weightlifting training.
Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal style and experience level in weightlifting. If you're just starting out with barbells, a standard barbell is recommended. However, if you want to improve your weightlifting, an Olympic barbell is the way to go.
Additionally, both standard and Olympic-grade barbells are available for you to take home at SVRG. The barbells available at SVRG are guaranteed to be of high quality and meet IWF quality standards, so you have nothing to worry about. Let's get fitter and stronger with SVRG!
