

There are numerous exercises that you can do with a standard barbell that will help build muscle. Even if you are a competitive bodybuilder, the standard barbell can be used as an effective strength training tool. This is not to say that the standard barbell isn't a viable option for training in other ways. 4 For those who are serious about training for competition, the Olympic barbell is the only option.

Fitmus reminds all lifting enthusiasts that there will never be a sanctioned competition that uses a standard barbell over an Olympic barbell. This specialty bar is standard for every weightlifting competition as it offers a uniform baseline on which to accurately stack and measure weight. If you are part of a competitive team, chances are you are already using an Olympic barbell.
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Whether you're part of your CrossFit gym's team as a fun way to stay fit, or whether you're a self-starter looking to further your career as a professional bodybuilder, your involvement in competitive lifting will determine whether a standard barbell or Olympic barbell is right for you. Maybe you're just getting into competitive lifting, or perhaps you have been doing it a long time.

3 The general consensus among the lifting community is that while a Standard barbell may have standard in the name, the Olympic barbell is the real gold standard of lifting. IFPA suggests that buying standard weights when you are already used to training with an Olympic barbell can throw off your technique, mess with your gains, and even lure you into a false sense of security regarding how much weight you are able to lift. Standard weights are especially good for those who don't already belong to a gym, as you will likely have an easier time adjusting to the smaller size of standard weights.įor those who have experience in Olympic lifting, like those who train at a gym or are competitive lifters, buying an Olympic barbell is the only logical conclusion. If you are trying to get in shape, build muscle at home, or just add a little weight-based training to your exercise regimen, then standard weights are an excellent choice. Additionally, Olympic bars typically have a knurled design for anti-slip and a stiffer design for more whip, which translates to more control for the athlete doing the lifting.īefore buying weights, it is vital that you establish what the weights will be used for. The rotating sleeves on an Olympic barbell are the result of a bushing/bearing design that helps the weight to stay centered. In addition to these three main differences, it should also be mentioned that Olympic barbells usually have rotating sleeves to help with weight stacking, whereas standard barbells typically do not. This means that changing your grip from one training session to the next could drastically throw you off and prevent you from getting the most out of your training sessions. When you are lifting all the time, especially if you are training for a competition, form, and technique play a large role in the way you lift.

While this may not make a difference for weight purposes, it will make a difference when deciding whether to invest in an Olympic barbell vs. First, the collars you use on an Olympic bar are going to be larger than those used on a standard barbell.The diameter of the bar, and the subsequent area where the weights go, called the sleeve, are both larger on an Olympic bar.
