Written by Sam Coleman | Co-founder
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
FACT CHECKED
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In theory, answering the question “how much does a Smith machine bar weigh?” is as simple as two words - a number followed by a unit of weight, like pounds or kilograms. But because there is no standardized weight for a Smith machine barbell, figuring out how much a Smith machine bar weighs can be far more challenging.
A Smith machine bar can weigh anywhere from 6 to 45+ pounds, depending on a few key variables.
We're about to look at those variables, in addition to the different weight ranges for Smith machine bars and a breakdown of popular models for home and commercial gyms, as well as Smith machines at gyms like Planet Fitness and LA Fitness.
And if you still don't get your answer, we will explain how you can easily measure the weight of the Smith machine bar yourself.
Table of Contents:
- What Is A Smith Machine?
- Exploring Smith Machine Bar Weights
- The Importance Of Knowing Your Bar Weight
- Common Smith Machine Bar Weights At Gyms
- Popular Smith Machine Manufacturers and Bar Weights
- How To Measure Your Smith Bar
- FAQs
WHAT IS A SMITH MACHINE?
A Smith machine is a weight training apparatus characterized by a fixed barbell within steel rails that allows for vertical movement. The bar features rotating hooks for safety and ease of use.
Its primary function is to stabilize the bar, enabling focused muscle engagement during exercises.
Exploring Smith Machine Bar Weights:
Let's look at the weight variability of Smith machines, along with the factors that impact the weight.
Variability in Barbell Weight:
- Smith machine bar weights can range from 6 to 45+ pounds and are impacted by two factors: construction and design.
- 15-25lbs is the average for Smith machines at commercial gyms.
- Unlike an Olympic barbell, Smith machine bars don't have standardized weights, so it's important to assess each machine individually.
The difference in weight comes down to how the Smith machine is made.
Factors Affecting Barbell Weight:
- Bar Material: Smith machine bars are typically lighter than Olympic barbells due to differences in steel strength and additional support mechanisms.
- Counterbalances: Some Smith machines employ counterbalance mechanisms, reducing the perceived weight of the bar.
- Angle of Rails: Minor inclines in rail angles may affect the perceived bar weight. An angled Smith machine may have a different barbell weight compared to one with a different rail angle.
Importance of Knowing Bar Weight:
Understanding the weight of the Smith machine bar is important for 3 reasons:
- Knowing the weight of your Smith machine barbell helps you determine the necessary sets, reps, and weight used for progressive overload in your training.
- It helps you determine your starting weights for exercises. You're not going to lift the same amount performing a smith machine squat as you would a standard barbell squat.
- Knowing your bar weight ensures accuracy in tracking your lifting progress.
Common Smith Machine Bar Weights at Gyms:
Although there are many manufacturers and brands of Smith machines out there, there are just several big players. And, commercial gyms usually stick to these sellers, which we will go over shortly.
But, let’s first go over some of the most popular gyms and what their Smith machine bars weigh.
- Planet Fitness: The Smith machines at Planet Fitness have the bar weight written on the side of the machine. So, you can just have a look, but they should range from 15-20lbs. Some PF gyms may have heavier bars, as we’ve seen members claim their Planet Fitness gym’s Smith machine weighs 35lbs.
- LA Fitness: LA Fitness will have a commercial Smith machine with a counterbalanced barbell. Most LA Fitness gyms have a Smith machine with a bar weight of 15-25lbs.
- Your Gym: “Your Gym” is obviously not a commercial gym brand name ;) But, it’s safe to say your gym's Smith Machine bar weighs 15-25lbs.
Popular Smith Machine Manufacturers and Bar Weights:
Here's a look at the biggest Smith machine manufacturers and each machine's bar weight.
- Marcy Smith Machine Bar Weight: Marcy makes their all-in-one Smith machines with angled bar paths and counterbalanced weight. Most Marcy Smith machines have a bar weight of 16lbs, but the SM-4033 model’s bar weighs about 36lbs and the Diamond Elite MD-9010G weighs 25lbs.
- Body Solid Smith Machine Bar Weight: Body Solid has residential Smith machines (model PSM144X & PSM1442xS) with a standard barbell that weighs 32lbs, angled Smith machines with Olympic sized barbells that weigh 25lbs (model GS348Q & GS348QP4), and a high end commercial gym Smith machine with a counterbalanced barbell that weighs 6lbs (model SCB1000).
- Nautilus Smith Machine Bar Weight: Nautilus sells a high end commercial Smith machine that you’ll find at some gyms, and the bar weighs approximately 15lbs.
- Matrix Fitness Smith Machine Bar Weight: Matrix most popular model, the Magnum Smith Machine, has a bar weight of 25lbs. Matrix’s Varsity VY-M49 Angled Smith Machine's bar weighs 25lbs. And, Matrix’s G1 FW161 Smith Machine’s bar weighs 44lbs
- Hammer Strength Smith Machine Bar Weight: The Hammer Strength Smith machine has a 7 degree bar path angle and a counterbalance system that sets the bar’s starting weight at 20lbs (9kg) and a max capacity of 650lbs.
- Hoist Smith Machine Bar Weight: The Hoist all-in-one Smith machine (Mi7Smith Functional Training System) has a bar weight of 30lbs. Their two most popular commercial Smith machines, CF 3753 and CF 3754, have bars that weigh 25lbs and 52lbs respectively.
- Force USA Smith Machine Bar Weight: Force USA sells all-in-one Smith machines for home gyms. They use a regular Olympic barbell that weighs 45lbs (20kg). It is not counterbalanced, so that is its true weight.
To take a look at more great Smith machine options, check out the 7 Best Smith Machines for Home Gyms.
We’d have to go on and on and on to list all of the Smith machine bar weights out there, and even then we couldn’t get them all as not all manufacturers list them on their sites.
So, if you didn’t see the Smith machine you are using above and you want to nail down the exact bar weight, then here’s how you can measure it yourself.
Measuring Smith Machine Bar Weight:
Various methods exist, including using bathroom scales, hanging scales, or ropes with weights, to accurately measure the weight of a Smith machine bar.
The only issue with the above is if the Smith machine in question is at your gym because bringing in a scale and measuring it may come off as just a tad bit weird, as will tying a rope to the bar to figure out the weight like a mad scientist.
Nevertheless, we are going to teach you how. We just recommend that you either ask an employee first so they know what’s going on or you do it during a time when not many members are there.
1. Bathroom Scale:
You've got 2 options with using a scale.
Option 1:
- Place the scale on the floor, then place the barbell on your upper back like you would a squat and step on the scale.
- Record the total weight.
- Then, weigh yourself without the bar and subtract that from the total weight of the first measurement. EASY!
Option 2:
- For this one, you need a flat, hard box (like a plyobox) as well.
- Place the box at the center of the bar path. The box is used simply to bring the scale to a height that reaches the bar as Smith machines have several inches of free space from the floor to where the bar’s lowest position starts.
- From there, place the bathroom scale on the box and then bring the bar down to the scale and let it rest on it.
- Whatever the scale reads is the weight of your barbell.
2. Hanging Scale:
It doesn’t get more accurate than this method. The only issue is, not many people have a hanging scale (aka fish scale).
If you DO happen to have a hanging scale (or you buy one), then you can wrap a strap around the bar, hook the strap to the hanging scale, and hang the bar from the scale to get its total weight.
3. Rope & Plates:
If you have a thin rope, you can tie it around the middle of the Smith machine barbell then throw the other end over the crossbar of the machine.
Bring the bar up high (i.e. chest level) and hook it in place. You want the loose end of the rope to be touching or near the floor.
Then, just tie some weight plates to the loose end of the rope and unhook the bar to see if it balances with the weighted end of the rope. If it doesn’t, add or remove some weight from the rope until it does.
Once the bar is perfectly balanced with the amount of weight tied to the rope, you have your bar weight. (i.e. If you have 15lbs of plates tied to the rope and it is balancing perfectly with the bar, your Smith machine barbell weighs 15lbs).
FAQs
Let's answer some frequently asked questions regarding the weight of a Smith machine bar.
WHY IS KNOWING THE SMITH MACHINE BAR WEIGHT IMPORTANT?
Knowing the bar weight of the Smith machine you are using is just as important as knowing the weight of a regular barbell (which most of us know by heart) or dumbbells. If you want to progressive overload (make percentage/incremental increases to the weight you are lifting each week/session), then you need to know how much you are lifting and that includes the bar.
Also, knowing the actual weight of the bar is important for determining what your starting weight is for any given exercise. For example, if you can do 40lb dumbbell shoulder presses, then knowing the weight of the Smith machine barbell will help you choose how much additional weight you need to load on the bar.
It’s really that simple. If you like accuracy in your lifts, which is important for progression, then you should know how much you are lifting.
Should I count the weight of a smith machine bar?
Yes, you should definitely count the bar. With Smith machine bars weighing anywhere from 6-40lbs, you need to know the weight to know exactly how much you are lifting.
Is Smith machine true weight?
The Smith machine is definitely a true weight, but it shouldn’t be compared to a free weight barbell lift. Because the stability demands are taken out of play with the Smith machine, the feeling of the load won't be the same. That said, if you are going to use a Smith machine regularly, then you will want to increase the weight over time, so knowing the baseline you are lifting is essential for progression.
So, you aren’t comparing the weight of a Smith machine to other equipment, you are comparing it to your previous weeks' Smith machine lifts.
That said, you can get an idea for how much to lift on a Smith machine based on how much you can do of a similar exercise with a barbell or dumbbell. The amount won’t be too far off. Generally, you can do 10% more with a Smith machine than you can with dumbbells or a free weight barbell. But, it’s probably best to start with a similar or even lesser weight just to be safe, then progress from there.
LET'S WRAP THIS UP: WHAT DOES A SMITH MACHINE'S BAR WEIGH?
Understanding the weight of a Smith machine bar is essential for effective strength training. By exploring the factors we discussed that influence bar weight and available measurement methods, you can optimize your workout routines for better results.
It’s safe to say that most Smith machine bars at gyms weigh between 15-25lbs. However, Smith machines made for home gyms vary greatly and can be as much, if not more (with the added weight of the clamps and such) as an Olympic barbell.
If you didn’t find the bar weight info you need for your Smith machine here, we’ve given you the info needed to figure out how much it weighs yourself (either measure it yourself or contact the seller). Another pro-tip is just to look at the stickers on the machine! You’ll be surprised how many Smith machines state the starting weight on the machine itself.
In any case, we applaud you for wanting to know how much a Smith machine bar weighs because those who pay attention to the specifics usually progress the fastest and achieve the best results. If you still have questions about Smith machines, please feel free to contact us!
For some great Smith machine exercises, check out the 11 Best Smith Machine Exercises.
Interested in adding a Smith machine to your home gym? Check out the 7 Best Smith Machines for Home Gyms.
This home gym system is made with heavy-duty steel frame reinforced with durable powder coated finish. It utilizes sturdy aircraft cable...
Sam Coleman
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