Barbells

1. Which barbell should I buy? (Diameter, Length, Weight)

The choice of your barbell always depends entirely on your training needs. Our barbells each have their own specific focus depending on the type of training. You can take a look at the individual barbells and check out the highlights.
• Length: We differentiate between men’s length, women’s length, and lengths designed for small spaces.
• Weight: An Olympic barbell weighs 20 kg for men and 15 kg for women.
• Grip diameter: Standard is often 28 mm or 25 mm. A smaller diameter may feel more comfortable for smaller hands, while larger hands may prefer a bit more.
• Knurling: The knurling (textured pattern) on the grip provides better hold. A center knurling is useful for squats to improve stability on the back of the neck.
• Sleeve rotation (ball bearings, needle bearings): High-quality barbells have bearings (ball, needle, or a combination) that allow the sleeves to rotate smoothly. This is especially important for dynamic lifts like the snatch and clean & jerk. Cheaper bars often have bushings instead.
• Material & coating: Steel is the standard material. Coatings such as zinc, hard chrome, or stainless steel protect against rust and wear. Stainless steel offers the best grip and rust protection but is more expensive.
• Tensile strength (PSI rating): Indicates how much load the bar can withstand before permanently bending or breaking. Values above 165,000 PSI are considered good.

2. How many weight plates do I need?

That depends on your training goals and fitness level. For beginners, it is recommended to have a set with various plates (e.g., 1.25 kg, 2.5 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg) to allow for progressive increases. Make sure the plates fit the diameter of your barbell.

3. How should I store a barbell?

To extend the lifespan of your barbell and protect it from damage, you should store it horizontally, ideally on a wall mount or barbell rack. This prevents it from bending or putting unnecessary stress on the bearings. Avoid leaving the barbell on the floor for long periods, especially with plates loaded.

4. Barbell vs. Dumbbells – Which is better for beginners?

Both have their advantages. Barbells are excellent for compound lifts that work multiple muscle groups at once (e.g., squats, deadlifts, bench press) and usually allow for heavier weights. Dumbbells offer more range of motion and are great for unilateral and stabilization exercises. For beginners, a barbell set can be a good choice to learn the complex movements with balanced loading.

5. What are the health risks of barbell training?

The main risk is injury from improper technique. Barbell training often involves heavier weights, so proper and controlled execution is crucial to avoid overloading joints and muscles. It is recommended to learn the technique from an experienced professional. A thorough warm-up is essential.

6. Is barbell training dangerous without a training partner?

For certain lifts with heavy weights (e.g., bench press), having a spotter can significantly increase safety. If training alone, focus on exercises where you can safely drop or set down the weight (e.g., deadlifts) or use a rack with safety catches.

7. Which exercises can I do with a barbell?

The barbell is extremely versatile. Classic exercises include:
• Squats
• Deadlifts
• Bench Press
• Overhead Press
• Barbell Rows
• Bicep Curls
• Triceps Extensions
• Lunges

8. What is the “whip” of a barbell?

The “whip” is the flex or bend of the barbell under load. This is desirable for Olympic weightlifting bars, as it helps with the dynamics of lifts like the snatch and clean & jerk. Powerlifting bars have less whip, as they are designed to be stiffer for maximum force transfer.

9. How do I maintain my barbell?

Regularly clean off sweat and dirt. For uncoated or simply coated bars, occasional treatment with a rust protectant or oil may be necessary to prevent surface rust. Bearings should be checked regularly and lubricated if needed.

10. Should I buy a special barbell?

For beginners, all-round barbells are usually sufficient. Specialized barbells (e.g., powerlifting bars) are designed for the specific requirements of their sport (e.g., stiffer steel, specific knurling or markings) and are typically used by advanced athletes.

11. How important is “tensile strength” in a barbell?

Tensile strength, often measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), indicates how much force a bar can withstand before permanently bending or breaking. For demanding training, especially with heavy weights or dynamic lifts, a high PSI rating is desirable. Values above 165,000 PSI are considered very good, indicating high quality and durability. For recreational lifters who do not push their absolute limits, lower values can be sufficient, but higher tensile strength always offers more safety and stability.