Planet Fitness Smith Machine Barbell Weight: The Definitive Answer
You just crushed a set on the bench press at Planet Fitness. You look at the plates: two 45s on each side. In a standard gym, that’s 225 lbs. But as you rack the weight, something feels off. It felt lighter than usual. If you are trying to track your progressive overload accurately, knowing the exact planet fitness smith machine barbell weight is non-negotiable.
Here is the reality: that bar does not weigh what you think it weighs. If you are logging 45 lbs for the bar, your math is wrong. Let’s break down exactly how heavy that bar is and why the equipment at Planet Fitness behaves differently than a standard squat rack.
Key Takeaways: The Cheat Sheet
- The Standard Weight: The Smith machine bar at Planet Fitness typically has a starting resistance of 20 lbs (9 kg).
- It Is Not 45 lbs: Unlike an Olympic barbell found in traditional gyms, Smith machine bars are not 45 lbs (20.4 kg).
- Check the Sticker: Most machines have a manufacturer sticker explicitly stating "Starting Resistance: 20 lbs."
- Fixed Barbells: The pre-loaded bars on the separate racks weigh exactly what is stamped on the end cap (usually 20–60 lbs).
- The Mechanism: The bar is attached to a counterweight system, which reduces the effective load you are lifting.
How Much Does the Planet Fitness Bar Weigh?
If you walk into 99% of Planet Fitness locations, you will not find a standard Olympic bench press or squat rack. Instead, you will find Smith machines. This is the source of the confusion regarding the smith machine bar weight at Planet Fitness.
A standard Olympic bar is a free weight that weighs 45 lbs. However, the planet fitness smith machine bar is connected to a system of pulleys and cables. These cables attach to counterweights hidden inside the vertical columns of the machine.
The Magic Number: 15 to 20 lbs
So, how much is the bar at Planet Fitness? For the vast majority of Life Fitness or Hammer Strength Smith machines used at these gyms, the bar weight is 20 lbs.
Some older models might offer a starting resistance as low as 15 lbs, while newer, heavier-duty models might feel closer to 25 lbs due to drag. However, for the sake of your training log, 20 lbs is the safest, most accurate number to use.
Why Isn't the Bar 45 lbs?
You might be wondering, "how much does the barbell weigh at planet fitness if it looks just as thick as a normal bar?" The physical metal bar itself might actually weigh 30 or 40 lbs, but the counterbalance system negates gravity.
The engineers design these machines to be accessible. By counterweighting the bar, they make the starting weight lighter, allowing beginners to perform squats or presses without needing to manage a heavy 45 lb free weight immediately. This aligns with the Planet Fitness "Judgement Free Zone" philosophy of being beginner-friendly.
Planet Fitness Bench Press Bar Weight vs. Squat Bar
A common question is whether the planet fitness bench press bar weight is different from the squat bar weight. Since Planet Fitness uses Smith machines for both exercises, the answer is no.
Whether you are benching, squatting, or doing overhead presses, you are using the same piece of equipment. Therefore, the weight of smith machine bar planet fitness remains constant at roughly 20 lbs regardless of the exercise you are performing.
The "Other" Bars: Fixed Weight Barbells
Do not confuse the Smith machine with the rack of shorter bars usually located near the dumbbells. These are fixed straight bars or curl bars.
When asking "how much do planet fitness bars weigh" regarding these specific tools, the answer is simple: look at the side of the weight. They are solid iron and rubber, and they are not counterweighted. If it says 30 lbs, it weighs exactly 30 lbs.
My Personal Experience with Planet Fitness Smith Machine Barbell Weight
I’ve trained in everything from gritty powerlifting warehouses to the purple-and-yellow halls of Planet Fitness when I’m traveling. The first time I tried to hit a heavy bench session at PF, I learned the hard way that math matters.
I loaded up three plates (315 lbs in my head). In a normal gym, I’d struggle with that rep range. At PF, I unhooked the safety latches and the bar felt... floaty. I punched out 12 reps easily. It wasn't that I had suddenly become Superman; it was that I was actually lifting 290 lbs (270 in plates + 20 lb bar), not 315.
Another thing I noticed is the friction. Unlike a free barbell that moves naturally with your body mechanics, the Smith machine rails at PF often have a specific "drag." On the eccentric (lowering) phase, the bar sometimes catches slightly if the rails haven't been lubricated recently. This friction can actually make the weight feel heavier on the way down but lighter on the way up because the machine is stabilizing the load for you. You don't get that raw, unstable wobble you feel with a real Olympic bar.
Conclusion
Stop stressing over the exact ounce. The most important factor in building muscle is progressive overload. If you assume the planet fitness smith machine weight is 20 lbs and stick to that number every week, your tracking will be consistent. If you add 5 lbs next week, you got stronger, regardless of whether the bar was 20 lbs or 22 lbs. Just remember: if you switch to a standard gym later, drop your weights significantly, or that 45 lb Olympic bar will humble you quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the smith machine bar weigh at Planet Fitness exactly?
In most locations using Life Fitness or Hammer Strength equipment, the starting resistance is 20 lbs. Always check the manufacturer sticker on the side of the machine frame to be sure.
Does the Planet Fitness bar weigh 45 lbs?
No. Standard Olympic bars weigh 45 lbs, but Planet Fitness uses counterbalanced Smith machines. The effective weight you are lifting when the bar is empty is usually 20 lbs.
How do I calculate my total weight at Planet Fitness?
To calculate your total lift, add the weight of all plates loaded and add 20 lbs for the bar. For example, if you have one 45 lb plate on each side: 45 + 45 + 20 = 110 lbs total.
