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How to choose the right barbell for your gym?

As a gym owner, selecting the right barbells is an important decision that can impact the safety and effectiveness of your workouts. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing barbells for your gym:

Quality and durability: Barbells are subjected to a lot of wear and tear, especially in a high-intensity gym. It's important to choose barbells that are made of high-quality materials and are designed to withstand heavy lifting and frequent drops. Look for barbells that are made of strong, durable materials such as steel or stainless steel. 

Bearings: 

  • Bushings: Typically made of brass or bronze, bushings reduce friction between the bar and the sleeve, facilitating smoother rotation. They are ideal for slower lifts like squats, bench press, and deadlifts. Bushing barbells are more affordable and are suitable for most home gyms and powerlifting where spin isn't paramount.
  • Bearings: Bearing barbells, especially those with needle bearings, offer a faster and smoother spin, making them ideal for Olympic lifts like snatches and clean & jerks. They are pricier due to the precision involved. Bearings can be of various types: ball bearing, thrust bearing, and needle bearing. The more bearings a barbell has, the smoother its spin. However, quality matters; superior bearings provide better movement than inferior ones. 

 

Weight accuracy: Accurate weight is crucial for proper training and competition. Make sure to choose barbells that are accurate to within a few grams of the stated weight. This is especially important for smaller weights, as even small discrepancies can add up when performing multiple reps.

Weight range: Consider the range of weights you need for your gym. Barbells are typically available in weights ranging from 5kg to 50kg. Make sure to choose a range of weights that will meet the needs of your members, including beginners and advanced athletes.

Compatibility with your bumper plates: Barbells should be compatible with the bumper plates you have in your gym. This might involve checking the diameter of the sleeves on your barbells and the inner diameter of your bumper plates. Make sure that the bumper plates fit snugly on the barbells without sliding or wobbling.

Knurling: Knurling is the pattern of raised lines on the barbell that provides a grip for your hands. Choose a barbell with a knurling pattern that is comfortable and effective for your members. Some barbells have more aggressive knurling for a stronger grip, while others have softer knurling for a more comfortable feel.

Whip: Whip is the amount of flex or bends in a barbell when it is loaded with weights. Consider the type of lifting your members will be doing and choose a barbell with an appropriate amount of whip. For example, a barbell with more whip may be more suitable for Olympic lifts, while a barbell with less whip may be better for powerlifting.

By considering these factors, you can select barbells that will provide a safe and effective training experience for your members. By choosing high-quality, accurate, and compatible barbells, you can create a functional and durable training environment in your gym.

Discover our Again Faster premium barbells, trusted by athletes and gyms worldwide. Check out the full range here »

 

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