Olympic barbell

The Olympic barbells to take your strength training up a level 

Are you ready to lift heavier and focus on compound movements? Are you planning on going to the next Olympic games and repping the red, white, and blue in Olympic weightlifting? 

If that’s you, you need an Olympic barbell to handle a greater amount of weight compared to a standard barbell. Not only are they able to handle heavy weights, but they’re also a better fit for explosive weight lifting exercises such as the clean and jerk and snatch. 

Olympic barbells have thicker stainless steel frames and are longer than standard barbells. Plus, they have a stronger grip with more aggressive knurling.

If you’re searching for an Olympic bar or a complete Olympic weight set, we have you covered. From beginner weightlifters to those already signed up for the next Summer Games, ShapeNation has the Olympic barbells to keep your training on lock. 

What is an Olympic-style barbell? 

Olympic bars have greater tensile strength compared to standard, traditional barbells. They are also thicker and heavier on the ends, making them extremely stable. This high tensile strength makes the bar less likely to break under tension.

In addition to increased tensile strength, Olympic barbells are typically 7’ long with shafts of 52”. Standard barbells are only 5’ to 6’ in length.

Women’s Olympic bars are slightly shorter with a bar length of 6.9’. 

Olympic barbells are great for Olympic lifts where your explosive strength, power, and technique are put to the test, not necessarily your raw lifting strength. 

How much does an Olympic bar weigh?

Olympic barbells weigh around 44-45 pounds. The thickness and bar diameter vary depending on the manufacturer. That difference affects the bar’s weight capacity, too.

Women's Olympic barbells weigh around 33 pounds and lack center knurling. 

How much weight does an Olympic bar hold?

A standard Olympic barbell can hold 500 pounds. A high-quality barbell has a weight capacity between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds.

Why buy an Olympic barbell?

There are several reasons to choose an Olympic bar over a standard one. First, barbells, whether a weightlifting bar, curl bar, trap bar, or triceps bar, are made for hard training and made to the right measurements for the exercise. 

Many barbells are made of poorer quality materials and while the price might look nice, those cheaper barbells have limits. If you’re serious about your training, Olympic barbells are the only way forward. 

Olympic barbells can withstand being dropped and can handle heavier weights. Think about it as an investment that will last. Well worth the money.  

How to shop for Olympic barbells 

When it comes to choosing an Olympic barbell for your home gym set up or for a professional gym, here are the 6 factors to consider: 

1. Overall construction. Always check that the barbell you choose is well constructed. An Olympic barbell should last and be worth the money you put into it. Shop with an online store like ShapeNation that you can trust to provide strong, sturdy, and reliable barbells.

2. Tensile strength of the steel. Check that the tensile strength of your Olympic barbell’s steel is a minimum of 130K PSI or higher. If you plan on lifting more than 500 pounds, you need a higher tensile strength. 

3. Finish. When you’re reading the product description, make sure that the Olympic barbell you want has a rust-resistant finish – like a high-grade stainless steel or chrome finish.

4. Knurling. A center knurl is not needed for most people unless powerlifting is your goal. Choose a barbell with a medium knurl. Check out our collection of Olympic barbells for exactly what your lifting game needs. 

5. Spin. We suggest going for a brushing system when it comes to spin. This way, you can use it on exercises like bench press and front squats, too.  

6. Price. Buying an Olympic barbell shouldn’t send you straight to the bank for a loan. It is important to note that for most Olympic barbells, the price does reflect the quality.

How to take care of a barbell 

We know that buying a barbell – Olympic, powerlifting, or standard – is an investment. The good news is that most barbells are pretty low maintenance. 

If you use chalk, be sure to wipe it off after exercising. Your instinct may be to use a wet cloth, but that won’t help. Use a brush instead. 

In the market for an Olympic barbell? 

Whether you're hoping to master Olympic weightlifting or just want to work on explosive strength, ShapeNation has the Olympic bars to master any Olympic lifts. From trap bars, squat bars, power bars, and more, find what your strength training needs in our ever-growing collection.

No matter if you're just starting out or you're a full-time gym rat, we have exercise equipment for any fitness level. Looking for weight plates, bumper plates, and other accessories? Order it all with us and nail your goals.