Barbells are one of the classic staples of gym equipment. They are very versatile and can be used for various exercises, including deadlifts, squats, bench presses, military presses, rows, curls, and many more.
As a result, it is no surprise that having good barbells in your home gym can make all the difference in getting results.
However, not all barbells are created equal. Some are made of high-quality materials that will last you a lifetime, while others can be cheaply made and may need replacing in a year or two. The problem is that it can be hard to tell which is which by just looking at them.
For a bit of help, we’ve put together some quick tips that will help you make sure you don’t end up with a dud.
Consider The Bar Weight And Length
When shopping for the top barbells for your gym, you want to consider their weight and length. Why? Because you want to ensure you can lift it before putting weights on it.
Otherwise, you could end up with a bar that’s too heavy or too light—neither is ideal. A good rule of thumb is to look for a bar that weighs 20 pounds more than what you can bench press at one time.
On the other hand, barbells tend to be five to seven feet long. That’s not a bad thing—it just means you need to measure out where you plan on putting it in your home gym so that it fits. You also want to ensure enough room around it so you can move around freely when using it.
Consider your wingspan, as well. For example, if you’re buying a barbell for Olympic lifts (like snatches and clean-and-jerks), you want to make sure it has enough room between collars to place weights on it comfortably.
Think About The Tensile And Yield Strength
Tensile strength refers to how much force a material can withstand before breaking. Yield strength is how much force a material can withstand before deforming permanently. These two factors determine how strong a barbell will be and how much weight you’ll be able to lift.
Knowing these values is critical because they affect how much weight you can lift. For example, if you have a steel bar with a tensile strength of 100,000 psi and yield strength of 50,000 psi, you’ll be able to lift 100 kg (220 lbs) before it breaks.
If you want to maximize your results regarding how much weight you can lift safely and effectively, ensure that both tensile and yield strengths are high. The greater these values are (within reason), the better.
Look For A Light To Medium Knurling
Knurling is the rough part of the bar that gives you a better grip and creates traction. It’s designed to help you hold onto it even with the heaviest weights. Some bars have aggressive knurling that can hurt your hands, while others are smoother or completely smooth.
If you’re starting, look for a light to medium knurling on your barbell—this will be enough to give you some traction without causing any discomfort or injury.
Hence, you can do your exercises with more comfort and safety. Still, wearing a pair of weightlifting gloves is a good idea when working out with heavy weights. These will provide extra cushioning for your hands and help prevent calluses from forming.
Also, if you’re doing high-rep squats or deadlifts, they’ll keep your grip comfortable throughout each set. Just be sure to choose a pair that fits well—if they’re too loose, they could slip off during an exercise; if too tight, they could cause discomfort and even injury.
What Type Of Exercise You’re Doing?
Knowing what kind of training you’ll be doing is essential to finding the best barbell. People working out at home are considered average lifters. Generally, their goal is to lift at least two to three times per week to keep in shape.
The common movements they perform include:
- Tricep press
- Bench press
- Shrug
- Overhead press
- Squat
- Row
- Curl
- Deadlift
Average lifters need a barbell that works—a bar that’s comfortable on their hands, sturdy enough to support heavy weights, and durable enough to last through years of abuse. Ask a fitness professional what they recommend to ensure you’re making an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
It’s essential to shop for a suitable barbell for your home gym so you can lift safely and efficiently. Remember the tips mentioned in this post when shopping for a new barbell, and remember that having a solid understanding of what you need is crucial before making any purchases.
Pick a bar that will last through many years of lifting at home. Ensure safety by purchasing from reputable brands. If you’re serious about working out at home, invest in high-quality equipment that will give you years of use!
