Barbells are a key piece of strength-building equipment for any gym. You can use barbells for deadlifts, barbell rows, squats, bench presses, overhead presses, a host of bicep and tricep exercises, and more.
To get the most out of your barbell exercises, you need the right weight plates, the right collars, and the right barbell. At Fitness Experience, we sell a wide variety of bars and barbells from some of the top manufacturers in the industry.
Standard barbells are typically 5 to 6 feet / 152.4 to 182.8 cm long and weigh between 15 and 25 lbs / 6.8 and 11 kg. They are lighter barbells than their Olympic counterparts and are 1 inch / 2.54 cm in diametre. They may have a load capacity of 100 to 200 lbs 45.3 to 90.7 kg. They’re an excellent choice if you want an affordable barbell to start your weightlifting journey.
Olympic barbells are standardized; a men’s Olympic barbell is 7.2 feet / 2.2 metres long and weighs 44 lbs / 20 kg, while a women’s Olympic barbell is 6.6 feet / 2.01 metres and 33 lbs / 15 kilograms. Both men's and women’s Olympic barbells are 2 inches / 5.08 cm in diametre. They are heavier and longer than standard barbells, but are otherwise used for the same lifts; as the name implies, they’re used for Olympic weightlifting. Choose an Olympic barbell if you plan on competing in competitive weightlifting events (but not powerlifting events—for those, a powerlifting barbell is best).
Powerlifting bars are typically thicker and stiffer than Olympic barbells; their grips are also closer together (32” vs. 36” / 81.3 cm vs. 91.4 cm). Powerlifting bars also tend to feature more aggressive knurling, as well as a centre knurl. They are designed for powerlifters and are the best choice for heavy deadlifts.
Like the Swiss army knife, the Swiss bar (also known as the multi-grip bar) allows lifters to target different muscle groups by providing multiple handles for different grips on a single barbell. They typically weigh about 40 to 50 lbs / 18.1 to 22.6 kg, near the 45 lbs / 20.4 kg range of Olympic barbells. They’re an excellent choice if you’re trying to save space and master different lifts.
True to their name, safety squat bars help lifters squat more effectively and more safely. They’re typically heavier than Olympic barbells; they commonly weigh between 55 to 80 lbs / 24.9 to 36.2 kg. The handles bring your hands in front of your body, and the cambered ends change weight distribution, forcing lifters to engage the stabilizing muscles in their upper back and core, improving the squatting technique.
EZ curl bars feature a W-shape; they usually weigh anywhere from 25 to 35 lbs / 11.3 to 15.8 kg. The W-shape allows for angled or neutral grips, helping you focus on bicep and forearm isolation exercises without strain on your wrists. EZ curl bars are a great choice for barbell beginners and people with wrist pain.
Trap bars feature a hexagonal-shaped bar (which is why they are sometimes called hex bars). To lift, you stand inside the hexagon and grab handles on either side of the hexagon. Trap bars can help reduce hyperextension, eliminate the need for a mixed grip, and help people with a limited range of motion in the hips do deadlifts.
We carry bars and barbells from some of the most well-respected companies in the industry. Brands that we carry include:
Need help choosing the perfect barbell for your gym? Visit us in person or get in touch with us online; our fitness experts are always happy to help.
For over 30 years, Fitness Experience has provided Canadians with high-quality fitness equipment and expert advice. Many of our staff members come from athletic and training backgrounds—they are personal trainers, coaches, and competitors. No matter what your fitness goals are, one of our staff members has the expertise and know-how to help you pick the right barbell for your needs.
We’re invested in supporting your long-term fitness goals; as a Canadian company, we want to help Canadians get healthier, both mentally and physically. Whether you’re looking to lift more, lift more efficiently, master Olympic lifts, or simply work out in a safer way, you can count on the team at Fitness Experience.
We can deliver all of the barbells you see on this page directly to your home. Add any of the barbells to your cart, use the chat feature to talk to our experts if you want help selecting the perfect barbell for your gym, and keep browsing if you need weight plates, barbell collars, or anything else.
Want to try before you buy? We have locations across Canada; check to see if there’s a location near you, then visit one of our showrooms to try our incredible selection of barbells!
