How do you count weight on a barbell?

[TG007]

Hi,

How do you count weight on a barbell? For example, if I put 30 lbs on the left side and 30 lbs on the right side, do I have 30 lbs plus the weight of the bar total? Or do I have 60 lbs plus the weight of the bar?

Now that I think about it, how about dumbells? When you say 30 lb dumbells does it mean we lift 30 lbs or 60 lbs?

Thanks,
TG

 

[maddiesmum]

You have 60 pounds plus the weight of the bar. Usually, saying that you are doing squats with 40 pounds means 40 total, including the weight of the bar.

I always specify 2* 15 pound dumbells for my lifting so that I know what to lift for each side. I only ever state the total weight, say 30 pounds, if I use a barbell. Cathe usually lets you know that she's using 2 20's or 2 15s which means a 20 pound dumbell in each hand.

Clare