Barbell Length

[shannan]

Hi Cathe and Everyone!!
Cathe I have been doing your videos for about four years now- I am so thankful that I finally found them!!! You inspire me, and I never get tired of your videos, but I had never tried your workouts with weights.

I just recently started MI Strength, and I have a question about barbell length. In the video I can't tell what length is being used. I have a 6' and I am wondering if this is too long for me ('m only 5'). Is there a guideline? Should I go to a 5' bar? And what length do you use in your videos? I am also interested in hearing from anyone on this!! Thanks....
Shannan

 

[Jabakk]

Hi Shannan!

I too am on the short side at 5'2" and my husband has a 6' barbell which I used a few times when I started lifting weights, but I felt like it was just too long and big and awkward for me! Shortly thereafter I found a great weight set with a 5' barbell which I absolutely love. It feels much more "my size".

Plus the weight plates are slimmer than my husband's set which I find easier to handle.

There is a barbell which The Firm sells which is about 4' long I believe and while I've never used it a lot of people seem to really like it. Not sure where to find it but hopefully someone else will pop in and give you that info!

Oh, and I think the barbell Cathe uses is a 5' one as well. Pretty sure I read that somewhere.

Bev K.

 

[shannan]

5' Barbell?

<center><font size="1" color="#ff0000">LAST EDITED ON Mar-21-00 AT 01:11PM (EST)</font></center>

I appreciate hearing from someone who can relate to my height concerns. I have a 6' barbell now, but it just seems too long. I think it is going back, but at the same time I just wasn't sure if a 5' barbell would be too short. I have found that the sales people often don't know what they are talking about. The person who sold me the 6' said it would be perfect for someone my height. ??? It doesn't feel like it though. Thank you for you input Bev!!
shannan

 

[Tania777]

Hi Shannan

Shannan:
FYI, when I first started out, I was using a 6' barbell and found myself nearly knocking things over all the time (I too am 5'2") - - especially if I needed to turn sideways to do lunges some times!!!

Anyway, I finally got a 5' barbell and am MUCH more comfortable with it. Feels like it "fits" my body, if that makes any sense...

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Shannan!

Four years and going strong....good for you! As far as the barbell length...we used a five foot bar in the videos. There is no official guideline established for your bar length vs your height. But I, too, am only 5'2" and find either a four or five foot barbell to be the most comfortable. If you have the option to return your six footer for a smaller bar, I would. Keep fit

!