Help with Barbell question

R

RBurke

Active Member
Hello everyone.
I currently have a barbell that purchased a while ago. It will hold 100 lbs. It is threaded. I am looking for a barbell that can used the standard plates that I have (I've seen Cathe use them in her tapes I know there has to be some) and has a clasp at the end with no threading. I prefer a shorter one if possible. Right now, mine is too long. It is made for a man. I remember a discussion not too long ago on the forums about shorter barbells. I've searched for this discussion but can't find it. I've also looked through all the websites listed under "buyer's guide". Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
 
Hi, RBurke! How are you? I ordered the Firm barbell many years ago. It is shorter than the one Cathe uses. It's padded and weighs ten pounds with no plates on it. I find it very comfortable.
:)
Bobbi
 
I'm in the market for a new barbell, too, so I've been asking lots of questions over at the videofitness website. Since the Firm barbell is out of stock for the moment, I believe, you can't get that one for a while. But, the Ivanko barbell is exactly the same as the Firm barbell. Over at VF, someone posted the phone number of the place you can order the barbell. I can't remember it, though. But, I believe you can order it at www.paragonsports.com.

Emily
 
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Aug-02-01 AT 03:57PM (Est)[/font][p]Hi, I recently bought a new barbell. I think it is the same one in the CTX series. I really like it. It is around 4 1/2' long and weighs 5 pounds. It comes with 40 pounds of weight and can hold 80 pounds. I got it at Fitness1st.com for, I think, $63.00 which includes the shipping. Without shipping I think its $49.95. I used to have the Firm barbell and recently sold it. I find this new bar to be easier to use as it is not as big around as the Firm barbell because of the padding. I admit it was great for putting on the shoulders, but I guess I have small hands and I found it difficult to put heavy weights on it. Wanted to mention that mine is also the Troy Lite barbell. It is a little shorter than 5', though, as I am 5' exactly and it is shorter than I am.
 
I recently ordered a troy lite barbell from fitness first. I called their 800 number 1-800-421-1791 (inside USA.) They were very helpful. I bought the barbell without the weights. It weighs 5 pounds and is 5 feet long. It can hold up to about 80 pounds - plenty for all my needs. It cost me about $24 including shipping. The local wallmart carries the plates at about .50 per pound, and the clips were $2.95 for a set of two, although you can order them from fitness first for that price too.
I still use my firm barbell when I do leg work with a barbell on the shoulders, but I prefer the thinner troy when I need to grip with my hands.
-joy
 
I too had a threaded barbell and got sick of changing the weight plates the way that type of barbell requires you to do so I bought a clasp and the smallest 1 inch size was too big. So I thought that I'd have to buy a whole new barbell with a whole new set of weight plates. But, to my great relief, I realized that the weight plates are a standard size and my threaded barbell was a bit smaller in diameter than a standard barbell. So I was able to buy a new non-threaded barbell from Galyan's for about $25, it weighs about 13 lbs. My weight plates fit it just fine and the diameter of the barbell is the perfect size for the 1" clasps!! I now have an extra barbell of course, but that's no biggie since I've been trying to get my hubby to workout with me and now he has no excuse!! :)

Stacy
 
Oops, I forgot to mention, my new barbell is 5 feet long. I'm 5'1" and find the length as well as the diameter to be just fine for my hands.

Good Luck,

Stacy
 
Hi, the thread you're looking for is probably #13. It has two barbell reviews/discussion on the open forum.
Ruth :)
 
Such good information from all of you here. I need a barbell also and was wondering what to buy. I purchased a really good weight bench and two sets of adjustable dumbells, although I might also get the hex dumbells for convenience. I am 5"10" and need quite a bit of weight and get tired of changing plates too...

As to the dumbell I will have to reread some of the discussion. The shorter type appeals to me because I don't have a lot of room but am thinking because of my size the longer one might be better.

Padded would be nice too...

Thanks for the input ladies.

Kathleen
 
RE: Barbell, success, and new videos.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am planning to go to a sports equipment supply store sometime this weekend. If they don't have anything, I think I will order the Troy Light bar that was mentioned in Kelly111's post. It looks like a good one and just right for me. I am trying to avoid shipping but I might have to order it.
I wanted to let everyone know too that I've managed to loose 10 pounds in about 3 months. I had previously posted several messages about my frustration with not loosing weight. I've now lost 2.5 inches from my waist, 3 inches from abdomen, 1 inch from my upper knee, 1 inch on my upper rib cage, and 1.5 inches from my hips!! :-jumpy I am feeling much better about myself these days. I can attribute most of the loss to changing jobs. I had a job that I hated and I ate candy bars and cokes way too much but I also ate fairly healthy sometimes. Trying to cut calories then was such a nightmare. Changing jobs has made me more busy so I move around more. I am also getting more sleep (I am a terrible insomniac sometimes) and I got off some medication for sleep that was obviously keeping me from loosing weight. I plan to loose a little more with my new 5 videos. Do you guys thing that the slow and heavy series should be combined with the power hour? I watched Rythmic step the other day. I am scared! I have most of Cathe's videos so I am hoping it just looks more scary than it really is. Sometimes I have trouble with really complex stuff but I eventually get it. I plan to try it this weekend on the 4" step height. Anyway... I am rambling. Thanks for all the great support and advice here.
 
Hi, Kathleen
Let me know what you decide, because I can't make up my mind which one I want. Will be curious to know what you decided & what you think of your choice.
By the way, MIS warmup is really quite simple once you do it a few times...try it, you might like it!
I prefer weightlifting too, but have learned to love step. That doesn't mean I'm good at it!;-)
Ruth
 
Joy,
Did you find the clips that hold the plates in place at Walmart also? I have been looking for those and not had much luck. My barbell is about 500 years old and has these awful collars that require a wrench to get them off. Then, of course, I can never find a proper wrench and end up using pliers and stripping the screw each time. As a result, I avoid changing plates like the bubonic plague! :(
Thanks,
Cruncholi
 
Hi Ruth

I ordered the lite bar set with weights so am anxious to get it. The smaller size will work well roomwise...I was just worried that it might be too small for me body size because I am so tall and broadshouldered. I will let you know.

I promise I will be open-minded and try the step routine...if I am careful on the "twirls" all should be safe (just clear the room out of anything breakable). I know I have to pay attention to knees and back too so will be aware of those area...but the stronger I get the better they will get also.

Have a good one.

Kathleen
 
Hi Cruncholi,
Yes, I found the barbell clips at WalMart near the weights and other workout accesories. I've also seen them at Sports Authority. I think the ones at SA are a little longer (easier to grip)and $4.95 rather than 2.95. I believe that you could probably order them from Fitness First if you can't find them locally, cuz they have them in their paper catalog.

-joy
 
I was wondering exactly how many inch's is the york lite barbell?? I thought it was 44 inch's like the firm barbell, but now I am reading 5 feet. I just do not know what barbell to get?? The firm(ivanko) I like the padding, but I also really like what I have read about the york. HELP.:-wow I just do not know. ( It will be my first barbell purchase) Thank you a head of time!!
 
Hi Nicole...I will measure mine once it arrives. I was a little confused as to exactly how long it is...I think one of the other ladies has one though...so she might respond. This will be my first bar also. I like that it was padded and my hands are larger so that won't be a problem size wise for me either. I had a longer bar I was borrowing but it was too big. Just not manageable for the video routines.
 
Hi Nicole,
If you like the York barbell, but want padding, you could always buy a removable pad like Cathe uses in some of her videos. I know--another expense! In fact, I think I am heading to #####'s today to find a pad and some clips for my ancient barbell (and to give the old credit card another workout). Good luck!
Cruncholi
 
Hi NicoleP,
Earlier in this thread I posted that the troy lite barbell was 5 feet long, but I actually measured it. I quickly ran a tape measure along the barbell and it is really about 54" - 56" like someone else said. The Firm barbell is shorter - I have them sitting side by side. Although I haven't actually measured it, it seems to be about 48" (which is also what the Firm says it is)

I was able to get a barbell collar at Sports Authority. (I didn't think to look at Walmart, but that's a possibility too) It is suede and was $15. I think they have another kind that may be less expensive, but when I needed it they only had the suede in stock.

Good luck with your decision. I really like the firm barbell for leg work and the troy for upper body - because of the grip.

-joy
 
Joy,
Thank you so much for your reply!! Just one question? I know you really like both your barbells,but if it came down to choosing between the 2 what would be your answer?? Now I know you like them both, but which one????? Thank you a head of time!! I cannot wait for your answer!!!:-jumpy
Thanks again,
NicoleP
 
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