Question about barbell weight

[shellnc]

OK - I'm sure that this is probably a dumb question!!

When Cathe uses a barbell and says she is using 40lbs - does that mean 20lbs on each side? I'm confused, because when I put my weights on my barbell its not the same number of weights she has. Also, my bar seems fairly light - it's not 15 pounds (not sure how much). I got it at Wal-Mart. They had a 15 pound bar - it was longer and seemed more akward to hold.

Thanks,
shellnc

 

[emy]

Shellnc,
The total weight she is using includes the plates and the weight of the barbell itself. If she says she is using 40 pounds, and the barbell weighs 5 pounds, then the plates would equal 35 pounds, or 17.5 pounds on each side. Does this make sense?

 

[Carol_is_fit]

One reason her barbell might look more loaded is the weight of the bar itself. I believe Cathe and her crew use the Troy Lite Barbell, and it only weighs about 5 or 7 pounds? The folks on here who use it would know better, but I believe that's right. Most other barbells weigh about 10 pounds each by themselves. Also, I think the plates she uses for her barbell look thicker than other, thinner plates. I have two bars that each weigh 10 pounds by themselves, and the plates I use appear to be much thinner than the ones she uses, so it always looks to me too like she's got about 100 pounds on there - LOL!!

Carol

 

[Bestbrat]

Hi,
I think what she is using is 2 10lb plates, 2- 5 lb. plates, 2- 2.5 lb. plates, plus the 5 lb bar would equal 40 lbs. That is what I use anyway. Well have a nice day all!!!!!!!!!
Bestbrat

 

[shellnc]

Thanks for the replies everyone!!