Obviously not Cathe here, but...It means a total of 35 lbs, including the weight of the bar. They use a Troy Light, I believe, which weighs 5 lbs and the weights are much larger-wider than traditional BB weights. I have to bars - one weighs 12lbs (even though the box says it weighs 15) and one weighs 15, so check the weight on yours to calculate the total amount you are lifting.