Barbell

:For the piece of body piercing jewelry see Barbell (piercing)

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A barbell is a piece of equipment used in weight training, weightlifting and powerlifting. It consists of a steel bar that is 5 to 7 feet (approx. 2 metres) long. The central portion is one inch (2.54 cm) in diameter, and is engraved with a crosshatch pattern (knurling) to help lifters get a good grip. Cast iron disc weights (plates) are slid onto the outer portions of the barbell to obtain the desired total weight. These weights are often secured with collars to prevent them from sliding off during the exercise (which can result in injuries).

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There are two types of plates, and therefore two types of barbells:

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• Olympic plates have a central hole that is two inches (5.08 cm) wide. The outer portions of Olympic barbells are also two inches wide.
• Standard plates have a central hole that is one inch (2.54 cm) wide. Standard barbells are one inch wide all the way along.

Exercises that can be performed with a barbell include:

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• Bench press
• Squat
• Deadlift
• Bicep curl

The EZ curl bar is a variant of the barbell that is often used for the bicep curl exercise. Its zigzag grips allow the user's wrists to take a more natural orientation. This reduces the risk of repetitive stress injury in this exercise.

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Weight training: Weight training can be the most effective technique for developing the strength and size of skeletal muscles. It provides functional benefits and may improve overall health and well-being....

Weightlifting: :This article describes the sport of weightlifting. For information on muscle-building activity involving weights, refer to the weight training article....

Powerlifting: Powerlifting is a strength sport, consisting of three events: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. The maximum weight lifted in each event is totalled for a final score; lifters compete in bodyweight classes. Powerlifting is of relatively modern origin, dating from the early to mid 20th c...

Barbell related Images and Photos (experimental)

Barbell Metal Puzzler