Here’s Why Olympic Bars Aren’t Just for Gold Medal Weightlifters

It’s a rite of passage for fitness enthusiasts — gradually, you upgrade your starter equipment to higher quality gear that can keep up with your improved abilities. If you’re into weightlifting, upgrading your gear obviously entails investing in heavier weights. But the accessories are just as important, too. Whether that’s tape, belts, or even shoes, the details can go a long way in keeping you safe and helping you lift more. One upgrade worth considering for serious weightlifters is switching to an Olympic bar to use as your everyday barbell.

Olympic bars have a few design features that make them an improvement over standard bars. For one thing, Olympic bars are heavier and more durable than a standard bar. That means that they can better accommodate higher weight loads. Another major benefit is that Olympic bars are standardized, whereas standard bars are not. All true Olympic bars have the same diameter, length and weight. Some Olympic bars are made to be slightly shorter and lighter while still retaining the quality standard. The shorter bars are typically 5′ long. Every Olympic bar has 2″ ends, which makes it easy to swap out weights as needed. As long as you’re using Olympic plates, they’ll fit.

One of the most important details of an Olympic bar is the rotating ends. The sleeves of the bar rotate with you as you’re lifting, which helps reduce strain and torque on your wrists and joints. This is especially important at higher weight loads.

The two major drawback of Olympic bars are cost and size. They’re more expensive than standard bars, and Olympic bars are typically 7′ long. That length is helpful when you’re lifting, but can be cumbersome if your home gym is your bedroom. That said, if you have the space for it, an Olympic bar is a worthwhile investment. Even if you’re only at the beginning of your weightlifting journey, an Olympic bar can still be a great choice for you.