Hey everyone, so I’ve been messing around with different barbells lately, specifically the 6ft and 7ft ones. I wanted to share my experience and what I’ve noticed between the two, ’cause it’s been quite a learning curve for me.
Started off with a 6ft barbell. I got it ’cause, well, it seemed like a good starting point. Lifting it, moving it around, it was all pretty straightforward. Even when I had to move it through my tiny apartment, it wasn’t a huge hassle. But as I got stronger, I started feeling like I needed something more, you know? Something that could handle more weight.
So, I decided to level up to a 7ft barbell. First off, this thing is definitely more of a beast. It felt way more solid, and I could immediately tell it could take on a lot more weight. But, and this is a big but, maneuvering it is a whole different ball game. I bumped into walls, nearly took out a lamp, and let me tell you, balancing it while trying to avoid obstacles in my cramped space was like a workout in itself.
Here’s a little list of what I found out:
- Handling: The 6ft bar is way easier to move around, especially if you’re in a tight spot. The 7ft bar? Not so much. It demands respect, and space.
- Lifting: With the 7ft, I felt more stable when I started adding serious weight. It just feels more… official, I guess? Like I’m really lifting, not just playing around.
- Space: You really need to think about where you’re gonna use these things. If your workout area is small, the 7ft bar might be overkill. Or you’ll just end up redecorating with barbell-shaped holes in your walls.
At the end of the day, if you’re just starting out, maybe stick with a lighter, shorter bar. Get your form right, get comfortable with lifting. But if you’re like me and you’re in it for the long haul, that 7ft barbell is calling your name. Just make sure you’ve got the space for it, or be prepared to become really good at awkward, weighted-bar-holding yoga.
What I realized
It’s not just about the length, but what you’re gonna do with it. And where. I learned that the hard way. Hope this little story helps some of you out there trying to decide which barbell to get. Keep lifting, and watch out for those walls!