So, I’ve been hitting the gym lately, really trying to bulk up, you know? I started with those standard barbells ’cause, well, they’re everywhere. But I quickly realized I needed something a bit more substantial as I got stronger.
I went ahead and bought a 7-foot 1-inch barbell, thinking it would be just like the ones I was used to. Man, was I in for a surprise! First off, this thing was way heavier than the standard bars I’d been using. I mean, I could feel the difference right away.
I did some digging and found out that these 7-foot barbells are usually considered “Olympic” barbells, even though the real Olympic ones are actually 7.2 feet. Anyway, the standard ones are only like 15 to 25 pounds, but these Olympic ones? They’re in the 33 to 45-pound range. No wonder it felt heavier!
- First Attempt: Tried my usual routine with the new barbell.
- Realization: It was way harder. The extra weight made a big difference.
- Research: Looked up the difference between standard and Olympic barbells.
- Understanding: Learned about the weight differences (15-25 lbs vs. 33-45 lbs).
I also learned that Olympic bars are built tougher. They can handle more weight, which is good because I plan on lifting heavier over time. Using those lighter barbells at the start was probably a good thing, though. It let me build up my strength gradually without risking injury.
The Upgrade
Switching to the Olympic barbell was a smart move. Now I can do all sorts of exercises with it: squats, bench presses, deadlifts, you name it. It’s a solid piece of equipment, and I’m glad I made the investment.
One thing I’m not sure about is using those bigger, Olympic weight plates on a standard bar. I heard you can get an adapter, but it just seems safer to use the right plates with the right bar. I’d rather be safe than sorry, especially when dealing with heavy weights.
Anyway, that’s my story about the 7-foot 1-inch barbell. It’s heavier, tougher, and definitely a step up from the standard ones. If you’re serious about lifting, I’d say it’s worth checking out. Just be prepared for that extra weight!
