So, I got this 60-inch Olympic barbell the other day, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the experience. I’ve been lifting for a while now, but mostly with those standard 7-foot bars you see everywhere. I figured it was time to mix things up a bit, maybe challenge myself with something different.
I started looking around, reading up on shorter bars, and this 60-inch (which is basically 5 feet) one caught my eye. I mean, it’s a whole 2 feet shorter than what I’m used to! It took some time for me to decide whether to buy it or not. I looked up many articles about the Olympic barbell. After all, I know that the most common bar is 7 feet long and weighs 45 lbs. I was not sure how it would differ, so I did a lot of research.
First thing I did after it arrived was just hold it, you know? Get a feel for the weight and the grip. It’s definitely lighter than the 7-foot ones, and the knurling felt pretty good – not too rough, not too smooth. Then I loaded it up with some plates. I have an Olympic Bench, so I thought it would fit.
- Tried some bench presses: Felt weird at first, having my hands closer together. I guess my body is used to that wider grip. But after a few sets, I started to get the hang of it.
- Moved on to squats: This is where I really noticed the difference. The shorter bar makes it a bit more challenging to balance, especially when you’re going heavy. I had to focus more on my form, engaging my core to keep steady.
- Deadlifts: No big issues here, felt pretty similar to using a longer bar, just a bit more compact.
I kept at it for a few weeks, gradually increasing the weight. It’s definitely a different beast than the standard bar. It works out your muscles in a slightly different way, and the balance aspect adds another layer of difficulty. I found myself sweating more, really pushing myself to maintain control.
Durability and Materials
I know it’s important that an Olympic bar should be made from high-quality steel, so I chose carefully. I’ve been checking out the material and finish of the bar these days, and it seems pretty sturdy so far.
Overall, I’m pretty happy with this 60-inch bar. It’s a solid piece of equipment, and it’s spiced up my workouts. I wouldn’t say it’s a replacement for the standard bar, but it’s a great addition to my home gym. Plus, it’s a bit cheaper than those longer ones, so that’s a bonus.
If you’re looking to change things up, maybe try a shorter bar like this one. It’s a fun challenge, and it might just help you break through those plateaus. Just be prepared to adjust your grip and focus a bit more on your balance, and you’ll be good to go!
