If you're stepping into the gym scene—whether you're a seasoned lifter or just starting out—understanding the equipment you use is key to making gains safely and effectively. One common question that pops up, especially for new Planet Fitness members, is: how much does the bar weigh on a Smith machine at Planet Fitness?
This question might seem minor, but it plays a crucial role in helping you train smarter.
Quick Answer: 15–25 lbs
Smith machine bar at Planet Fitness typically weighs between 15 and 25 pounds (6.8 to 11.3 kg). This discrepency comes down to the various designs of Smith machines, including those with counterbalanced bars.
How to Know the Exact Bar Weight at Your Location
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Ask a Planet Fitness Staff Member: Most employees are trained to help and will be able to tell you or find out for you.
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Check the Smith Machine Itself: Sometimes, you'll see a sticker or placard on the machine with bar specs.
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Use a Luggage Scale: If permitted, hook a scale to the center of the bar when it’s unweighted and measure it yourself.
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Read the Member Welcome Packet: Some clubs include equipment specifications in their handbooks.
Being proactive about your equipment knowledge helps you avoid surprises and stay on track.
Why the Bar Weight Matters
Understanding the actual weight of the Smith machine bar you're lifting is more important than you might think. Whether you're trying to hit a personal record or just get stronger with each session, the accuracy of your lifts matters. Here's why:
1. Accurate Workout Tracking
If you're logging your workouts (which you definitely should be!), getting the numbers right helps you track your progress week after week. For example, if you're doing Smith machine squats and think the bar weighs 45 lbs when it really only weighs 20 lbs, you might assume you're squatting 135 lbs with two 45-lb plates. In reality, you're lifting just 110 lbs. That 25-lb discrepancy can seriously throw off your programming—especially when you're working toward specific strength goals like a 200-lb squat.
2. Injury Prevention
Lifting too much too soon is one of the fastest ways to end up with an injury. If you assume the Smith machine bar is heavier or lighter than it actually is, you might add too many plates—or too few.
If you're coming back from a shoulder injury and trying to ease into bench pressing again. You load up the bar thinking it's 45 lbs, but it’s actually 15 lbs on a Smith machine. That 30-lb difference can mean the difference between a safe recovery and a reinjury. Knowing the true bar weight allows you to match your load to your current ability and recovery plan.
3. Building Confidence
For beginners, walking up to a free 45-lb Olympic barbell can feel intimidating—especially when it's your first time lifting in a gym setting. The Major Fitness B52 Smith Machine offers a much more approachable starting point. Its lighter, counterbalanced bar weighs 14.2 kg (about 31 lbs), making it ideal for learning foundational lifts like squats, presses, and bent-over rows.
Instead of struggling to control a heavy bar right out of the gate, you can focus on building proper form, balance, and range of motion. That early success helps you build confidence, stay motivated, and create a solid foundation for future strength gains.
4. Training Specific Goals
Different training goals require precise weight adjustments. For example:
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If you're focused on hypertrophy, the goal is usually to work within a rep range of 8–12 with about 65–75% of your one-rep max. If you miscalculate your starting point due to the bar weight, you may fall outside the optimal range.
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For strength training, heavier loads in the 3–6 rep range are common. Let’s say your working set calls for 185 lbs. If the bar you’re using only weighs 15 lbs instead of 45, you could be 30 lbs under your target load and not stress the muscles adequately.
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Rehabilitation programs also require pinpoint weight control. A therapist might recommend a specific weight ceiling (e.g., no more than 50 lbs) post-surgery. Not knowing the real bar weight could push you above that threshold unintentionally.
How the Smith Machine Works at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness, known for its “Judgment Free Zone®” atmosphere, features a range of beginner-friendly machines, including the Smith machine. This machine has a bar fixed to steel rails, allowing vertical or near-vertical motion. This setup helps stabilize your movement, making it easier to lift with good form—especially when training alone.
The Smith machine's bar is counterbalanced by internal weights or support systems, which is why it weighs less than a free-weight barbell. Depending on the machine model, the bar might feel easier to lift due to this assist.
Planet Fitness Smith Machine vs. Major Fitness Smith Machine
At Major Fitness, we design Smith machines built for serious results, whether you're lifting in a garage gym or a home gym. Our machines offer consistent bar weight, smooth resistance, and premium construction.
Unlike many gym Smith machines where bar weight can vary, our Smith machines are engineered for accuracy. You know exactly what you're lifting every time. Plus, the smooth gliding mechanism and robust safety hooks make them perfect for solo workouts.
Need another reason? Major Fitness home gym Smith machines also feature multifunctional setups—such as lat pulldowns, cable systems, and power racks—all in one, making them a great investment for home training.
Final Thoughts
To recap how heavy is the bar on a Smith machine at Planet Fitness: it's generally between 15 and 25 pounds—but be sure to double-check at your specific location. This lighter design is beginner-friendly and can help safely build confidence.
Whether you're lifting at Planet Fitness or ditching the crowded public gyms for Major Fitness's workout machines in the privacy of your own home, knowing your equipment inside out helps you lift smarter. Check out everything Major Fitness has to offer and start building your stronger tomorrow, today.
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