I’ll be honest—when I first started working out at Planet Fitness, I was so confused about the Smith machine bar weight. I’d see people loading up plates, and I couldn’t figure out if I should count the bar itself or just the weight I was adding. Turns out, I’m not alone in this confusion, and getting the right answer actually matters way more than you’d think for tracking your progress.
So let me break down everything you need to know about the smith machine bar weight at Planet Fitness and why it’s different from what you might expect.
Here’s the thing—the Smith machine bar at Planet Fitness typically weighs between 15 to 20 pounds. Yeah, I know, that’s way less than a standard Olympic barbell, which clocks in at 45 pounds.
Why the difference? The Smith machine uses a counterbalance system that makes the bar feel lighter. It’s on a fixed track with bearings and sometimes has assistance mechanisms that reduce the actual weight you’re lifting. This isn’t a bad thing—it just means you need to do some math when you’re tracking your lifts.
Look, I get it. You might be thinking, “Does it really matter if the bar weighs 15 or 45 pounds?” And honestly, yes, it does. Here’s why:
For tracking progress: If you think you’re benching 135 pounds but you’re not counting the bar correctly, you might actually be lifting closer to 105-110 pounds. That’s a pretty significant difference when you’re trying to track your strength gains over time.
For program planning: A lot of workout programs give you specific percentages of your max to work with. If your numbers are off from the start, your whole program gets thrown out of whack.
For ego management: Nobody wants to overestimate their lifts and then feel embarrassed when they try a regular barbell at a different gym. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.
Planet Fitness uses commercial-grade Smith machines, and while the exact model can vary by location, most of them share similar characteristics:
The counterbalance system is the big game-changer here. It uses weights or springs to offset some of the bar’s weight, making it easier to control and safer for beginners. This is actually one of the reasons Planet Fitness loves Smith machines—they’re more approachable for people just getting started.
When I first started using the smith machine bar weight at planet fitness, I made a bunch of mistakes. Let me save you the trouble:
Don’t assume it’s 45 pounds. Seriously, just don’t. I spent months thinking I was stronger than I actually was, and reality hit hard when I tried free weights elsewhere.
Ask your specific location. Some Planet Fitness gyms have different equipment. The staff at the front desk can usually tell you the exact specifications of their Smith machines, or they might have a manual somewhere.
Test it yourself. Here’s a clever trick: Put the bar at chest height and try to feel how much resistance it has with no plates. Then compare that to picking up a 15-pound dumbbell and a 20-pound dumbbell. Your muscles will tell you pretty quickly which one matches up.
Write it down. Once you figure out your gym’s bar weight, make a note in your phone. Use that number consistently for all your tracking.
Okay, let’s get practical. Say you’re doing Smith machine squats at Planet Fitness and you’ve loaded one 25-pound plate on each side. Here’s how to calculate your total weight:
Compare that to a traditional barbell squat with the same plate setup:
That’s a 25-pound difference! Not exactly small potatoes when you’re trying to figure out your working weight.
Here’s where things get interesting. Even beyond the bar weight difference, lifting on a Smith machine feels different than free weights. The fixed path means:
Your stabilizer muscles do less work. The machine guides the bar, so you’re not recruiting all those tiny muscles that keep a free barbell steady.
The movement pattern is predetermined. Your body has to adapt to the machine’s path rather than moving naturally.
You might lift more weight. Because you don’t need to stabilize, many people can handle heavier loads on a Smith machine than with free weights.
So even if you account for the smith machine bar weight at Planet Fitness correctly, don’t expect a 1:1 translation when you switch to free barbells. Most people need to drop the weight by 10-20% when making that transition.
Let me walk you through some popular Smith machine exercises at Planet Fitness and how to think about the weight:
Smith Machine Bench Press Start with just the bar (15-20 lbs) to nail your form. Once you’re comfortable, add weight gradually. Remember, this is easier than a free barbell bench press, so be conservative if you’re planning to switch equipment.
Smith Machine Squats Same deal—begin with the unloaded bar. The guided path makes it easier to keep your form tight, but don’t get cocky about the numbers. A 150-pound Smith machine squat doesn’t equal a 150-pound barbell squat.
Smith Machine Overhead Press This one’s actually pretty close to free weights since the movement is relatively simple. But still, factor in that lighter bar weight for accurate tracking.
Smith Machine Rows Super underrated exercise. The bar starts at around 15-20 pounds, and you can build up from there. The fixed path actually helps you focus on squeezing your back muscles.
After years of using these machines, here’s what actually works:
Focus on form over weight. The Smith machine is forgiving, but that doesn’t mean you should use sloppy technique. Keep your core tight and move with control.
Use the safety catches. This is literally what they’re there for. Set them just below your lowest point so you can safely fail a rep if needed.
Don’t skip the warm-up sets. Even with the lighter bar, your joints need time to prepare. Do a few sets with just the bar before adding plates.
Mix in other equipment. Planet Fitness has dumbbells, cables, and machines. Use the Smith machine as part of a balanced routine, not your only tool.
Track everything consistently. Whether you count the bar as 15 or 20 pounds, just be consistent. Your progress tracking matters more than the exact number.
Look, I see the internet debates. Some hardcore lifters hate on Smith machines, calling them inferior or saying they don’t build “real strength.” Honestly? That’s gym bro nonsense.
For most people—especially beginners, people coming back from injury, or anyone just trying to stay fit and healthy—Smith machines are perfectly fine. They’re safe, they’re effective, and they’re available. The smith machine bar weight at Planet Fitness might be lighter than a traditional barbell, but that doesn’t invalidate your workout.
What matters is that you’re showing up, putting in the work, and progressively challenging yourself. Whether that’s on a Smith machine, with dumbbells, or doing bodyweight exercises, consistency beats equipment snobbery every single time.
As you get more experienced, you might want to branch out beyond the Smith machine. Here are some signs it’s time:
Planet Fitness also has free weight dumbbells up to a certain limit (usually around 75 pounds), which can complement your Smith machine work nicely.
So, to circle back to where we started: the smith machine bar weight at Planet Fitness is typically 15-20 pounds, way less than a standard 45-pound Olympic barbell. This matters for tracking your progress, planning your workouts, and understanding your actual strength levels.
Don’t let the lighter bar weight discourage you or make you feel like your lifts don’t count. What counts is showing up consistently, challenging yourself appropriately, and making progress over time. The Smith machine at Planet Fitness is a tool—and like any tool, it’s about how you use it.
Now get out there and lift something heavy (but count the weight correctly). Your future self will thank you for keeping accurate records and building real, sustainable strength.
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