How Much Does a Smith Machine Bar Weigh？

A Smith machine bar weighs between 6 and 45 pounds: 6–15 lbs for commercial counterbalanced models, 15–25 lbs for home gyms and 30–45 lbs for non-counterbalanced machines.

There is no standardized weight for Smith machine bars, and the average weight can vary significantly depending on the model and whether the machine is found in commercial gyms or home gyms.

Commercial gyms often use lighter, counterbalanced bars to accommodate a wider range of users.

Knowing the exact weight of the Smith machine bar is essential for accurate workout planning and tracking your progress.

To find the exact weight of your Smith machine bar, check our brand-by-brand breakdown below—or use our smith machine bar weight finder for quick results.

Bar Weights of Gym Equipments

Different Smith machines from various brands can have significantly different bar weights, as there is no standardized weight across all models.

The Planet Fitness Smith machine bar weight is typically 15-20 lbs (6.8-9 kg), varying by location. Check the gym model and look up the bar weight in the article.

Gym commercial smith machines may include counterbalance systems or angled rails, which affect how the weight feels. For precise results, use our Smith Machine Weight Conversion Calculator.

Can’t find the bar weight you’re looking for? Try our new Smith Machine Bar Weight Finder (Beta)!

Bar Weights of Home Gym Equipments

Smith machines are a type of weight training equipment, and their bar weights can vary depending on the brand and model. Below is a table showing the bar weights for various brands:

Want a durable and versatile Smith Machine for your home gym? Explore our Best Smith Machine models.

Can’t find the bar weight you’re looking for? Try our new Smith Machine Bar Weight Finder (Beta)!

FAQs About Smith Machine Bar Weight

1. How much weight is the smith machine bar at planet fitness?

The Smith machine bar at Planet Fitness typically weighs between 15 and 20 pounds, depending on the specific machine model used at each location.

2. What's the bar weight of hammer strength smith machine?

3. How much does the bar weigh on hoist smith machine?

The Hoist Smith machine bar typically weighs around 25 to 30 pounds, depending on the model and whether it uses a counterbalance system.

4. How much does the bar weigh on Precor smith machine?

The Precor Smith machine bar typically weighs 35 pounds for the Discovery Series (DPL0802) and 11 pounds for the Vitality Series (VBR6802), depending on the model.

5. How much does the Cybex Smith machine bar weigh?

The Cybex Smith machine bar typically has a 15-pound counterbalance, which makes it feel much lighter than a standard Olympic bar

6. How much does the star trac max rack bar weigh?

The Star Trac Max Rack uses a standard Olympic bar weighing about 45 lb, since the bar is typically purchased separately and not counterbalanced

7. How much does the life fitness smith machine bar weigh?

The Life Fitness Smith Machine bar weighs about 20 lb (9 kg), depending on the specific model.

8. How much does the technogym smith machine bar weigh?

The Technogym Smith Machine bar typically weighs about 17.6 lbs due to its counterbalance system, even though the bar itself is around 42 lbs

9. How much does the average smith machine bar weigh?

The average Smith machine bar typically weighs 15 to 25 pounds, depending on factors like machine design, manufacturer, and whether it uses a counterbalance system

10. How much does the la fitness smith machine bar weigh?

The Smith machine bar at LA Fitness typically weighs 15–25 pounds, depending on the specific model and whether it features a counterbalance system

11. How much does the marcy smith machine bar weigh?

The Marcy Smith Machine bar typically weighs about 16 lb on most home‑use models, with heavier models like the SM‑4033 featuring a bar around 36 lb

12. How much does the star trac smith machine bar weigh？

The standard Star Trac Smith machine bar typically weighs about 20 pounds, with a built-in counterbalance making it feel lighter for all user levels .

13. How much does the Nautilus Smith machine bar weigh?

The Nautilus Smith machine features a counterbalanced Olympic-style bar that starts at about 15 lb take‑off weight for all user levels

14. How much does the Smith machine bar weigh?

Yes, the Smith machine bar does weigh something—typically between 6 and 45 pounds depending on the machine type.

Why Does Smith Machine Bar Weight Vary?

You have realized that Smith bar weights are different. They are typically between 20 and 45 lbs. But why？

Well, there are so many reasons. The bar material, such as the type of steel used, and the steel rails that guide the bar, can influence the durability and feel of the bar, but the actual weight will vary depending on the Smith machine's design. There is no standardized weight for Smith machine bars; the weight can vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Commercial machines may have different rail angles or counterbalance systems, which can also affect the bar's weight.

For Lighter bars (20-25lbs)

It’s beginner-friendly. The Smith machine provides a controlled environment, which helps beginners maintain proper form and ensures a safe and effective workout. New lifters can practice form and technique without feeling overwhelmed by the weight. The lighter bars minimize the risk of injury and foster confidence.

A lighter bar is useful for people recovering from injuries or surgeries because it empowers controlled movements and lighter loads during rehabilitation exercises.

For Heavier bars

On the other hand, bars on certain brands of Smith machines are engineered to approximate the weight of a regular Olympic barbell (45 lbs), which can be more accommodating to seasoned lifters who prefer familiar movements and loads. Heavier bars are especially preferred by serious lifters and experienced lifters who focus on strength training and lifting heavy weights, as the Smith Machine's stability allows for safer and more effective workouts.

And one more advantage: Smith machine bars are usually produced using better-quality materials, as they are used in gyms and need to handle frequent use and heavy weights in demanding gym environments. So, heavier bars are more durable and have a longer lifespan.

How to Calculate the Effective Weight on a Smith Machine?

You may notice that not all Smith machines are strictly vertical. Many are angled ones.

Most angled smith machines are usually 5 to 7 degrees off of vertical. The bar’s path closely approximates a near vertical line, albeit with only a small forward or backward tilt. An angled Smith machine provides a fixed path for the barbell, allowing for controlled, guided lifting along a near vertical movement. This fixed path can help in targeting specific muscle groups more effectively by enabling more precise muscle activation during exercises.

This small angle is meant to mimic the natural path of movements such as squats, bench presses, and shoulder presses, in which the bar tends to move slightly backward or forward when lifting free weights.

The other, however, is steeper, e.g., 30 degrees. Pathing the bar on such a steep line maximizes the horizontal movement component.

This enables focused muscle engagement, such as in the quadriceps during squats or the lower chest during bench presses, and less joint stress due to more natural movement patterns. Larger angle is perfect for functional training, rehab, and muscle growth.

So, how do we calculate bar weight for that angled smith?

Angle-Induced Reduction in Weight:

The effective weight is a portion of the actual bar weight, calculated by cosigning the angle between the bar path and vertical.

Weight Effective=Weight Actual×cos(θ)

Where:

• Weight Effective: The effective weight that the user would feel.
• Weight Actual: The accurate weight of the bar.
• θ: Angle of the machine from vertical (in degrees).
• Cos (θ): The cosine function decreases the weight with increased angle.

Example Calculation

Scenario 1:

The bar weighs 20 lbs. The machine has a 7° angle.

Calculation:

1. Convert the angle to cosine: cos(7∘)≈0.993
2. Cosine the actual weight: Weight Effective=20*0.993≈19.86lbs

Scenario 2:

The bar weighs 45 lbs. The machine has a 30° angle.

Calculation:

1. Convert the angle to cosine: cos(30∘)≈0.866
2. Cosine the actual weight: Effective Weight = 45 * 0.866 ≈ 39.87 lbs

The difference between actual and effective bar weight is usually less than 1% for most common smith machine angles (5-7°), making the angle imperceptible in real use for most users.

But bigger angles would make it much lighter. If a machine had a sharper angle (e.g., 30°), the effective weight would be significantly reduced (cos 30∘≈0.866), so the bar would feel lighter.

Smith Machine Effective Bar Weight and Angle Reference Table

Here's a common cosine table with angles in degrees and their corresponding cosine values:

This table can assist in estimating cosine values for common angles. For example, if your current machine has a 20-degree angle and a 45-lb bar weight, the effective weight length is 23 lbs.

How does counterbalanced system affect your bar weight？

What is a Smith machine with a counterbalance system?

A counterbalanced smith machine uses a mechanism (typically pulleys, springs, or weights) to lessen the bar’s effective weight. This counterbalancing mechanism often uses a pulley system and may be connected to a weight stack or weight stacks to offset the bar's weight. Safety catches are an important feature of Smith machines, providing an extra layer of safety during lifts. This counterbalancing mechanism balances the bar’s inertial weight, meaning the weight feels considerably lighter or even weightless when the bar is lifted without additional weight plates. [1]

For example, if the bar typically weighs 20 lbs (9 kg), the counterbalance will make it feel like 0-10 lbs (0-4.5 kg).

Purpose of a Counterbalanced Smith Machine

Beginner-Friendly:

The machine is ideal for newbies as it lowers the weight of the bar so they can learn how to complete the lift properly without struggling to lift a heavy bar. This instills confidence and guarantees a safe improvement. Counterbalanced Smith machines are popular among fitness enthusiasts and gym goers at all levels due to their versatility and safety features.

Rehabilitation and Recovery:

They often use these counterbalanced bars in physical therapy or in settings where the users must conduct slow movements with extremely low resistance while rehabbing an injury.

Isolation Exercises Precision:

The barbell’s reduced weight allows the lifter to target the movement of the lift without excess strain on the bar.

Open For All Levels of Fitness:

Counterbalanced bars are more accessible to the masses, including older adults, those with lower strength levels, and those new to weight lifting. Understanding the bar weight can help users track their progress and enhance their overall fitness journey.

Pros of a Counterbalanced Smith Machine

Lighter Starting Weight:

This allows the machine to be used by more people, with sub-disabled individuals who can no longer lift a traditional barbell but can still lift the near-weightless bar.

Focus on Form and Technique:

With a lower initial resistance, lifters can practice good form, start to develop coordination, and fine-tune their movements without risking injury.

Increased Exercise Variety:

Such counterbalanced systems offer a wider range of exercise options, including low resistance (rehabilitative) movements, for the user. The Smith machine enables users to perform exercises for various workouts, making it possible to target multiple muscle groups and achieve a more effective workout routine.

Safe and Stable:

Its guided movement, paired with a light bar, minimizes the chances of accidents, ensuring safety during use, including for beginners and those who work out alone.

Eases Progression:

Lifters can progressively add weight to a lighter bar, improving progressive overload.

Cons of a Counterbalanced Smith Machine

False Sense of Strength:

The bar is considerably lighter than a typical barbell, which may lead users to overestimate their strength when moving to free weights.

Limited Challenge for Advanced Lifters:

For more advanced lifters who are used to heavier barbells, the counterbalanced barbell may be too light and less effective for building strength.

Less Stability Development:

The way the machine guides your movement and the lighter bar decreases the engagement of your stabilizing muscles, which are uncomfortable for free-weight lifters.

Not Universally Available:

The downside is that counterbalanced high-profile Smith machines are not common and may not be available in most gyms or fitness centers, where users need this facility.

Cost and Maintenance:

Counterbalancing adds one layer to machine complexity, making models with counterbalancing mechanisms more costly to purchase and maintain.

When to Use a Counterweighted Smith Machine

Beginner: To gain confidence and learn the mechanics of lifting.

Recovering Individuals: For safe, low-risk exercises during recovery.

Older Adults: To exercise safely with less strain.

Those Going for Isolation Exercises: For isolation exercises that require less resistance.

Conclusion

Smith machine bar weight differs from brand, model, and design. Now that you know what these types of machines are and what differences there are, you will know what to look for when selecting the right smith machine according to your needs. Whether you want to gain strength, work on your form, or rehabilitate from an injury, the smith machine is a versatile and useful tool for all fitness levels.

Refference

1. Vingren JL, Buddhadev HH, Hill DW. Smith machine counterbalance system affects measures of maximal bench press throw performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2011 Jul;25(7):1951-6. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31821eb67f