How much does a smith machine bar weigh？

The smith machine is a staple of many gyms or homes when it comes to strength training. However, one question that tends to be asked is, "How much does the smith machine bar weight?" The answer is not as simple as you may imagine.

In the article below, we have listed the bar weights of the popular Smith machine models from major brands in commercial gyms and home gyms in the USA and included fun facts about Smith machine bars that you may not know yet!

Smith Machine Bar Weight Table

Generally the bar weight on a Smith machine is around 15-45 lbs (6.8-20.5 kg). Here are the bar weight details:

• Life Fitness – Signature Series: 20 lbs
• Hoist Fitness – CF-3753: 25 lbs
• Hammer Strength – Common Model: 30 lbs
• Precor – Common Model: 25 lbs
• Cybex – Plate Loaded Model: 15 lbs
  

For more brands, check the below data please.

Bar Weights of Popular Models from Top Gym Brands

Brand	Model	Bar Weight （lbs）
Life Fitness	Signature Series	20
Hammer Strength	Common	30
Precor	Common	25
Cybex	Plate Loaded	15
Matrix Fitness	G1	45
Star Trac	Common	20
Technogym	Common	20
True Fitness	Common	25
Atlantis	Common	25
Hoist Fitness	CF-3753	25

 

It you want to know the bar weight in planet fitness or anytime fitness, you need to check the brand and model and then check it here.

Bar Weights of Popular Models from Top Home Gym Brands

Brand	Model	Bar Weight （lbs）
Body-Solid	Series 7 (GS348Q)	25
Marcy	SM-4033	36
Titan Fitness	Common	Not specified
Force USA	G3	45
Bowflex	Common	Not specified
Valor Fitness	BE-11	36
Weider	Pro	25
Inspire Fitness	SCS	30
ProForm	Common	Not specified
Gold's Gym	Common	20
REP Fitness	Common	Not specified
Rogue Fitness	Common	Not specified

 

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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, here are so many reasons.

For Lighter bars (20-25lbs)

It's beginner-friendly. New lifters can practice form and technique without feeling overwhelmed by the weight. The ligther bars minimize the risk of injury and fosters 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.

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 heavyweights. 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.

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:

Convert the angle to cosine:

cos(7∘)≈0.993

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:

Convert the angle to cosine:

cos(30∘)≈0.866

REN-2 Using Until October 2023.

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:

Angle (°)	Cosine Value	20lbs' Effective Weight	45lbs' Effective Weight
0	1	20.0	45.0
10	0.985	19.7	44.3
20	0.94	18.8	42.3
30	0.866	17.3	39.0
40	0.766	15.3	34.5
45	0.707	14.1	31.8
50	0.643	12.9	28.9
60	0.5	10.0	22.5
70	0.342	6.8	15.4
80	0.174	3.5	7.8
90	0	0.0	0.0

 

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Who Might Avoid It?

Functional Trainers: Free weights would be beneficial for those who focus on developing stabilizer muscles and an organic range of motion.

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

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