Have you ever been to Planet Fitness and used a Smith machine there? Then you may have wondered about the Planet Fitness Smith machine bar weight. Unlike the usual Olympic barbell, which weighs around 45 pounds, the Planet Fitness Smith machine bar weight could be a lot different than that.
The thing is that the guided bar construction and the balancing technique used in many machines differ from that of a free-weight barbell. This makes the machine bar weigh less than the Olympic bar.
As per the latest statistics, the starting resistance of the Smith machine in Planet Fitness is somewhere between 15 and 25 pounds, but this number can differ according to the model and the club itself.
The most important thing in the process of working out is to calculate the starting resistance of your particular machine.
Table of Contents
What Is the Planet Fitness Smith Machine?
A Smith machine is a weight machine where the bar moves within fixed or guided rails.
Unlike free barbells, the bar is restricted in its movement to only one particular path. Exercises such as squats, bench presses, lunges, and overhead presses can become easier for some people using Smith machines.
It is important to note that Smith machines can feature counterbalances. The counterbalance minimizes the force needed to lift the unloaded bar.
That is why it is wrong to think that the bar has a standard weight of 45 pounds.
How to Find the Exact Bar Weight at Your Planet Fitness
The best way to determine the correct starting resistance would be to take a look at the machine.
- Locate a Label
There is usually a label on most Smith machines stating the starting resistance of the particular piece of equipment.
This is definitely preferable to an internet estimate.
- Ask the Staff Members
If there is no such label on the machine, ask one of the staff members to identify the machine and its starting resistance.
- Determine the Machine Model
There are various Smith machines produced by different manufacturers with different starting resistances.
Identifying the brand and model of the machine is going to help you determine the correct equipment specifications.
- Do Not Assume That Another Location Uses the Same Equipment
Planet Fitness is a network of franchises, and each club has different equipment.
Thus, the experience of one member might not reflect the truth about the equipment in another location.
Specific information states that various Smith machine models have different starting resistances.
How Much Does the Planet Fitness Smith Machine Bar Weigh?
There is no universal weight for all Planet Fitness Smith machines.
However, according to available data, many of the machines offer a starting resistance ranging between 15 and 25 pounds.
Planet Fitness Smith machine starting resistance has been reported as 15, 20, and 25 pounds as well.
Quick Reference
| Smith Machine Starting Resistance | Approximate Kilograms |
| 15 lb | 6.8 kg |
| 20 lb | 9.1 kg |
| 25 lb | 11.3 kg |
| 30 lb | 13.6 kg |
| 45 lb | 20.4 kg |
The values provided are convenient for comparison purposes but should not be considered as universal Planet Fitness specifications.
Why Is the Bar Not 45 Pounds?
A common Olympic barbell usually weighs about 45 pounds.
The Smith machine is an exception.
The bar is fixed into some guiding mechanisms and can be counterbalanced. Counterbalancing results in a smaller resistance experienced by the user.
For instance, the bar itself can weigh more, but the machine’s counterbalance will provide significantly reduced starting resistance.
This difference is worth remembering:
Physical weight of the bar ≠ Effective resistance in lifting.
While recording the Smith machine training session, it is better to use the starting resistance provided by the machine rather than consider that the bar is 45 pounds.
What Does It Mean To Be Counterbalanced?
To be counterbalanced means that another mechanism on the machine balances a certain portion of the bar’s weight.
It is done to make the bar easier to manipulate when there are no weights attached to it.
It can be convenient for new users since the empty machine can demand much less strength than a regular barbell.
However, the systems of counterbalance vary from brand to brand.
How to Calculate Your Total Smith Machine Weight
After finding out the starting resistance, it becomes relatively easy to calculate the weight.
Total weight = Smith machine starting resistance + weight of plates
For instance, let’s assume the starting resistance of the machine is 20 pounds.
In case you use two 10-pound plates on each side, the weight of the plates would be:
10 + 10 = 20 pounds
Hence, your total approximate weight would be:
20 + 20 = 40 pounds
Or if the starting resistance of the machine is 25 pounds, then the total approximate weight would be:
25 + 20 = 45 pounds
And that’s the reason you should know the starting resistance.
What Should You Do If You Cannot Determine the Starting Resistance of the Machine?
Even if you don’t know what the starting resistance of the machine is, you can still track your training.
An efficient way is to write down:
- Machine used
- Plates
- Repetitions
- Sets
- Date
- Exercise name
For instance:
Smith Squat – 2 × 25 lb plates – 10 repetitions × 3 sets
The main point here is always to use one machine.
If you change it, make sure to write it down because the starting resistance might be different.
Planet Fitness Smith Machine vs. Olympic Barbell
The Smith machine and a traditional Olympic barbell are not directly equivalent.
| Feature | Smith Machine | Olympic Barbell |
| Bar movement | Guided | Free |
| Starting resistance | Varies by machine | Commonly 45 lb |
| Counterbalance | Often present | No |
| Stabilization required | Lower | Higher |
| Movement path | Fixed/guided | Controlled by lifter |
| Equipment variation | High | More standardized |
Why Smith Machine Weight Feels Different
There are several variables that can affect the experience on a Smith machine.
Guided Movement
Movement occurs along a set path, eliminating the need to stabilize the bar in various directions.
Counterbalance
The counterweight might reduce the actual starting resistance.
Angle of Rails
Some Smith machines have vertically positioned rails, while some utilize a more angled movement pattern.
Condition of Machine
Various mechanical components, such as maintenance, lubrication, and bearing quality, can affect the smoothness of the movement.
Type of Exercise
The Smith machine squat can be different from the Smith machine bench press due to differences in position and mechanics.
Is Smith Machine Weight Considered Real?
Yes.
Resistance moved using the machine creates mechanical work and demands on the muscles regardless of equipment used.
The load has to be considered relative to the equipment used, however.
A Smith machine does not duplicate a barbell since the equipment itself is doing some of the work.
Stop focusing on whether Smith machine weight is “real” and focus on making consistent progress.
Performing 3 sets of 10 reps with a certain resistance at this moment in time and gradually increasing resistance or reps with proper technique means that you are making training progress.
Is the Smith Machine Good for Beginners?
This is because the guided bar path will make certain exercises easier to learn and execute.
However, even as a beginner, one must learn correct techniques and form.
Begin by using a small resistance and learn the move before adding more weight to the bar.
For instance, when doing the Smith Squat:
- Set the safety stops properly.
- Get yourself comfortably under the bar.
- Take the appropriate stance.
- Start with a light resistance.
- Descend controlledly.
- Maintain stable footing.
- Do not add any weight until you have mastered the form.
If you are new to the equipment, consult a qualified fitness trainer in your gym.
Smith Machine Bar Weight and Progressive Overload
Progressive overload means gradually increasing the training challenge over time.
You can achieve this by increasing:
- Weight
- Repetitions
- Sets
- Training volume
- Exercise difficulty
- Movement quality
Knowing the starting resistance helps you track weight progression more accurately.
For example:
| Week | Starting Resistance | Added Plates | Total |
| 1 | 20 lb | 20 lb | 40 lb |
| 2 | 20 lb | 30 lb | 50 lb |
| 3 | 20 lb | 40 lb | 60 lb |
| 4 | 20 lb | 50 lb | 70 lb |
Common Mistakes When Calculating Smith Machine Weight
Starting From The Assumption That All Smith Machines Weigh 45 Pounds
This assumption is probably the most popular mistake.
The number 45 pounds normally means the average Olympic barbell, not the machine in question.
Assumption That All Planet Fitness Gyms Have the Same Machines
Machines may vary from location to location.
Failure To Take Into Account the Starting Resistance
If there is any starting resistance sticker attached to the machine, do not forget to take it into account to determine your effective weight.
Comparing Directly the Smith and Free-Barbell Values
Due to the design of the Smith machine, the mechanics of the exercise will vary.
Changing the Recording Method
If in the first week you record the plates only and the starting resistance in the following one, it will be difficult to compare your results.
Choose one recording method that suits you best.
How Much Should I Begin With?
There is no universal starting weight for everyone.
The starting resistance should be chosen according to:
- Experience
- Your strength
- Type of the exercise
- Mobility
- Technique
- Injuries
- Overall health state
It should allow you enough opportunities to make extra repetitions using good technique.
Final Thoughts
Planet Fitness Smith machine bar weight isn’t just one figure that applies to every facility. The current information available suggests that the average starting weight of many machines ranges between 15 and 25 pounds, even though some models can vary.
The best way to find out the actual starting weight of the machine is to see the label on the machine or ask the gym employees. Remember that you shouldn’t assume that the Smith machine bar equals the 45-pound Olympic barbell.