A fit and well-shaped body – who doesn’t dream of that? Be it a man or woman every other person fancies to flaunt lean abs or a sexy bathing suit. However, one cannot set off on the journey to achieve a dream body by taking an easy road. The expedition to the dream body demands time, dedication, discipline, and hard work.
You must also set up the right mix of nutrition and exercise to achieve your ideal body weight. Although many gym equipments can be of help, there is one particular tool that happens to be a winner- the trap bar. Through this incredible piece of gym equipment, you can exalt your weight training to a whole new level.
This article is all about the details that you need to know about the trap bar. We will highlight the points like what is a trap bar, how much Trap Bars weigh, what is its proper usage, and the benefits that it delivers. So, without further ado, let’s get started with the article.
How much do Trap Bars weigh and Trap Bar- What is it?
Before answering how much Trap Bars weigh, we want to highlight what this equipment is. The trap bar also called the hex bar looks greatly like the chassis of a car as it comes in a diamond-like or hexagonal shape. This weight-lifting bar is not the latest creation, rather a powerlifting fanatic named Al Gerard devised and patented the tool about three decades ago.
Through his invention, Gerard intended to introduce a weight training alternative to help people suffering from lower back injuries. Since its launch, it has become a holy grail of gym gear. The majority of trainers, weightlifters, and fitness coaches recommend it as an alternative for squats and straight bar deadlifts. This tool might look a little weird to you at first but experts have termed the trap bar as one of the most ingenious gym equipment. Whenever used, the trap bar never fails to grace the weight training industry.
Let’s talk about its hexagonal or diamond-like design. Its patent design comes together after bending and welding an assembly of bars. After the process completion, the bar is set on a flat plain surface. There are three main components of the trap bar; the bar handles, the bar stock, and the coaxial stub bars.
Review these components for a better perspective:
The bar handles:
The handles help weightlifters in lifting the trap bar, either along with adding the weight plates or not. Welded within the hollow bar stock, the handles can be seen forming a 90° angle with the weight plates.
The bar stock:
Bar stock represents the bars that form the primary diamond or hexagonal shape when welded together. Its patent shape and design help weightlifters maintain their posture by standing in the center while lifting weights.
The coaxial stub bars:
You will notice two coaxial protrusions on the sides of the trap bar. These bars help in retaining the weight plates in their respective places.
Fact: The trap bar hails its name from the purpose of its creation the training of the trapezius muscles.
Types of the trap bar
Famous styles or brands of the trap bar are;
- The Conventional.
- The Gerard.
- Extra-large (XL) Trap Bars
How much do Trap Bars weigh?
Now we will move to the most frequently asked question about the trap bar- how much do trap bars weigh? Well, the answer is quite straightforward; the weight of a particular trap bar can be determined by assessing the type/style of the trap bar being used. We already mentioned earlier in the article that there are three major types of trap bars, which are housed by the local gyms. Those types are the Gerard, XL trap bars, and the Conventional trap bar. Let’s evaluate each type of trap bar separately.
- The Gerard: Weight lifters compare the Gerard to an Olympic barbell as this type of trap bar weighs around 45 pounds or 20 kilograms. Do note that there might be slight variations in weight calculations.
- Extra Large or XL trap bar: Trap bar lifters can rack up to 225 kilograms or 500 pounds using an XL trap bar. The weight of XL trap bars is calculated at around 25 kilograms or 55 pounds.
- Conventional trap bar: The weight of this standard type of trap bar is calculated to be two-thirds of the Gerard ones or 30% lighter as they are about 13.3 kilograms or 30 pounds.
Simple Steps to Determine How Much Trap Bars Weigh!
We have given you the basic weight figures for the most common types of trap bars. Now, if you struggle to measure the weight of the trap bar by yourself, we are laying down some simple steps for you to follow.
Now, if your gym keeps a big-sized weighing scale placement of the weights that are capacious enough to hold the entire bar trap, then there will be no issue in determining the trap bar weight. You will directly obtain the calculations.
If there is no such weighing facility available at your gym or your weighing scale is not powerful enough to hold the trap bar, here is an alternative method that you can use.
Step 1: Pick your weighing scale and measure your weight. Consider the answer as W1.
Step 2: Now lift the empty trap bar and measure your weight again on the weighing scale. Denote the measurement as W2.
Step 3: For the desired calculation, subtract W1 from W2. You will get the actual weight of your trap bar.
Nothing more than basic Math!
Benefits of the Trap Bar
Now that you are familiar with what a trap bar is and how much trap bars weigh, we are heading towards another big question that we need to cater to; what are the benefits of the trap bar? Here are some of the amazing benefits that you must know.
– A safe option for the lower back:
If you do something wrong during your training sessions, you put your body under strain. The first thing that you experience is lower back pain. Lower back pain is nothing less than a catastrophe as it may halt the training sessions or even shut down the whole body as well. Deadlifting using a straight bar can be disastrous for those who suffer from chronic back pain. When you use trap bars, you step inside the bar without hinging forward to grab it like the straight bar. Because of this ergonomic design of the trap bars, you don’t get your spine through unnecessary stress, which saves you from lower back pain.
– A beginner-friendly option:
It is quite straightforward and super easy to use. You stand in the center and pick it up. No experience or thorough biomechanics knowledge is required.
– A versatile tool:
Use a trap bar and add a variety of movements in your sessions such as Lunges, Shoulder Shrugs, Jump Squats, Split Squats, and much more.
Conclusion
We want to sum up the article by urging the fact that trap bars are a convenient addition to your training regime, no matter if you are a beginner or an experienced weight lifter. This article covered how much do trap bars weigh and much more. We hope that this information will help in deciding the best for your fitness.
You May Like: Guide to Hex Bar Deadlift Vs Barbell Deadlift
