Newbie questions about bar weight

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Hello,

Actually not quite a newbie but returning to weights. I’m doing StrongLifts 5x5 because it seems doable and not lots of twiddly bits.

I did my first one today and tried, and failed, to follow the app recommendations on bench press. I managed to do 10kg on bench press instead of 20kg, but the bar was flipping heavy. How do I factor that in? Is that just disregarded and / or bars in lifting stations a standard weight? I’ve not lifted this heavy really before and was pleased I could do most of it.

Standard bar is 20kg, most gyms will also have a lighter 15kg bar too.

So if I am reading your post correctly you added 10kg to the bar, so lifted 30kg?

Start off literally with the empty bar if you're struggling and get used to the feel of the bar. I always warm up with 10 reps on an empty bar and then add weight.

Thank you. I did the warm up with the empty bar, yes. I think added 10, so I guessed the total was 30kg.

I didn't see a lighter bar and went around feeling some. They had those pre-loaded ones but they wouldn't work with the rack thing due to lenght.

So - does that mean I bench pressed 30kg or 10kg - as an 'official total'? I want to know where I stand as a starting point.

You pressed 30kg

YAY! Pleased. I can lift my children up today mind 😄

*Can’t

That's normal too . Well done!

There is an ongoing weightlifting thread in main exercise section, by the way, lots of very knowledgeable and enthusiastic people.

Did you put 10kg plates both sides or two 5kg plates?

Thanks MsMartini I have been reading through it and will join. I have questions.

Strong 2 x 5kg plates.

If it was an Olympic bar it weighs 20kg so you lifted 30kg if the bar was a 20kg or you lifted 25kg if it was the 15kg bar