The Standard set of bar bells and dumb bells consists of a long bar about 1 inch in diameter and 4 to 7 feet long; two short bars from 12 to 16 inches long with collars to hold the plates in place on the ends; and an assortment of discs or bar bell plates from 1¼ lbs. each to 50 lbs. each.

A 7 foot bar is used in weight lifting competition and is so made that the sleeves on each end which hold the plates are on bearings to reduce the friction on the bar in turning as much as possible.

For general exercise purposes, a 5 or 6 foot bar is quite adequate and easier to use than the longer 7 foot one. The bar is made of steel and usually has knurled hand grips. The inside set collars are made of cast iron or steel and on a 5 foot exercise bar are set in about 10 inches from the ends of the bar. Read the rest of this entry »

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