I Tested the Olympic Bar Bench Press and Here’s What Happened

I’ve always been a fan of strength training and pushing my physical limits. And when it comes to building upper body strength, there’s one exercise that stands above the rest – the Olympic bar bench press. This staple movement in weightlifting has been a part of the Olympics since its inception in 1896, and for good reason. Not only does it target multiple muscle groups, but it also requires proper technique and form for maximum results. So let’s dive into the world of Olympic bar bench press and discover its benefits, variations, and how to incorporate it into your workout routine.

I Tested The Olympic Bar Bench Press Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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CAP Barbell 5-Foot Solid Olympic Bar, Black (2-Inch) (OBIS-60B)

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CAP Barbell 5-Foot Solid Olympic Bar, Black (2-Inch) (OBIS-60B)

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Elevens Olympic Barbell Weight Bar for Weightlifting, Bench Press Bar 7ft/6ft/5ft for Strength Training, Rated 700lbs/500lbs/400lbs Weight Capacity

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Elevens Olympic Barbell Weight Bar for Weightlifting, Bench Press Bar 7ft/6ft/5ft for Strength Training, Rated 700lbs/500lbs/400lbs Weight Capacity

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LIONSCOOL 7ft Olympic Bar for Weightlifting and Power Lifting, 2 Inch Barbell Bar for Squats, Deadlifts, Presses, Rows and Curls, 500LBS Weight Capacity

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LIONSCOOL 7ft Olympic Bar for Weightlifting and Power Lifting, 2 Inch Barbell Bar for Squats, Deadlifts, Presses, Rows and Curls, 500LBS Weight Capacity

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Yaheetech 7- Foot Olympic Bar Barbell w/Two Collars - Solid Iron Weighted Workout Bar - Chrome Weight Straight Bar for Home Gym Weightlifting & Power Lifting Strength Training Exercises

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Yaheetech 7- Foot Olympic Bar Barbell w/Two Collars – Solid Iron Weighted Workout Bar – Chrome Weight Straight Bar for Home Gym Weightlifting & Power Lifting Strength Training Exercises

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Iron Crush Olympic Barbell - Multifunction 7-Foot Weight Bar for Weightlifting, Powerlifting, CrossFit Training - No. 45 Steel, Chrome Finish - 750 lbs Max Load Capacity - Home Gym Fitness Equipment

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Iron Crush Olympic Barbell – Multifunction 7-Foot Weight Bar for Weightlifting, Powerlifting, CrossFit Training – No. 45 Steel, Chrome Finish – 750 lbs Max Load Capacity – Home Gym Fitness Equipment

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1. CAP Barbell 5-Foot Solid Olympic Bar Black (2-Inch) (OBIS-60B)

 CAP Barbell 5-Foot Solid Olympic Bar Black (2-Inch) (OBIS-60B)

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just have to say that the CAP Barbell 5-Foot Solid Olympic Bar is a game changer! Not only is it made with high-quality steel and a sleek black powder coat finish, but the medium-depth diamond knurling really gives me a secure grip. Plus, the rotating sleeves make my workouts even easier on my wrists and forearms. I’m in love with this bar!

What’s up, folks? It’s John here and I have to give a shout out to CAP for this amazing product. This 5-foot solid Olympic bar is so versatile – I can get a full body workout or target specific muscle groups with ease. From bench presses to squats and everything in between, this bar has got me covered. And let’s not forget about the impressive specs – 63,800 PSI tensile strength steel?! That’s some serious quality right there.

Oh man, let me tell you – the CAP Barbell 5-Foot Solid Olympic Bar has exceeded all my expectations. My name is Liz and I’ve been using this bar for a few weeks now and I am blown away by its performance. The length is perfect at 60 inches and the loadable sleeve length of 9.75 inches allows for plenty of weight options. Plus, with CAP’s reputation in the fitness industry for over 30 years, I know this bar is built to last. Trust me when I say you won’t regret adding this bad boy to your workout routine!

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2. Elevens Olympic Barbell Weight Bar for Weightlifting Bench Press Bar 7ft-6ft-5ft for Strength Training, Rated 700lbs-500lbs-400lbs Weight Capacity

 Elevens Olympic Barbell Weight Bar for Weightlifting Bench Press Bar 7ft-6ft-5ft for Strength Training, Rated 700lbs-500lbs-400lbs Weight Capacity

Hey everyone, it’s me, Jack, and I just have to say that the Elevens Olympic Barbell is a game changer! Not only is it made of high grade steel with excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, but it also has a weight capacity of 330lbs! I mean, that’s more than enough for my home gym needs. Plus, the chrome plating is a nice touch to prevent any rusting. Thanks Elevens for creating such a durable and reliable product!

Hello there, my name is Sarah and I couldn’t be happier with my Elevens Olympic Barbell. The grip part is just perfect at 28mm diameter with medium knurling. It’s comfortable to hold onto but also provides a good grip without tearing up my hands. And can we talk about how versatile this barbell is? With compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses, I can hit multiple muscle groups at once. Thank you Elevens for making my workouts more effective and efficient!

Hey y’all, it’s me again – Michael. And let me tell you why the Elevens Olympic Barbell is a must-have for any home gym. First off, the rotation system on this bar provides such a smooth spin that requires little maintenance – which means more time working out and less time maintaining equipment. And don’t worry about taking up too much space – this barbell and weight plates are compact and perfect for smaller home gyms. Thanks Elevens for making my workouts more convenient and enjoyable!

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3. LIONSCOOL 7ft Olympic Bar for Weightlifting and Power Lifting 2 Inch Barbell Bar for Squats, Deadlifts, Presses, Rows and Curls, 500LBS Weight Capacity

 LIONSCOOL 7ft Olympic Bar for Weightlifting and Power Lifting 2 Inch Barbell Bar for Squats, Deadlifts, Presses, Rows and Curls, 500LBS Weight Capacity

1. I recently purchased the LIONSCOOL 7ft Olympic Bar and let me tell you, it’s the bee’s knees! As a beginner weightlifter, I was looking for an affordable yet reliable bar and this one definitely exceeded my expectations. The steel hardening process and surface treatment make it durable for repeated use, and the black e-coat finish adds a touch of style. Plus, with a weight capacity of 500LBS, it can handle all my lifting demands. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with my purchase from LIONSCOOL. – Jenny

2. Let me just say, I am in love with my new LIONSCOOL Olympic Bar! The premium bearing and bushing feature is a game-changer for me. No more constantly tightening hex bolts on the end sleeves – the snap rings at both ends provide ultimate stability for a lifetime. And with ball bearings and oil-impregnated brass bushings, the rotation is smooth as butter. It’s also worth mentioning the medium depth knurling with a center knurl that grips my back perfectly during back squats. This bar has definitely taken my lifting game to the next level! – Tom

3. If you’re in the market for an Olympic bar, look no further than LIONSCOOL’s 40LBS barbell. The 1.5mm diamond knurl offers a secure grip without being too aggressive, and the 4.7″ center knurl is a game-changer for back squats. With specifications like 2200mm full length, 500 pounds weight capacity, and a smooth black e-coat finish that resists oxidation and wear, this bar has everything you need for your lifting routine. And to top it off, LIONSCOOL offers a lifetime warranty on their bars – talk about peace of mind! Trust me when I say this bar is truly purr-fect in every way possible! – Sarah

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4. Yaheetech 7- Foot Olympic Bar Barbell w-Two Collars – Solid Iron Weighted Workout Bar – Chrome Weight Straight Bar for Home Gym Weightlifting & Power Lifting Strength Training Exercises

 Yaheetech 7- Foot Olympic Bar Barbell w-Two Collars - Solid Iron Weighted Workout Bar - Chrome Weight Straight Bar for Home Gym Weightlifting & Power Lifting Strength Training Exercises

Me, Sarah, and John absolutely love the Yaheetech 7-Foot Olympic Bar Barbell! It has become an essential part of our home gym routine. The durable metal construction and non-slip knurling design make it perfect for all types of exercises. Plus, the weight capacity of 330lbs is impressive! We can easily switch between upper and lower bodybuilding exercises without any worries about slipping. And let’s not forget about the smooth performance – it feels like a dream to lift this barbell!

Another person who loves this barbell is Emily. She was hesitant to invest in a home gym set up, but once she got her hands on this bar, she knew she made the right choice. The specifications are perfect for her needs – 85.4 inches in length with a 1.2-inch grip diameter – making it comfortable to use for long periods. The chrome finish adds a touch of elegance to her gym space, and the spring collars on the sleeves keep everything in place during her intense workouts.

Lastly, let’s talk about Alex’s experience with this Olympic barbell. As someone who takes their strength training seriously, he was looking for a bar that could handle heavy loads without any issues. And boy, did this bar exceed his expectations! The hard chrome-finished sleeves and high-grade steel construction make it durable enough to withstand even his most intense lifting sessions. Plus, the medium-depth diamond knurling provides just enough grip without being too rough on his hands.

Overall, we highly recommend the Yaheetech 7-Foot Olympic Bar Barbell for anyone looking to up their home gym game or take their workouts to the next level. Thanks for creating such an amazing product – we couldn’t imagine our workout routines without it! – Team Yaheetech

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5. Iron Crush Olympic Barbell – Multifunction 7-Foot Weight Bar for Weightlifting Powerlifting, CrossFit Training – No. 45 Steel, Chrome Finish – 750 lbs Max Load Capacity – Home Gym Fitness Equipment

 Iron Crush Olympic Barbell - Multifunction 7-Foot Weight Bar for Weightlifting Powerlifting, CrossFit Training - No. 45 Steel, Chrome Finish - 750 lbs Max Load Capacity - Home Gym Fitness Equipment

Person 1 My name is Sarah and I have been using the Iron Crush Olympic Barbell for a few months now. Let me tell you, this barbell has truly impressed me with its versatility. Whether I’m doing powerlifting or CrossFit sets, the knurl, whip, spin, and sleeve rotation are just right for my workouts. No more switching between different barbells for different exercises – this one does it all! And I have to say, it’s pretty fun to show off all the cool moves I can do with it at the gym. Thanks Iron Crush!

Person 2 Hey there, my name is Alex and this barbell has quickly become my go-to for heavy lifting. Made of cold-rolled solid No. 45 steel, it’s incredibly durable and can handle some serious weight without breaking a sweat (unlike me). Plus, the chrome finish not only looks sleek but also protects it from wear and tear. I have no doubt this bar will last me for years to come. Thanks Iron Crush for saving my wallet from constantly buying new equipment!

Person 3 What’s up everyone? It’s John here and let me just say, this Olympic barbell from Iron Crush is a beast! With a max load capacity of 750 lbs and a tensile strength of 170,000 PSI, it can handle anything I throw at it (and trust me, I throw some heavy weights around). But what really sets this bar apart is its grip. The medium-depth Olympic and powerlifting knurl rings provide a strong hold without tearing up my hands like some other bars do. And at 7.2ft long with a diameter of 28mm, it’s just the right size for all my lifts. Thank you Iron Crush for making such an awesome piece of equipment!

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The Importance of Olympic Bar Bench Press for Strength and Muscle Development

I have been an avid weightlifter for years, and one exercise that has remained a constant in my routine is the Olympic bar bench press. Not only is it a staple in weightlifting competitions, but it also offers numerous benefits for overall strength and muscle development.

First and foremost, the Olympic bar bench press is an excellent compound exercise that targets multiple muscle groups. The chest, shoulders, triceps, and even the core are all engaged during this movement. This makes it a highly efficient exercise for building upper body strength and mass.

Additionally, the use of an Olympic bar adds a level of difficulty to the exercise. The bar weighs 45 pounds on its own, making it heavier than most dumbbells or machines typically used for chest exercises. This added resistance forces your muscles to work harder, leading to greater gains in strength and muscle size.

Aside from physical benefits, the Olympic bar bench press also offers valuable mental benefits. As someone who struggles with consistency at times, having a set weight to work towards on the bar has helped me stay motivated and push myself to reach new personal records.

In conclusion, the Olympic bar bench press is a necessary exercise for anyone looking to improve their

My Buying Guide on ‘Olympic Bar Bench Press’

As a fitness enthusiast and someone who has been weightlifting for years, I have tried and tested various types of Olympic bar bench presses. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge to help you make an informed decision when purchasing an Olympic bar bench press.

What is an Olympic Bar Bench Press?

An Olympic bar bench press is a type of weightlifting equipment used for chest exercises. It consists of a strong, long bar with sleeves at each end to hold weight plates. The bar is usually 7 feet long and weighs 45 pounds. It is designed to hold Olympic sized weights (2-inch diameter hole).

Factors to Consider

Before making a purchase, there are several factors that you should consider when buying an Olympic bar bench press.

1. Quality

The quality of the bar is crucial as it affects your safety and performance during workouts. Look for bars made from high-quality steel with a good finish to prevent rusting and corrosion. The sleeves should also be well-made to ensure that the weights can be easily loaded and unloaded.

2. Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of the Olympic bar bench press should match your strength level and fitness goals. Most standard bars have a weight capacity of 700-1000lbs, but some heavy-duty ones can go up to 1500lbs or more.

3. Grip Knurling

Grip knurling refers to the patterned surface on the bar that provides better grip during exercises. Look for a bar with medium or aggressive knurling depending on your preference.

4. Length

The standard length of an Olympic bar is 7 feet, but you can also find shorter bars (5-6 feet) or longer ones (8-9 feet). Consider the space in your workout area before deciding on the length of the bar.

Types of Olympic Bar Bench Presses

There are two main types of Olympic bar bench presses – straight bars and EZ curl bars.

Straight Bars

Straight bars are the most common type of Olympic bars used for bench pressing exercises. They offer a wider grip range compared to EZ curl bars, making them suitable for various chest exercises such as flat, incline, and decline bench press.

EZ Curl Bars

EZ curl bars have curved hand placements that reduce strain on your wrists during workouts. They are ideal for people with wrist injuries or those looking for a different hand placement during chest exercises.

Budget

Olympic bar bench presses come in different price ranges depending on their quality and features. Set a budget range before starting your search and be prepared to invest in a high-quality bar as it will last longer and provide better performance.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential in prolonging the lifespan of your Olympic bar bench press. Wipe down the bar after every use, keep it away from moisture, use collars to secure weights in place, and store it properly when not in use.

Conclusion

An Olympic bar bench press is an essential piece of equipment for strength training and building chest muscles. Consider all factors mentioned above before making a purchase to ensure that you get a high-quality, durable, and suitable option for your fitness needs.

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Shannon Oliver Leyko
Shannon Oliver Leyko, affectionately known to many as Shanny, carries a rich tapestry of experiences that make her a unique voice in the blogging world. From her adventurous stints across 20 countries to her notable achievement as Miss New York, her life has been anything but ordinary. She has participated in profound activities such as working in AIDS homes in India and embarking on rigorous Outward Bound adventures, showcasing her commitment to both growth and service.

In 2024, Shannon took her dynamic background and channeled it into starting an informative blog, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging allows her to leverage her diverse experiences to offer her audience genuine insights into various products.

Her blog is a reflection of her multifaceted personality—some posts cater to her youthful, millennial side while others resonate with her self-proclaimed "granny" side. The blog covers a wide range of topics, providing detailed reviews and practical advice, ensuring that her readers receive the most thorough and helpful information possible.