Thread: can't lift the same amount

Depends, An olympic bar is MEANT to weigh 45lbs. But they range from 43-49lbs. Also the collars vary in weight

with the exception of any possible weight variations in equipment it's probably physcological...

I certainly prefer olympic stuff for most excersizes, if your using a 5 or 6' bar at your friends house that digs into your hands or something then maybe that just bothers you somehow. I know with the 5' bars the space is so little that I can hardly move with them as far as a bench or behind the neck press, because you just hit the plates.

Most of the time I'm using the same type equipment / bar&weights. I guess it's just in my head. It's like when I lay on
the bench and if it doesn't feel just like the bench that I'm used to then it runs through my head that I won't be able to bench as much today. And guess what, I don't bench as much.

I have the same problem when i work out with my dad and his buddies in Ohio. I think it may be psychological personally, but the different weight sets may weigh different from one another. Although in your case, it could just be that fact you're a pansey and cant lift weight to begin with.

I can always lift more at a public gym that at home, it's psychological with me.

I've had the same problem when using different equipment than I use on a daily basis.No bench will ever have the same feel to you.Some gyms may not have the same quality equipment,slight variances in bar sizes can change your grip enough to throw off your poundages.

It may be environment. For me, I hate to get to the gym and it's packed, but I also hate to get there and be the only one working out!!! I'm not trying to show off or outlift the next guy, but if there is a hand full of guys/gals really working hard, my workout intensity seems to jump up.

Definately in your head. How about anyone that has switched gyms. Most of the time is has been do to being uncomfortable on a bench, the bench is not wide enough (my shoulders hand over the sides), variances in the bar and just the overall atmosphere can run havoc on you!

Glad to see I'm not the only one.

Originally posted by Yanks20
Definately in your head. How about anyone that has switched gyms. Most of the time is has been do to being uncomfortable on a bench, the bench is not wide enough (my shoulders hand over the sides), variances in the bar and just the overall atmosphere can run havoc on you!

When I switched from Bally's to Powerhouse, I felt like frickin Hercules. My progress has increased tremendously since the switch. Maybe it's just because Powerhouse is full of serious lifters who don't screw around when they are there. It keeps me focused and motivated.

i actually went from Gold's to a small town gym that is much closer to the house. wife also started working there and my membership is free. it consists mostly of women and not so serious lifters. i had a hard time adjusting at first and felt like i was just going through the motions.

not until i got myself a new lifting partner and started becoming friendly with the owners did things get back on track for me. especially in the music department. they played all this techno dance sh*t that i couldn't stand. now as soon as i enter the gym we get to put on some serious lifting music! has made all the difference in the world.