Why You Need to Maintain Your Barbell
Your barbell comes into contact with yourself extensively. On the surface, there is certainly sweat and human oil. There also may be chalk, rust or even blood. Left untreated, the bar becomes corroded and will basically be a playground for bacteria. Then, other than the hygiene nightmare, you will also find it hard to take a firm grip on it and perform a proper rep.
What’s more, inside, the lubricant between the sleeves and the shaft may run out and the sleeves stop rotating smoothly.
All of this put you at risk!
In short, you need to do proper maintenance on your barbell. Your goal is to get fit, and the barbell is your tool. Keep your tool sharp to achieve your goal.
If you own a barbell and have never performed maintenance on it, you should follow the steps below and start now.
Maintenance Interval
As a general guideline, it's recommended to perform regular maintenance on your barbell at least once every few months or whenever you notice signs of wear, dirt buildup, or decreased performance.
You may also want a shorter interval if you live in a humid area or near the sea.
What to Maintain
- The shaft, which the main part of the bar in the middle (especially the knurls, which are the textured parts where you grip the bar)
- The sleeves, which are the two shorter parts on each end of the shaft
- The bushings that connect the shaft and the sleeves
What Tools to Use
- A Nylon brush, preferably with short and firm bristles
- Mild detergent
- Lubricant such as 3-in-1 oil
- A piece of clean cloth
How to maintain your barbell
Step 1: Take the barbell off the rack and put it on your work table. Remember to elevate it above the surface with such things as weight plates. This gives you enough space to work. Also make sure to secure it in place to prevent any accidental movement or falling.
Step 2: Apply the mild detergent on the shaft (mostly the knurls) and scrub it with the nylon brush. Get out any chalk, dirt, debris, etc. in there. If needed, do it to the sleeve surface, too.
Step 3: Wipe the entire bar with the cloth to leave it as clean as possible.
Step 4: Apply the 3-in-1 oil on the bar. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then wipe it again. Make sure that the bar does not feel oily or sticky after.
Step 5: Lift the bar and make it stand on one end. Apply the 3-in-1 oil on the bushing closer to the floor. Leave it standing there. This allows the lubricant to sink inside the sleeve to ensure smooth rotation.
Step 6: Chill for a few hours.
Step 7: Flip the bar around, and repeat the same procedure to the other bushing.
Step 8: Make sure that the barbell is thoroughly dry before you putting it back on the rack.
Congratulations, you are done. But remember not to leave it standing on one end. That would put the sleeve under unnecessary pressure.
A Few More Words
Do you own a barbell? What exercises do you do with it? Comment below to let us know.
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