Is a homemade barbell with the weights in the middle of the barbell just as effective as a barbell you'd find at a gym? (muscle, lift)

[Frozenfire88]

I'm thinking of making one like this: https://blog.squatwolf.com/wp-conten.../2020/06/c.gif. A barbell and a bookbag filled with heavy things. I know you can't do all barbell exercises using this homemade barbell. If the weights are in the middle as opposed to at the end, is it just as effective at gaining muscle and strength?

[tickyul]

The bar is fine, but you probably need some weight-plates to make it easier to do various exercises.

I just cut a solid section of 1-inch pipe and filled it with portland-cement. I put a couple
hose-clamps a foot or so from the end of the bar as weight-stops. I have about 130-pounds of plates, the bar holds it just fine.

[Driver 47]

They may hold the plates "just fine" but you're not getting the full range of motion. But if that works for you, ok then.

[tickyul]

You could easily make that bar much more functional with a little work, that setup is
awkward and limited.

[CoastieTX]

Can you use that bar to deadlift? Squat? Bench press? Overhead press? Row?

Nope.

Not the answer you’re looking for, but you’d be better off buying a chin-up bar and putting together a solid running and calisthenics workout routine. It’s not about the equipment…

[GSPNative]

Originally Posted by yologuy01

I'm thinking of making one like this: https://blog.squatwolf.com/wp-conten.../2020/06/c.gif. A barbell and a bookbag filled with heavy things. I know you can't do all barbell exercises using this homemade barbell. If the weights are in the middle as opposed to at the end, is it just as effective at gaining muscle and strength?

That would have the same effect as a kettlebell, right?

[sam812]

It is not as good as real equipment but it is way better than nothing.

[rabbit33]

If you can't afford actual equipment you can use a piece of steel pipe, two coffee cans; fill one coffee can with Quikrete, stand the bar up in it, wait to cure, flip over, repeat with the other can.

[E-Twist]

Some gyms are pretty inexpensive. But assuming you have a reason for not going to a gym, consider your needs. If you are a beginner and just getting started with toning there are plenty of things you can do without a barbell. If you stick with it then consider buying the real deal. Look for them used.

[sam812]

Originally Posted by E-Twist

Some gyms are pretty inexpensive. But assuming you have a reason for not going to a gym, consider your needs. If you are a beginner and just getting started with toning there are plenty of things you can do without a barbell. If you stick with it then consider buying the real deal. Look for them used.

Used is the way to go. People by exercise equipment all the time and only use it a few times. Then will basically give it away for pennies on the dollar. I recently bought a very nice used dumbbell set for less than a bar and bag of Quickrete costs.