How to load 135 lb
A 135 lb barbell is one 45 lb plate on each side of a 45 lb bar. Lifters call it "one plate". It is the best-known milestone in the gym.
- Subtract the bar. 135 lb minus 45 lb is 90 lb.
- Divide by 2. Each side carries 45 lb.
- Load one 45 lb plate on each side. Put the heaviest plate against the shoulder of the bar.
- Add a collar to each sleeve and check that both sides look the same.
Reaching 135 lb on the bench press is a first goal for many beginners. For the squat and deadlift it is usually a warm-up weight after the first month or two.
135 lb with other bars and plate sets
Your gym may use a different bar or may not own every plate. This table shows what changes.
| Setup | Total | Each side | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 lb bar, commercial gym | 135 lb | 45 x 1 | Exact |
| 45 lb bar, home set with 35 lb plates | 135 lb | 45 x 1 | Exact |
| 35 lb bar, commercial gym | 135 lb | 45 x 1, 5 x 1 | Exact |
| 45 lb bar with 1 lb spring collars | 137 lb | 45 x 1 | Closest (2 lb over) |
Warm-up sets for 135 lb
This ramp uses a 45 lb bar and the commercial gym plate set. Each warm-up is rounded to 5 lb, then to a load those plates can make. Change the percents in the calculator above to build your own ramp.
| Set | Weight | Each side |
|---|---|---|
| Empty bar | 45 lb | Bar only |
| 40% | 55 lb | 5 |
| 60% | 80 lb | 10 + 5 + 2.5 |
| 80% | 110 lb | 25 + 5 + 2.5 |
| Work set | 135 lb | 45 |
A tip for 135 lb
Check that both plates face the same way and sit against the shoulder of the bar. A plate that sits loose looks the same from the front but shifts during the lift.
Questions about 135 lb
How many plates do I need for 135 lb?
With a 45 lb bar you need 45 lb on each side: one 45 lb plate. That is 2 plates on the bar.
How much is 135 lb in kg?
135 lb is 61.2 kg. If your gym uses kg plates, switch the unit in the calculator and it picks a nearby load for you.