"The barbell is the most versatile piece of fitness equipment ever created. We didn’t create the barbell, but we’ve come the closest of any manufacturer to perfecting it with innovations dating back 40 years,” shares Doug Katona, CEO of American Barbell. “National Barbell Day is more than just a celebration of fitness; it's a testament to the strength and resilience of the fitness community. We’re excited to see gyms and athletes across the nation come together to honor the barbell’s rich history and its role in shaping modern fitness."
As part of National Barbell Day, American Barbell will be highlighting the history of the barbell across its social media, blog, and website platforms. Here is a brief history of the Barbell:
- 1860s: The first barbells evolved from dumbbells in Europe.
- Late 1800s: Traveling shows featured strongmen with early barbells.
- 1896: Weightlifting debuts at the Olympic Games, reappearing in 1920.
- 1908: The Milo Barbell Company introduces a loadable barbell.
- 1910: The Berg Barbell becomes the first to revolve easily during a lift.
- 1920: Weightlifting returns to the Olympic Games.
- 1928: The Amsterdam Olympics spark global interest in barbells.
- 1946: Joe and Ben Weider create the International Federation of Body Builders.
- 1948: The first Mr. Universe competition is held.
- 1950s: Powerlifting gains popularity.
- 1964: The Weightlifting Tournament of America hosts the first Powerlifting national championship.
- 1965: The inaugural Mr. Olympia competition.
- 1971: The first World Weightlifting Championships.
- 1977: The film Pumping Iron premieres, sparking a fitness craze.
- 1978: American Barbell begins manufacturing high-quality fitness equipment.
- 1998: American Barbell launches the first hard chrome bar.
- 2000: CrossFit is founded, popularizing Olympic lifting and barbells.
- 2006: Andy Bolton becomes the first powerlifter to deadlift 1000 lbs in competition.
- 2016: American Barbell introduces the first Cerakote California Olympic Bar.
- 2024: American Barbell launches the Chewy Bar.