How Much Does A Smith Machine Bar Weigh
HOW MUCH DOES A SMITH MACHINE BAR WEIGH? – Smith machine bars can weight anywhere from 6lbs to ~45lbs, but the average range is somewhere between 15-25lbs at most commercial gyms. The reason for the big differences in bar weight is the bar material, counterbalances, and angle of rails (although the angle of the rail doesn’t play a huge factor in the weight off the bar).

  1. BAR MATERIAL: The type of steel used for many Smith machine bar is different than that of an Olympic bar.
  2. Olympic bars are made out of high strength steel as they must be able to handle a lot of stress on their own without bending (or with flex).
  3. The tensile strength is higher for an Olympic bar, and with that, the weight of the bar itself is greater.

Smith machine bars have additional support with the clamps, bearings and slides, so they don’t need the same tensile strength to carry the same amount of weight. So, a Smith machine bar is generally a little lighter, but it’s not as if a smith machine can’t handle the same weight as a barbell.

  1. Most commercial Smith machines have a 600-1000lb max capacity, which is right on par with Olympic barbells.
  2. In regards to the barbell size, they are the same as an Olympic bar, with exception to some less expensive residential style Smith machines which have 1 inch sleeves.
  3. Any commercial Smith machine is going to have 2 inch sleeves just like an Olympic barbell.

In fact, some smith machines actually use an Olympic barbell. In summary, generally speaking, most Smith machine bars are a little lighter than an Olympic barbell because they don’t need the same tensile strength. For most, the bar itself will weigh 25-40lbs (if you were to remove the bar from the Smith machine, that’s how much it would weigh).

  1. Then you can also factor in the bearings, clamps and hooks, which may add an additional couple pounds.
  2. HOWEVER, some Smith machines use counterbalances, and if they have this mechanism, even if the bar weighs 40lbs, they can make it function as less.
  3. Let us explain.
  4. COUNTERBALANCES: If you are talking about high-end new Smith machines, which many commercial gyms have, then it’s likely the bar is counterbalanced.

Typically, residential-made Smith machines don’t have counterbalances and commercial-made Smith machines do. So, if you are working out at places like Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, Life Time, Equinox, or Gold’s Gym, then the Smith machine is probably counterbalanced.

  1. And if you have a home gym Smith machine, then it’s probably not.
  2. A counterbalanced bar will feel lighter, generally 6-20lbs.
  3. The reason for the range is how much it is counterbalanced.
  4. Either way, you should definitely be able to feel the difference between a bar that is counterbalanced and a bar that is not when it is unloaded.

So, how do counterbalanced Smith machine barbells work? Think about it like a balancing scale. The bar is on one side of the scale and a set of weights within the Smith machine on the other. But, rather than have them weigh an even amount, the barbell purposely weighs more.

So, let’s say the bar itself weighs 40lbs and the set of weight on the other side weighs 20lbs, then the bar will feel, and for all intents and purposes, weigh, 20lbs when using it on the Smith machine. The manufacturer may decide to counterbalance it more or less. There is no standardized method for this, which is why counterbalanced Smith machine bars usually weigh anywhere from 6 to 20-25 pounds.

Be that as it may, there is some certain logic that must be followed. For one, you obviously don’t want to counterbalance the bar to make it even. I mean, you could make it even, which would leave the bar weighing 0lbs, but then the bar would fly up the top of the Smith machine at the slightest touch.

In fact, it would do this similarly even at just a couple pounds. Once you get to 6lbs+, it proves to work just perfectly. Now, the benefit of having it on the lower range of this counterbalanced scale is that the starting weight is good for people who are new to training. Thus, the Smith machine is accessible to all fitness levels, as more advanced/stronger trainees can simply add plates to get the weight they need, and as you can remember, a Smith machine can handle very heavy loads.

It’s actually quite impressive that a high-end counterbalanced Smith machine can range from 6lbs (the barbells starting weight) to 1,000lbs (max load capacity)! Anyway, moving on. ANGLE OF THE RAILS: While you might think a Smith machine bar moves perfectly straight up and down, many Smith machines have their rails set on a slight incline.

Why? The intention of using a slight incline bar path is that it better matches the natural movement path for big compound movements like squats and bench press. Note: Usually commercial Smith machines have an incline (7-12˚) and residential Smith machines are perfectly straight up and down. Now, besides offering a potentially more natural movement path, the slight incline also changes the weight of the bar.ever so slightly.

The more vertical the bar, the more you feel its full weight. So, Smith machine bars that have a slight incline will make the bar feel like slightly less. That said, it is very minimal. After all, even a 12 degree incline is still very steep. It may only make it feel 1-2lbs less.

How much weight does a Smith machine bar weigh?

The Smith machine bar weight is typically between 15 to 25 lbs. But it can range from 6 to 45 lbs. There are no standardized Smith machine specifications, so the weight will depend on the model/brand, type of material used, and size of the bar.

Is a Smith machine bar 20kg?

Curious about exactly how much you are lifting each time you step into a Smith Machine? Here’s a breakdown of how much a Smith Machine bar weighs. When you step into a Smith Machine to strength train, you want to focus on form and technique and pushing yourself to the limit. Not doing space math to figure out how much you may or may not be lifting. Which is why it’s so key to have a clear understanding of how heavy the barbell in the Smith Machine is.

  • How Much a Smith Bar Weighs: Counter-balanced bars weigh between 6-20lbs, while other Smith Machine bars weigh between 20-45lbs.
  • Unlike an Olympic barbell, which weighs a standard 44lbs (20kg), there is no regulated or official weight for the bars used inside a Smith Machine.
  • Further, the bar weight is influenced by what type of Smith machine you are using.

In this article, we will look at the various weights of Smith Machine bars, and how you can tell how much yours weigh. Let’s jump right in.

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Is a Smith machine bar 45 lbs?

Most people are familiar with the typical 45 pounds that a standard barbell weighs. This kind of barbell is called an Olympic barbell, and these free weights are pretty much standardized no matter what gym you go to. When doing barbell bench presses, traditional deadlifts, shoulder presses, or any other type of weightlifting, they can simply add 45 pounds to however much the weight plates they are using weigh to calculate the total amount of weight they are lifting.

  1. It becomes a bit more difficult when people use a smith machine, which is incredibly versatile and can be used for anything from back squats to smith machine bench presses.
  2. These machines are extremely helpful for when you do not have a spotter since most smith machines have a safety bar that you can set just in case you aren’t able to complete the movement of the smith machine squat or whatever exercise you are doing.

This makes smith machines an incredibly popular choice for those who go to the gym solo and those who have at-home gym setups, Smith machines also help you improve your form and are generally a great way for beginners to get used to working out, Unfortunately, answering the question, “how much does a smith machine bar weigh?” is not as simple as the same question for free-weight bars or dumbbells.

  1. This is because there is not actually a standardized weight for smith machine bars, and smith machine bars can weigh anywhere from approximately 6lbs to 45lbs.
  2. There are many variables that must be taken into account since there are different types of smith machines, different gyms have different brands of smith machines, and commercial smith machines also vary in weight depending on the brand.

We will clear up some of the confusion by telling you what makes some smith machines different than others and the weight of the smith machine bar for some of the most popular brands.

How much does a Smith machine rack bar weigh?

How Much Does a Smith Machine Bar Weigh? – The Smith machine bars can weigh somewhere between 7 pounds and 30 pounds depending on the material type, counterbalancing, construction, and angle of the rails. By now, you probably know the answer to the above question isn’t simple.

To figure out how much the Smith machine bar at your gym weighs, you need to assess the mechanics of the machine. In this article, you will find the bar weights of some of the most common Smith machines used in commercial and home gyms and also a way to reliably weigh the Smith bar you have access to at your home or gym.

Tip: If you’re unsure about the weight of your Smith bar, you should begin by checking for a label on the machine, as many brands label the weight of the bar on the side of the equipment. Nonetheless, you will find the bar weight of most big-name Smith machine brands on this list. Related: Barbell Weights: Learn How Much Barbells Weigh

How many kg is a Smith machine bar?

Sizing Up the Smith Machine Bar Weight: Is it Heavier Than You Think? Ever wondered if the smith machine bar weight is heavier than you think? Most people who enter the gym encounter the standard 20 kg (45 lb) barbell (Smith machine bar), also known as an Olympic barbell. Smith machine bar weight. (Image via Pinterest)

How much does the bar weigh in kg?

How Much Does a Barbell Weigh? – Although many barbells look similar, there are actually a variety of types and sizes of barbells. Barbell weights depend on the particular type of barbell, the overall dimensions, and the material used to create the barbell.

Novices and beginners often assume that there are “standard” barbells and that the weight of the barbell is standardized accordingly. However, as an increasing number of manufacturers are designing and creating barbells for different uses and at different price points, the weight of what appears to be a standard barbell can actually range significantly, from as little as 3 pounds to 30 pounds or more.

On the other hand, there is much more standardized sizing for Olympic barbells, and the Olympic barbell weights are more straightforward and clearly defined. A standard Olympic barbell is 220 centimeters or 86.6 inches long and weighs 20 kg or nearly 45 pounds. A women’s Olympic barbell is 6.5 feet long and weighs 33 pounds or 15 kg. The shaft is 51 inches and 25 mm in diameter, and the sleeves are 2 inches in diameter. Finally, the barbell weight for the Olympic barbell for juniors is 22 pounds, or 10 kg, and measures 5.5 feet long.

Overall, Olympic barbells are longer, heavier, and stronger than what most people consider to be standard barbells found in home gyms and commercial gyms. They can hold more weight, often upwards of 1000 pounds, whereas most standard barbells have a much lower maximum weight capacity in the neighborhood of 300 pounds.

Besides differences in the barbell weights, the size of the collars on standard and Olympic barbells also differ. The collars are the portions on either end of the bar where you load up your weight plates. When comparing standard barbells vs. Olympic barbells, the collars on standard barbells are typically fixed, not designed to rotate, and often have a 1-inch diameter or slightly larger. In contrast, Olympic barbells have a standardized 2-inch diameter that is designed to rotate freely. The rotation helps to dissipate the torque and transfer it to the weight plates instead of your body to reduce the risk of injury and improve comfort.

Although many people mistakenly call all straight barbells with 2-inch sleeves rather than 1-inch sleeves an Olympic barbell rather than a standard barbell, not all barbells with 2-inch sleeves are necessarily Olympic barbells. Olympic barbells have standardized weights, dimensions, knurling, and whip.

In addition to standard straight barbells and Olympic barbells, there are a variety of specialized barbells. The sizes, shapes, and weights of these barbells can vary significantly. Powerlifting bars are even stronger and more rigid than Olympic barbells because they are designed for the heaviest lifting loads. They are specifically designed for the “Big 3 Lifts” in powerlifting—bench press, squat, and deadlift. In accordance with the guidelines set by the International Powerlifting Federation, powerlifting barbells also must meet standardized sizes and weights.

The bar must be no longer than 2.2 meters, or 7 feet, 4 inches, and powerlifting barbells weigh 20 kg or about 44 pounds. The shaft itself is always between 1.31 and 1.32 meters, which is 51-52 inches and is 29 mm thick. There is often aggressive center knurling for powerlifting bars for back squats but none for deadlifts.

There are smooth rings located 810 mm apart on the shaft to guide hand placement for certain lifts. Let’s take a look into some more detailed information for different types of barbells.

Do all bars weigh 20kg?

Weight Lifting Bars: Men’s, Women’s & Youth – Barbells come in different weights depending on the goals and requirements of the activity,20kg weightlifting bars The reason for this is because end-users find this bar most useful as it can be used for multiple common gym exercises.

  • Taking that into consideration, it is the most commonly used bar on the gym floor.
  • Despite 20kg being widely used, weightlifting bars can be weighted at three different weights for Olympic competition: 10kg, 15kg and 20kg.
  • Some companies cater to all three, but not all do.
  • These bars can be hard to distinguish between, but usually they can be identified by different amounts of knurling, length of the bar, thickness of the bar and sometimes by the weights of the bar branded onto the end.
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The following are the specifications for each bar:

Can you lift more on a Smith machine?

What’s Wrong With The Smith Machine? – Ok, so it’s basically just a barbell attached to a safety rail system. It lets people lift weights safely by themselves without a spotter. Doesn’t sound so bad does it? Why does this piece of equipment get hated on by so many weight lifters? Well, for a couple of reasons really.

First of all, I mentioned that the Smith machine limits forward/backward movement. The bar only moves vertically. This motion restriction affects your form during exercise. You basically have to alter your form to fit the machine. Folks that are used to lifting free weights don’t like this because it can make your form feel unnatural.

If you’re not careful, this motion restriction can also put additional stress through your joints. This can actually increase your chances of injury, something nobody wants. This is especially common during squats if you aren’t paying attention to your foot placement.

  1. The biggest reason so many serious athletes and body builders hate Smith machines though, is that this device makes lifting easier.
  2. If you are trying to increase strength and power, you don’t want to make the moves easier.
  3. It takes away from the purpose of lifting free weights in the first place.
  4. How does it make lifting easier? The Smith machine controls the bar for you (it won’t let the bar move forward or backward) as you lift.

The machine is essentially do the work your smaller, stabilizing muscles should be doing. For example, during shoulder press, your rotator cuff isn’t going to work nearly as hard because the bar is already stabilized by the safety rail. Same thing with your core during squats.

  • Some Smith machines have bars that are actually counterbalanced.
  • This actually helps you bring the bar back up.
  • With these systems, you have the bar stabilized for you and the machine is actually helping you lift it back up.
  • This is going to significantly reduce the work your muscles have to do during the exercise.

You will also notice that you can lift more weight on a Smith machine than you can with a free weight barbell. Some people might actually like this Smith machine for this reason because they feel they are doing more work by lifting more weight. But if the machine is helping you during the lift, are you actually getting any benefit from the extra weight? Most body builders would say no.

Motion is restricted They can add stress through joints They make the lift easier, thus decreasing gains

So if traditional lifters say “no” to the Smith machine, what do they use to safely lift? The answer would be a, A power rack is a great piece of equipment for serious lifting because it too can spot you, but without the assistance provided by the safety rails.

Do you count the bar weight?

Yes, you count the bar – Let’s start with the basics. When you tell somebody how much weight you lifted, that includes the total poundage that you had in your hands. The bar is part of that. At most gyms in the US, a typical barbell is seven feet long and weighs either 45 pounds, or 20 kilograms (which works out to 44 pounds).

  • If the rest of your weight plates are in pounds, go ahead and assume it’s 45.
  • If your gym has multiple sizes of bar, check the end for a label giving the weight, or ask somebody.
  • Olympic style weightlifting is done with a 20 kilogram bar for men, and a shorter, narrower 15 kilogram bar for women.
  • The main advantage of the women’s bar, if you’re a woman, is that it’s easier to grip.) Your gym might also have smaller training bars—five kilograms is one common weight.

Home exercise equipment sometimes uses a one-inch-wide bar without the wider collars you’ll see on Olympic or powerlifting gear; those bars are lighter, and you should weigh yours or check the package to see what you’ve got. If you’re lifting with a Smith machine, or any other kind of machine, don’t bother trying to figure out how much the machine or its bar weighs.

Do all bars weigh 45?

People, who are new to weightlifting or want to acquire a barbell for their home gym, sometimes ask themselves, “How much does a barbell weigh?” First and foremost, a barbell is a piece of exercise equipment that may be used for weightlifting and other forms of strength training.

  • This device consists of a very long metal, usually steel, rod with sleeves for weight plates at both ends.
  • It may be used for squatting, deadlifting, bench presses, and many other exercises, making it a very versatile piece of equipment.
  • A barbell’s intended purpose and usage might affect the barbell’s weight.

Not every barbell will end up weighing the same. It largely depends on the type of barbell. Usually barbells weigh between 15 and 25 pounds (7-11kg), whereas Olympic barbells, used in competitive weightlifting, weigh 45 pounds (20kg). It is vital to choose a weight that is appropriate for your build and fitness goals.

I’ll be talking about the different kinds of barbells available and their typical weights, as well as guidance on choosing the right one for your needs. How much does a barbell weigh? How much does a barbell weigh depends on what type of barbell you are talking about and other factors such as the material used, bar diameter, bar length, knurling, and collars.

An Olympic barbell, for instance, typically wights 45 lb (20kg), while a standard one will weigh anywhere from 15-25 lb (7-11kg).

Is Smith machine heavier than free weight?

1. Free Weights Are More Functional – Free weights make lifts more functional because they mimic movements you make in everyday life. “You need to be able to balance, so working your small stabilizer muscles during your workouts will have great carryover into activities of daily living,” Pak explains.

Because the Smith machine stabilizes the weight for you, your main movers are still working hard, but the small stabilizers that often assist in a lift no longer need to contribute, she says. “This can allow you to lift a little more weight and/or perform more reps because you don’t have the added element of balance to make the movement more challenging.” The Smith machine also makes the weight lighter.

For example, the standard barbell weighs 45 pounds, but the Smith machine reduces the weight by 10, 15 or 20 pounds; it’s impossible to know the exact amount.

Does Smith machine remove bar weight?

The Smith machine is designed to make the bar glide up and down, and the apparatus on the sides of the machine that allows it to slide also can make the bar lighter. Many Smith machines reduce the bar’s weight by 10, 15 or 20 pounds.

How heavy is the bar at the gym?

Standard Barbell – Your standard straight barbell weighs 45 pounds, is about 7 feet long, and can be used for most lifts, including squats, deadlifts, bent-over rows, overhead presses, and even biceps curls, says Wickham.

How much does an EZ bar weigh?

An EZ curl bar is a very popular piece of gym equipment found in home gyms or commercial gyms. It is a versatile bar used for many different exercises to train all parts of the body. What is the standard EZ bar weight? The standard EZ curl bar in most gyms weighs 10.5 lbs.

  1. But standard EZ curl bars can vary from 10 to 15 lbs (4.5 to 6.8kg).
  2. Other types like the Olympic and Super EZ curl bars can weigh between 15 – 35 lbs.
  3. Fixed EZ curl bars can go up to 110 lbs.
  4. Nowing the amount of weight you’re lifting is important, so you can accurately track your lifts and how you’re progressing over time.
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When you first start lifting, you need to know the starting weight of your equipment to build off. A difference of only a few pounds can make all the difference in your lift. In this article, you will learn the ins and outs of the EZ curl bar, including:

What an EZ curl bar is What EZ curl bars are made of Different types of EZ curl bars Detailed breakdown comparing the weights of nine popular EZ curl bar models Four main benefits of training with an EZ curl bar

How much does a squat bar weigh?

What is a Squat Bar? – Suffice to say, a “squat bar” is simply a standard barbell with which a barbell back squat may be performed. This will usually be an Olympic barbell or powerlifting barbell, both of which are several feet long and are manufactured to weigh 44-45 pounds (20 kilograms). These barbells are immediately identifiable as they are often longer and heavier than other barbells, and will feature knurling with a smooth stretch in the middle of the bar. Competitive powerlifters, strongman athletes, Olympic weightlifters and other types of weightlifting athletes will often use the standard Olympic barbell in both training and competition, hence its widespread usage in nearly every gym.

How much does a Smith machine bar weigh at lifetime?

Technical Specifications –

Product Code SSM
Footprint (L x W x H) 87″ x 49″ x 93″ (metric cm: 221 x 125 x 236)
Recommended Live Area (L x W x H) 120″ x 120″ x 93″ (metric cm: 305 x 305 x 236)
Machine Weight 580 lbs (264 kg)
Max Training Weight 630 lbs (285 kg)
Vertical height between Bar Supports 6″ (16 cm)
Max Bar Capacity 7 –45 lb (6 –25 kg) plates per side of the bar
Bar Weight 20 lb (9 kg)
Weight Horns 8
Weight Horn Capacity 5 x 45 lb (20 kg) plates per weight
Warranty 10 year limited warranty on structural frame (coatings excluded), 5 year on pulleys, weight plates & guide rods, 1 year on bearings, cables, grips & electrical, 90 days on upholstery, springs & any items not specified

How much does Olympic bar weigh?

Let’s Get Technical – Olympic Barbells – You may not immediately see the differences between a standard barbell and an Olympic barbell. At Fitness Town, we have several barbells to meet your fitness needs and goals. Olympic barbells are 7 feet long and will weigh 45 lbs. Another big feature that Olympic bars have going for them is their bearings. You need a dependable sleeve rotation from your bearings/bushings with a modest amount of bar whip for most exercises. Unfortunately, your standard power-lifting bars do not offer this feature.

Barbells’ ability to whip (store elastic energy) can be very useful to an athlete. Most Olympic barbells have centre knurling, which can distinguish it from other bars. For the CrossFit athlete, this can be a pain sometimes – literally! When lifting the bar, it can definitely irritate your neck area. IWF-certified Olympic bars have the centre knurl.

However, companies are starting to leave the centre, knurling off on some non-competition Olympic bars, Many people find that serves no purpose, and since it can be uncomfortable, it makes sense to be accommodating.

Is the bar 20 or 25 kg?

Barbells – There are different kinds of barbells. Below are the most common ones you will find in almost every gym. Olympic Weightlifting Bar The men’s so-called Olympic Weightlifting Bar, used in standard men’s weightlifting competitions, weighs 20kg, or 45lb. Weight: Usually 20kg / 45lb Most Gyms also provide a shorter and less heavy version of this barbell, especially suitable for women who start training with lighter weights in the beginning. Weight: Between 7kg and 15kg. Ask staff for the exact weight before you start using this. SE Bar This bar can be used for tricep extensions or barbell curls. Weight: Between 7,5kg and 10kg. Ask staff of your local Gym before you start using this. Tricep Bar This bar should not be used for Freeletics workouts. The so-called standard barbells, ironically, do not come in standard weights; if your gym uses standard weights ask the staff how much the barbells weigh first. General note: For safety reasons always use the weight stoppers. Sometimes one side of your body can push a bit harder, making the bar become uneven and causing the weights to slide off the end. If you cannot find the right barbell, you can also train with plates only.

Is 60 kg A Good bench press?

How much should I be able to Bench Press? (kg) – What is the average Bench Press? The average Bench Press weight for a female lifter is 51 kg (1RM). This makes you Intermediate on Strength Level and is a very impressive lift. What is a good Bench Press? Female beginners should aim to lift 17 kg (1RM) which is still impressive compared to the general population.

How heavy is a 15 kg bar?

The Lightweight 15kg Women’s Bruiser Bar is a cost-effective choice for women who need a sturdy bar for Olympic or general training. At 33lbs. (15kg) with bright zinc sleeves, this lighter bar offers value and reliability for female Olympic lifters.

Is it OK to bench on a Smith machine?

? Difference 2: Muscle Isolation – One of the main differences between the Smith machine bench press and the barbell bench press is muscle isolation. When you’re bench-pressing with a barbell, your secondary stabilizer muscles are engaged in order to keep the barbell steady throughout the full range of motion.

This leads to better overall functional fitness, and develops strength in more than just the muscles targeted by the bench press. Yes, this is absolutely a good thing—but it’s not the only approach to training. Muscle isolation exercises, while not the best for overall fitness, are ideal for building real power and triggering serious size gains in specific muscles.

And that’s why so many trainees end up falling in love with Smith machine bench presses! Because the barbell is traveling along a fixed plane of movement, there is no need for secondary stabilizer muscles to engage. All of the focus is directly on your chest, shoulders, and triceps, with no energy “wasted” powering the muscles that help you keep your balance.

How heavy is the bar at the gym?

Standard Barbell – Your standard straight barbell weighs 45 pounds, is about 7 feet long, and can be used for most lifts, including squats, deadlifts, bent-over rows, overhead presses, and even biceps curls, says Wickham.

How heavy is the Smith machine bar Life Fitness?

Technical Specifications

Product Code SSM
Max Training Weight 630 lbs (285 kg)
Vertical height between Bar Supports 6′ (16 cm)
Max Bar Capacity 7 –45 lb (6 –25 kg) plates per side of the bar
Bar Weight 20 lb (9 kg)

Does a Smith machine take off weight?

1. Free Weights Are More Functional – Free weights make lifts more functional because they mimic movements you make in everyday life. “You need to be able to balance, so working your small stabilizer muscles during your workouts will have great carryover into activities of daily living,” Pak explains.

Because the Smith machine stabilizes the weight for you, your main movers are still working hard, but the small stabilizers that often assist in a lift no longer need to contribute, she says. “This can allow you to lift a little more weight and/or perform more reps because you don’t have the added element of balance to make the movement more challenging.” The Smith machine also makes the weight lighter.

For example, the standard barbell weighs 45 pounds, but the Smith machine reduces the weight by 10, 15 or 20 pounds; it’s impossible to know the exact amount.