The new Les Mills Smartbar is now available in the UK. The Smartbar is a barbell weights system which uses a new ‘gator’ fastening mechanism for speedy weight transitions.

The gator’s retractable teeth lock up to three plates in place at each end in a single manoeuvre – allowing users to quickly drop weights in the middle of a set.

The ergonomic design of the weight plates means they can also be used in the same way as dumbbells and kettlebells.

Les Mills UK and Ireland head trainer, Dave Kyle says, “The ergonomic plates keep the workout in the muscles you’re targeting, not your hand and wrist. You can get a full-body workout using just this equipment.

“Users can slide a resistance tube handle into one Smartbar gator and attach the other resistance tube end to an anchor point to enjoy sports-inspired, plyometric core training. They can pick up two of the ergonomic weight plates to do a dumbbell or kettlebell-style workout, or attach a resistance tube to both Smartbar gators and perform a barbell-based workout with added resistance to build their strength even faster”.

The special handle-like design of the weight plates allows users to hold two plates in one hand, meaning people can increase weight sooner, in smaller steps. This functionality allows users to increase hand-held weight exercises in 2lb (1kg) increments, rather than jumping from a 2lb (1kg) plate to 5lb (2.5kg) plate.

The Les Mills Smartbar can be used anywhere a barbell weights system is ordinarily used: in a Bodypump class, in personal training sessions, on the gym floor or at home.

Les Mills has developed four 15 minute personal training workouts using the Smartbar. These Smart Training workouts target all major muscle groups. Visit www.lesmills.com/smarttraining to view and download all four workouts.

Each Les Mills Smartbar set comes complete with a barbell, 2x 2lb (1kg) plates, 2x 5lb (2.5kg) plates and 2x 11lb (5kg) plates. 2x 22lb (10kg) plates can be purchased separately.

The Les Mills Smartbar is available in UK & Ireland through Escape Fitness.