A barbell comprising a bar member, a first side weight assembly and a second side weight assembly. The bar member has a first side sleeve region and a second side sleeve region opposite the first side sleeve region. The first side weight assembly includes a weight surface and extends over the first side sleeve region, and is rotatively coupled to the bar member through an inner and outer slidable engagement surface. The second side weight assembly includes a weight surface and extends over the second side sleeve region, and is rotatively coupled to the bar member through an inner and outer slidable engagement surface. The bar member includes a first and second surface enhanced region, the first surface enhanced region spanning a portion of the central region and the first side sleeve region, and with the second surface enhanced region spanning a portion of the central region and the second side sleeve region.