Hello Dear Readers,
Hope your summer had a lot of adventures, now we are at back to school season. Congratulations to the parents of kids who are about to go to school for the first time, I am one of you 😉 In September many people are starting to organize their workout spaces at home. I recently had a question from our client on how to choose the weight plates for their home gym. The question is indeed important, and different plates are designed for different purposes, so I decided to answer this question in a blog post as well.
H2 What is a Weight Plate?
Weight plates are designed to be loaded onto barbells and other types of weightlifting equipment. They come in various sizes and materials, each catering to different workout preferences and levels of experience.
H2 Sizes of Weight Plates
Weight plates come in standardized sizes, typically ranging from as light as 2.5 pounds to as heavy as 45 pounds or more. These plates are incrementally added to the barbell, allowing you to gradually increase the load as your strength improves. Standard weight plate sizes include 2.5 lbs, 5 lbs, 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 25 lbs, 35 lbs, and 45 lbs.
H2 Types of Weight Plates
There are two most popular standards of weight plates. Olympic weight plates have centre hole with 2 inch diameter which fit Olympic barbells. Less popular format is standard size, which has a hole with 1 inch diameter. Both standards are represented in our store. Many plate loaded machines include an adapter from 1 to 2 inches sleeve, so that both types of weight plates can be used.
H2 Cast Iron Plates
Cast iron weight plates are the classic choice for most gym-goers. They are known for their durability and affordability, making them an excellent option for beginners and those on a budget. Cast iron plates usually have a black or finish. Cast iron plates have good looking slick design, their simplicity and functionality make them a staple in many home and commercial gyms. One advantage of iron plates is that they are thinner than other kinds, which lets you load more weight on the barbell, this is one of the reasons why they are a popular choice for powerlifting. One of the disadvantages is that you should expect some noise when loading them on the barbell. While many fitness enthusiasts love this noise, it can be not ideal at home.
H2 Rubber Coated Plates
Rubber coated weight plates are a good choice for quality and protection. These plates have a layer of rubber covering the metal, which serves two main purposes: it protects your floors from potential damage, and it dampens noise when the plates are dropped or set down. This makes rubber coated plates an ideal choice for home gyms or shared spaces where noise and floor protection are concerns. One of the examples of rubber coated plates is tri grip plates, that have three openings to carry plates.
H2 Black Bumper Plates And Crumb Rubber Plates
Black bumper plates or crumb rubber plates are a type of weight plate primarily used in functional fitness and Olympic lifting. They are designed to be dropped from overhead during movements like snatches and clean and jerks. The rubber construction allows them to absorb the impact and protect both the plates and the lifting platform. Black bumper and crumb rubber plates are typically used in training environments where heavy lifting and dynamic movements are common.
H2 Colored Bumper Plates
Colored bumper plates offer the same benefits as black bumper plates but with a splash of personality. These plates come in a range of vibrant colors, allowing you to customize the look of your gym. Additionally colored bumper plates follow the same weight color-coding system as the international weightlifting standards. This makes it easy to visually identify the weight of each plate from a distance and make sure both sides of the barbell are loaded equally.
Selecting the right weight plates involves considering your fitness goals, budget, and workout environment. If you’re just starting, cast iron plates might be a cost-effective choice, while rubber coated plates offer added protection for your floors. For those into functional fitness and olympic lifting black or colored bumper plates are the go-to options. Remember that the right weight plates should complement your workout routine and help you progress steadily toward your strength and fitness objectives. So, assess your needs, explore the available options, and invest in weight plates that align with your fitness aspirations.
