 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|
Sponsored Links
If you have had some experience lifting barbells and dumbbells, you definitely have an idea what weight plates are. By definition, these are weight lifting equipment attached to adjustable free weights and plate-loaded weight machines to increase resistance. Weight plate sets can be purchased commercially. You no longer have to buy a set of fixed dumbbells or barbells to gain the workout you need at home.
Features and Characteristics of Weight Plates
Weigh plates are usually circular or octagonal in shape. They are designed with a central hole, the size of which depends on whether you are using standard or Olympic barbells. You will find weight plate sets in various styles and designs. Weight plates can be made of cast iron, steel, or cement-filled plastic. You may choose to buy weight plate sets according to your fitness goals and the types of workout program you are following.
As for sizes, small weight plates weight 1 lb. on average while the big ones around 100 lbs. If you are looking at weight plate sets for your personal gym at home, you have plenty of choices in economical plates. Cement weight plates coated with plastic would suffice if they are only going to be for home use. Just make sure to regularly check the plates using a weighing scale because prolonged use may cause them to become uneven.
Standard weight plates are round and more often made of cast iron or steel. The diameter of the central hole spans an inch, just enough to be fitted snugly with home gym equipment and smaller commercial barbells. Standard weight plate sets will also work best for beginners.
On the other hand, weight plates made of cast iron as classified as Olympic weight plates. Obviously, they are made for heavy-duty use. Shaped either round or octagonal, they are covered with rubber so they can better absorb impact in the event that a lifter drops the loaded barbell onto the gym floor.
Olympic weight plates are bored with a two-inch central hole for Olympic-sized barbells. Olympic weight plate sets are the ones we see being used by professional body builders, power lifters, and competitive athletes. Sometimes, large weight plates have holes spread out over the surface for handling purposes.
You may also have heard about technique plates. They are also designed for Olympic barbells although a bit lighter compared to Olympic weight plates. Usually made using aluminum, plastic, and other strong, lightweight materials, they are strong enough to withstand dropping. They are designed for use by athletes practicing form and movement. Technique weight plate sets merely ensure that a barbell is of the right proportion.
Most lines of quality weight plate sets are between the price ranges of UD 350 to USD 750. You may chose plates that cost less or more in online stores where prices are most attractive. Make sure to choose carefully so that you get exactly what you need for the kind of free weights you are using in your home gym.