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Plate Tree – Store and Organize Your Weights
Weight plate trees are gym equipment designed for the safe and convenient storage of weight plates you use for bodybuilding exercises. In commercial and home gyms, it is typical for weight trainers to have an entire set of weight plates for barbell and dumbbell exercises. Weight plates range from the lightest to the heaviest and are used in various types of workouts and according to a bodybuilder’s strength. Regardless of what kind of weight set you have, having a plate tree around will prove to be very beneficial.
Weight plates are mostly painted cast iron plates with holes in the middle. The holes in standard plates span one inch in diameter, just the exact size to fit standard bars and dumbbells. Olympic plates have holes of a 2-inch diameter. These are usually made of cast iron molded with solid rubber. Naturally, a plate tree must be appropriate for the kind of weight plates you are using.
There are weight trees available for standard and Olympic plates. It would be a safe choice to see if the manufacturer of your plates has a plate tree made for your set available. Sometimes, you would need more than one plate tree. It would be wise to invest in a plate tree for a more organized and clutter-free weight room. This piece of equipment also makes it easier for you to load and re-rack your free weight equipment.
Basically, a plate tree is a simple structure with tiered iron spokes sticking out usually in opposite directions. These spokes, also called arms or plate holders, are where you load the weight plates through their holes. It is thus important that you get the right kind of plate tree. In some designs, the plate holders are arranged in a triangular configuration or extend from a straight, vertical structure.
Most plate trees available today are made of high-grade steel with a baked powder coat finish. If you are buying a weight plate tree, find a design which you think works best with available space. Also, choose one that is less likely to tip over. Prices vary and so do weight loading capacities. The Olympic Weight Tree & Bar Rack by Body Solid for instance can carry up to 1,000 lbs of weight. Cap Barbell, Yukon, TKO, Everlast, Mexicam, and Hampton offer wide variety of plate trees for everyone’s needs.
Safety Reminders
Exercise proper form even when loading or lifting weights off a plate tree. With your arms bent and the rack as close as possible to you, bend your knees instead of your hips to avoid injuries when lifting the plates off the tree. Be as careful when replacing the weights after use.
Do not forget to keep your fingers out of the way as you slide the plates into the arms of the plate tree. For more efficient usage, put the heaviest weights in the arms of the plate tree located closest to the bottom and place the lighter ones onto the top arms. Store the plates away immediately after use.