Are you looking to add a little more weight to your workout? Olympic bumper plates are the perfect way to do just that. In this blog post, we will give you an introduction to bumper plates and discuss some of the benefits they offer.
We will also talk about how to choose suitable bumper plates for your needs. So whether you are just starting or are looking for an upgrade, read on for all you need to know about bumper plates.
What Are Olympic Bumper Plates?
Bumper plates are an integral piece of equipment for any strength training enthusiast, but they hold a special place in Olympic weightlifting competitions.
Why? Because these kinds of bumper plates are:
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Durable and designed to take a beating, bumper plates are specialised weight plates tailored for the needs of competitive athletes.
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They have thick centre hubs made from recycled rubber and are engineered to be dropped or thrown safely when used with squats or deadlifts.
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The bumper plate allows competitors to perform strength exercises with heavy weights while protecting the barbells and surrounding flooring.
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Also, these plates allow Olympic lifters to adjust their technique to lift heavier weights.
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Finally, when it comes to crunch time on competition day, bumper plates provide the peace of mind that strength training comes with fewer risks than standard Olympic plates.
How Are They Different From Other Types of Plates?
Olympic bumper plates are an ideal option for professional weightlifters. These special weight plates are designed to fit an Olympic-style barbell, while others may fluctuate in size and thickness.
The key difference between bumper plates and other weight plates is their construction:
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Olympic bumper plates are made from a solid rubber mixture that absorbs shock from dropping the weights during lifts making them safer to train with
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These heavy rubber weights make less noise in your home gym than traditional steel weights that tend to crash or clang when dropped from a height
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They are made to exact olympic competition standard with a 2 inch diameter and will therefore fit olympic barbells
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They have a stainless steel centre ring which prevents damage with repetitive use
What Benefits Do Olympic Weight Plates Offer?
Olympic bumper plates offer numerous advantages over traditional weight plates. These are ideal for home gyms or other enclosed spaces where loud noises may be disruptive.
Here are the key benefits of these kinds of weight plates:
1) Withstand Repeated Drops and Impact
Olympic bumper plates are designed to fit on an Olympic barbell and crafted out of durable heavy-duty rubber, constructed to withstand repeated drops and impact while still performing optimally.
This makes them perfect for training professionals as they can be used during various exercises without fear of damage from repetitive use or a lot of wear and tear. Plus, these weights come in various sizes so that athletes can find the perfect fit for their body shape and training type.
2) Protect the Floor From Damage
If you do any lifting in your home gym, Olympic weights are essential for maintaining the integrity of your flooring. Olympic weights are especially important when doing a bench press because they allow you to effectively lift heavier weights without putting too much strain on your floor.
Many different types of Olympic weight sets are available to suit any budget and preference. This makes it easy for anyone to get the Olympic weights needed to protect their floor from damage caused by dropped weights during workouts.
Not only will Olympic weights save you from having to replace or restore your floors due to heavy usage, but they can also make sure that each workout is as safe and effective as possible.
2) Reduce Noise Levels in the Gym
Quiet movements during bench pressing and deadlifting can be a bit of a challenge. The noise produced by dropping Olympic barbells after a set is inevitable, but with certain gym equipment, such as bench presses and weight racks, you can minimize the sound levels in your training facility.
Making sure that bench press pins or deadlift stoppers are utilized with whatever flooring is used in the environment will help ensure much quieter movements during exercise. Not only does this reduce disruption for other people using the facility, but it can also be more conducive to focusing on your movements more intensely.
3) Colour-Coded According to Weight
When it comes to strength and power, weight plates are fabulous pieces of equipment. Not only do they help athletes build muscle and develop their craft, but they can also be used to increase overall power when combined with bumper plates.
One crucial detail of weight plates is that they are colour-coded according to weight, making it easy for athletes to identify the correct plate for their lifts. This feature is especially helpful for beginners who may not know much about the various weights and advanced lifters who want to ensure accuracy and precision so that their lift is successful.
Whether using one plate or several during a workout, Olympic weight plates make having access to accurate information simple and efficient.
4) Variety of Sizes and Thicknesses
Olympic weights are essential for any athlete looking to maximize their strength and power potential. However, not just limited to professional athletes, Olympic weights can provide a substantial benefit to any fitness enthusiast or weightlifting beginner.
The beauty of Olympic weights lies in the variety available; they are available in different sizes and thicknesses (with the same diameter) so that each athlete can find a perfectly suited set to their goals.
Whether you want a heavy set of Olympic weights that will challenge you in the gym or lighter weights for home use, you'll be able to find what you need to take your fitness game to the next level.
Olympic bumper plates can also be used off the bar for other styles of workout adding further versatility to your strength training routine.
5) Relatively Inexpensive
Olympic weight plates are a great investment for serious weightlifters, being both surprisingly affordable and built to last. Bumper plates are ideal for protecting floors and equipment from the impact of hard drops and are made from a high-density rubber composition.
Not only do Olympic plates provide a protective coating for your lifting area and help create a safe environment, but they also come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate any size of lifter or type of fitness program.
With their durability and affordability, Olympic weight plates are the perfect accessory for any accomplished or aspiring weightlifter.
5 Tips for Using Bumper Plates
Tip #1: Invest in a Good Quality Set
If you're serious about weight training, bumper plates should be your first investment. It is important to look for high quality bumper sets that are hard-wearing, durable and made from top quality HD rubber. Most quality sets come with a proper warranty guarantee against premature wear.
Tip #2: Set Up Your Training Space With the Proper Equipment
To get the best results from your bumper plates and well-rounded use, it is essential to have the correct equipment such as Olympic Barbells and other styles of weight plates for varied workouts. Consider a Squat Stand or Power Rack for optimal performance with your bumper plate lifting sessions as these will provide additional safety and support while adding more versatility.
Tip #3: Follow a Lifting Routine That Uses the Plates
Weightlifting is a popular way to stay fit and build strength, but it's important to ensure you follow an intelligent routine to get the most out of your workouts.
Bumper plates are a great way to do just that – they reduce noise and lessen the effects of dropped weights, which can be beneficial for a safe and effective workout. In addition, following a lifting routine that utilizes bumper plates allows you to focus on proper form during exercises without worrying about damaging equipment or yourself.
Furthermore, adding different weights with enough sets lets you track your progress over time for further motivation, giving you tangible evidence of how far you've come.
Tip #4: Incorporate Other Exercises
Incorporating different exercises into your routine other than just lifting with bumper plates can help you develop an incredibly strong and holistic fitness program. For example, try adding in a yoga class once a week to increase overall flexibility while also strengthening core muscles or use bumper plates as part of a Bootcamp style workout with the plates off the barbell.
Plyometric exercises like jumping jacks, mountain climbers and squats will help you increase body strength, agility and speed - all of which are important aspects of any fitness routine. For a great cardiovascular workout, try incorporating running or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your weekly regime, as they can both be effective forms of cardio.
Additionally, any type of callisthenics like burpees, pull-ups and push-ups should never be neglected. These exercises create powerful full-body movements that get the heart pumping and calories burning.
Lastly, remember to keep your goals in sight - with consistent effort, you'll be surprised at how much progress you can make on your fitness journey.
Tip #5: Stay Motivated by Setting Goals and Tracking Progress
Staying motivated while training and weightlifting can be a challenge. However, by setting achievable goals and tracking progress, you can stay on track with your program and succeed. Setting realistic goals will give you something to work towards each day in the gym, and seeing gradual progress is a great way to boost morale and self-confidence.
Measurable goals, such as increasing the amount of weight on an exercise or adding extra reps, can lead to tremendous growth over time. Moreover, tracking progress in a journal is an effective tool for rehearsing positive self-talk and recognizing milestones achieved during workouts.
While it requires dedication and hard work, staying motivated when it comes to training and weightlifting doesn't have to be a challenge; set realistic goals and track your progress throughout - this will help get you closer to achieving whatever fitness objectives you may have.
How to Care for Your Bumper Plates
When it comes to exercising with bumper plates, they can be an indispensable part of your gym setup; however, ample care is necessary to protect these investment pieces.
What are the ways you can care for them: Here are some:
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The most important aspect of caring for your bumper plates is storing them correctly when not in use. That means out of the way and off the ground. Keeping bumper plates on a raised surface will prevent premature wear due to floor contact over time.
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It's also important to keep the plates clean and free of dust and dirt at all times – this can be performed with a damp cloth or even a mild detergent if needed.
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Lastly, ensure you're always inspecting your equipment before use to identify signs of wear, such as cracks or tears that may have occurred over time.
These simple steps will ensure your bumper plates serve you for years.
In Summary
Olympic bumper plates may sound grand but they are actually a very standard piece of kit that are user-friendly, super versatile and ultra safe for all types and levels of weight training.
Investing in good quality olympic bumper plates broadens your workout routine and adds more versatility while protecting your training environment from damage. Simple to store, easy to use and maintain, olympic bumper plates help you to train effectively and master your form whether you are a professional weightlifter or a strength training enthusiast.