Free weights are among the most popular exercise tools because of their versatility and proven results. They help develop not only strength but also balance and stability. You have greater freedom of movement compared to exercise machines that limit you to a single plane. Get a sturdy bar and several weight plates that you can fit into this. Below are some important considerations when evaluating weight plates for sale:
New or Used?
Before you splurge on new plates, you may want to stop and consider checking used ones as well. These might not be in pristine condition but they will still provide the same amount of load. For some, that’s all they need to perform their exercises. If you are trying to build your home gym on a small budget, then this is a good way to reduce your expenses. Look online for second hand options and save a lot of money. However, those trying to develop commercial facilities or university gyms might need to go for brand new items.
Disc Type
Check whether the weight plates for sale are meant for an Olympic bar or a regular bar. These have different hole sizes to fit the bars with the Olympic type being thicker. If you are a novice or intermediate fitness enthusiast who is aiming to improve your personal home gym, then a regular bar and corresponding weights will be fine. If you have aspirations of getting into the elite level, then you will want the strength and load capacity of the Olympic bar.
Disc Material
Although you may find bare metal weight plates, it is usually better to get options that have protective coatings. Some are wrapped in rubber which makes them easier to grab and insert into bars. This also provides a bit of protection for the floor in case of high-impact drops. You could even find urethane coatings for greater durability and protection. If you are sensitive to smell, then these are better than foul rubber as they are odorless.
Grips
If you have ever seen a weightlifting competition in the Olympics, then you might remember that the colorful weighted plates are perfect circles. These are good but you could also look for plates designed with cut-outs for ease of grip and handling from the edges. These make the plates easier to return to the racks after use. The plates are also more versatile as they can be used without a bar for exercises such as farmer’s carry, front raises, and loaded sit-ups.
