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Choosing the Right Bumper Plate Set for Your Home Gym

May 09, 2024 3 min read

Choosing the Right Bumper Plate Set for Your Home Gym

Introduction to Bumper Plates

Bumper plates are a type of weight plate used in Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting. They are made from a rubber compound that can absorb the shock of being dropped from overhead. This makes them safer for use in a home gym or any other environment than traditional metal weight plates as they won't damage floors or other surfaces.

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Bumper plates come in a variety of sizes, weights, and colors. The most common weights are 25kg (55lbs), 20kg (44lbs), 15kg (33lbs), 10kg (22lbs), and 5kg (11lbs). A typical set would include one of each weight, but you can also get sets with just two or three sizes. Bumper plates are generally sold in pairs, with one plate being black and the other white.

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Types of Bumper Plates

There are several types of bumper plates available on the market today. The most popular are cast iron plates, rubber-coated plates, and polyurethane plates. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Cast Iron Plates: These are the most affordable type of bumper plates. They are typically made from recycled iron and come in a variety of weights and sizes. While they may not be as durable as some of the other types, they are still suitable for home gyms and can take quite a bit of wear and tear.

Rubber-Coated Plates: These plates are made from a durable rubber material that is designed to protect your floor and reduce noise when they are dropped. They are more expensive than their cast iron counterparts but are much more durable and won’t chip or crack like iron plates can. They come in a wide range of weights and sizes.

Polyurethane Plates: Polyurethane plates are the most expensive type of bumper plates and are usually used in commercial gyms. They are extremely durable and are designed to withstand the heavy loads of powerlifters and Olympic weightlifters. They are also the quietest of all the plate types and will not damage your flooring.

Choosing the Right Weight for Your Home Gym

When choosing the right bumper plate set for your home gym, it's important to consider both your current skill level and your future goals. If you're a beginner, it's best to start with a small set of lighter weights so that you don't overload yourself. As you progress, you can then add heavier plates. However, if you're an experienced lifter, you should opt for a larger set of plates with a variety of weights.

It's also important to consider the size of the plates. Some plates come in standard sizes while others come in Olympic sizes. Standard plates have a circumference of 50cm while Olympic plates have a circumference of 51cm. It's important to make sure that the plates you choose fit the barbells you have in your home gym.

The last thing to consider is the type of material you want your plates to be made of. Cast iron plates are the most affordable option but they are also the least durable. Rubber-coated plates are slightly more expensive but provide better protection for your flooring and are more resilient. Finally, polyurethane plates are the most expensive but are designed to stand up to the heaviest weightlifters.

Choosing the right bumper plate set for your home gym can be a challenge. It's important to consider your skill level, the size of the plates, and the type of material they are made of. By taking the time to research your options and understanding your own needs, you can find the perfect set of plates for your home gym.