Weight Plates

Weight plates are the essence of body-building and weight-lifting. These are, simply put, the weights used to increase strength and tone muscles and muscle groups. They come in various sizes and weight amount, from 0.5 lbs to 500 lbs, although commercial plates, for the average weight-lifter, are available up to about 50 lbs. Plate packages, such as Ivanko weight plates, or Everlast weight plates, come with a set of eight-to-twelve in a variety of sizes and weight amount and range in total anywhere from 250 lbs to 2,000lbs. Heavier weights, such as the 500-pounders, are available, but usually to professional; these weights aren’t typical included in packages or set unless, perhaps, requested. Many lower-weighted plates, like the 1-pound weight plates, are very common because of their lightness and can be used, say, for children or teens just starting out. Standard weight plates, 1 lb or more, are also made solid or with open grips for easy carrying. Iron-grip weight plates, such as Olympic, are designed with three grip holes and somewhat resemble a bumper car steering wheel.

Olympic size weight plates, however, don’t all come in this form; they are available in solid make, with the logo, weight amount, and kg equivalent printed on the side for clarity. Although weight plates come in a variety of styles and are made from a number of different materials, most weight plates are solid iron or, as current manufacturing preferences go, rubber encased or aluminum. Plate weight distribution is standard as well, such as increments of 5 or 10, except for 2.5 lb and 7.5 lb weights for those who want that gradual buildup.

Other materials in which weight plates are manufactured include steel, lead, cement filling, and millstone for the far more experienced. Weights in this last material tend to be 10 inches in diameter for a 100-pound plate, and 22 inches for a 200-pound plate. These are, essentially, thick, heavy, round stones and should only be attempted with care and supervision. No weight-lifter should lift extremely heavy or unfamiliar material without first knowing something about it; as such an endeavor could be dangerous.

Those who want to buy free weight plates should ascertain first exactly what they need and are likely to be able to lift. New and used standard weight plates are available at reasonable prices and sometimes discounts, but one should browse and compare before buying. Weight plate racks are, of course, also available for those building the new home gym. Weight plates should never be left on the floor. The may not scuff, but they form, a hazard unless properly stored away on racks.

Any weight plate, regardless of style or size, is exactly what one needs for a hearty and successful workout, just so long as a weight-lifter doesn’t over-exert. The power behind weight plates is very well-known and exploited for just that reason, but it can also be quite deceiving.