Creating a home gym can be an exciting journey. Not only do you get to select the equipment and design your own space, but you also get the added benefit of having a convenient workout area at all times. One piece of key equipment that should not be overlooked when building a home gym is bumper plates – they can add variety and intensity to any workout routine. Read on as we explore why bumper plates could be the perfect addition for anyone looking for comprehensive strength-building exercises without investing in expensive machines or memberships.
As I searched for the best way to create a home gym, one thing quickly became apparent: CrossFit and Olympic lifting requires equipment very different from what’s needed for traditional bodybuilding or powerlifting. To be able to do these lifts safely and effectively requires specialised equipment and instruction from a qualified coach. Determined to get the most out of my workout space, I decided to take the plunge and invest in CrossFit and Olympic lifting gear. With some research, advice from experienced lifters, and a little bit of trial-and-error, I was able to assemble an excellent setup with all the bells and whistles and start training like the pros.
As I looked into bumper plates, I quickly learned that they are a type of weight plate designed to be thrown around and dropped from certain heights. By using them, you can simulate Olympic-style lifts more easily and safely than with regular plates. Furthermore, with the right setup, bumper plates allow you to train without a spotter because they don’t need to be handled with the same level of care as traditional weights when it comes to dropping them. After some research, I decided to purchase bumper plates for my home gym and invested in a set of quality rubber-encased steel plates. Not only did this give me the option of training like an Olympian in my own home, but it also provided great protection for my flooring from any errant drops or throws.
What are bumper plates?
Bumper plates come in various weights, ranging from 5Kgs up to 50Kgs. While this may not seem like much, they have a distinct advantage over traditional iron weight plates: they allow you to safely and effectively drop the barbell from overhead without worrying about damaging the floor or your equipment. Additionally, because of their design, bumper plates enable you to easily perform Olympic lifts such as squats, presses, snatches and cleans without worrying about the inconsistent bounce of regular weight plates. In addition to being safe and functional for Olympic-style lifts, bumper plates are also great for CrossFit workouts where speed is critical. With the right setup, bumpers can help you develop explosive power and strength that will transfer over into greater performance in other aspects of fitness as well.
First impressions
After researching, I realised that bumper plates are so much more than just aesthetically pleasing weight plates. Bumper plates provide a number of functional advantages over traditional iron plates when it comes to Olympic lifts and CrossFit workouts. Not only do they allow you to safely drop the barbell from overhead without worrying about damaging your floor or equipment, but they also offer a consistent bounce and reduce the risk of injury due to their heavy-duty construction. Furthermore, bumper plates are designed with a thicker diameter which is easier to grip and gives more stability when lifting at higher weights than standard weight plates. In addition, the colour coding makes it easier to distinguish between different weights quickly and keeps your home gym organised. With all these advantages in mind, the price difference was well worth it for me!
Where did bumper plates come from?
Bumper plates are specifically designed for competitive Olympic and CrossFit lifting, offering a number of benefits over conventional iron weight plates. Constructed of high-density rubber, bumper plates are able to withstand being dropped multiple times without damage or significant wear, making them ideal for the explosive movements involved in these sports. Because they have the same diameter regardless of weight, they also fit onto a standard Olympic barbell allowing you to switch between different weights during your workout easily. Additionally, bumper plates are colour-coded according to their weight which makes it easy to identify different weights and keep your gym organised quickly. Thanks to their design and construction, bumper plates give you peace of mind that your equipment won’t be damaged while allowing you to safely and effectively push your limits in Olympic lifts and CrossFit moves.
Bumper plate types
Bumper plates are specifically designed for competitive Olympic and CrossFit lifting, offering a number of benefits over conventional iron weight plates. Constructed of high-density rubber, bumper plates are able to withstand being dropped multiple times without damage or significant wear, making them ideal for the explosive movements involved in these sports. Because they have the same diameter regardless of weight, they also fit onto a standard Olympic barbell allowing you to switch between different weights during your workout easily. Additionally, bumper plates are colour-coded according to their weight which makes it easy to identify different weights and keep your gym organised quickly. Thanks to their design and construction, bumper plates give you peace of mind that your equipment won’t be damaged while allowing you to safely and effectively push your limits in Olympic lifts and CrossFit moves.
Training vs competition bumper plates
Training plates are an ideal choice for the majority of gym-goers, providing the same quality and durability as competition plates at a fraction of the cost. Unlike competition plates, which need to adhere to strict regulations set by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), training plates are designed for general use in your home or garage gym. They feature a thick rubberized surface that can withstand being dropped multiple times without damage, making them perfect for Olympic moves and CrossFit workouts. What’s more, they come in a variety of weight increments with easy-to-read numbers and vibrant colours that make it easier to identify different weights and stay organised quickly.
Sizing Uniformity
Bumper plates have a unique design compared to traditional weight plates, as they are all the same in diameter regardless of weight. This allows them to be dropped from a greater height without damaging themselves, lifting platforms, or your floor. It also makes them ideal for exercises such as the barbell hip thrust, as the increased diameter provides additional stability and support when setting up for the lift. In addition to being more durable than traditional plates, bumper plates offer an easier way to identify weights due to their colour-coding system that corresponds with each weight increment.
Bumper Plate Bounce
Bumper plates offer several advantages over traditional weight plates, including a uniform diameter that reduces the amount of bounce the bar has when dropped. This is thanks to the high-density rubber used in most bumper plates, which absorbs the impact and keeps the bar from bouncing dangerously up after it’s been dropped. When buying bumper plates for your home gym, be sure to pay attention to what type of rubber is used— low-odour or virgin rubber is best for reducing odours that can build up over time.
Standard or Bumper plates?
If you’re planning to set up a home gym, the type of weights you’ll need depends on the type of exercise you plan to perform. Smaller plates are ideal for EZ bar exercises such as curls, French presses, and close grip presses; but if you’re doing big movements, CrossFit, or Olympic-style lifts, bumper plates are recommended.
You’ll need them to avoid damaging your weights and floor when dropping the bar regularly. Bumper plates also tend to fit better with standard barbells when it comes to setting them on the floor.
Style points
Bumper plates offer more than just the traditional black option. You can find them in various colours and designs, giving you the chance to add some personality to your home gym. This is especially helpful for telling weight sizes apart since all bumper plates are the same diameter. Coloured tape on the edge of black plates can be a great way of easily marking each size. Not only does this help you set up quickly for a single lift, but it also makes drop sets and changes between exercises much easier.
The coloured bumper plates look great!
Colored plates can be a real game-changer when it comes to quickly transitioning between sets. Not only do they help you identify how much weight is on the bar and what needs to change for the next set, but they also make it easier to work out with a partner who is lifting different weights. It’s much faster to switch plates when their colour makes them easy to identify, especially if you have to change plates after every set!
Conclusion
Adding bumper plates to your home gym is an essential part of any barbell-based style of lifting. A good set of plates will last for years and become a valued part of your workout routine. Not only do they provide the right amount of weight for each lift, but they are also more vibrant and stylish than traditional steel, rubber or urethane weights. Plus, with different colors, you’ll be able to identify each plate quickly and easily. Investing in a good set of bumper plates is a great way to take your home gym setup to the next level! Happy lifting!