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Bumper Plates: The Basics of Safe and Effective Weightlifting

October 06, 2023 3 min read

Bumper Plates: The Basics of Safe and Effective Weightlifting

When it comes to weightlifting, safety should always be the top priority. That’s why bumper plates are an essential piece of equipment for anyone serious about lifting weights. Bumper plates provide a safe, efficient way to lift heavier weights without risking injury or damage to your home gym. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of bumper plates, including their purpose, benefits, types and uses.

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What Are Bumper Plates?

Bumper plates are round plates made of solid rubber with a metal core. They come in different sizes and weights and are used for Olympic-style weightlifting exercises. The metal core helps keep the plate from deforming when dropped from overhead, and the solid rubber protects the floor from damage by absorbing the impact of the falling plate. Bumper plates also have a larger diameter than traditional iron plates, which makes them easier to grip and handle.

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Benefits of Bumper Plates

There are several benefits of using bumper plates for weightlifting. First, they are much safer than traditional iron plates. Traditional plates can shatter if dropped from overhead, which can cause serious injury. Bumper plates, on the other hand, are designed to absorb the impact of the weight being dropped and protect the lifter and the floor from damage. Second, bumper plates are quieter than iron plates. This is especially beneficial if you work out at home and don’t want to disturb your neighbors.

Bumper plates also allow you to lift heavier weights safely. Since the plates absorb the impact of the weight being dropped, you can add more weight to the barbell without worrying about damaging the floor or yourself. Finally, bumper plates are much easier to handle than traditional plates. The larger diameter makes them easier to grip and the solid rubber material won’t slip or slide like iron plates can.

Types of Bumper Plates

There are several types of bumper plates available. The most common type is the standard bumper plate. Standard bumper plates are usually black in color and range in weight from 10 lbs to 45 lbs. They are typically made of virgin rubber, which is the highest quality of rubber available and has the best durability. Virgin rubber bumper plates are designed to withstand heavy use and last longer than other types of bumper plates.

Another type of bumper plate is a fractional plate. Fractional plates are smaller in size and weight than standard plates and are typically colored in increments of 1/4 lb (0.11 kg). For example, a 1/4 lb plate may be yellow, a 1/2 lb plate may be blue, and so on. Fractional plates are great for making small incremental increases in weight without having to jump to the next size of standard plate.

Finally, there are competition bumper plates. Competition plates are made of a higher grade of rubber than standard plates and are designed to withstand the rigors of competitive weightlifting. Competition plates are typically colored differently than standard plates to indicate their weight. For example, a 25 lb plate may be red, and a 35 lb plate may be green.

Uses Of Bumper Plates

Bumper plates are primarily used for Olympic-style weightlifting exercises such as the snatch, clean and jerk, and deadlift. These exercises require precise form and technique, and bumper plates help ensure that lifters can perform each exercise safely and effectively. Bumper plates also make it possible to lift heavier weights without risking injury or damaging the floor. Additionally, bumper plates can be used for dynamic strength training exercises such as box jumps, burpees, and medicine ball throws.

Bumper plates can also be used for bodyweight exercises such as pull-ups and push-ups. Adding a bumper plate to these exercises adds resistance, allowing you to build strength and muscle faster. Finally, bumper plates can be used for CrossFit workouts. CrossFit workouts often involve lifting heavy weights quickly, and bumper plates can help make these exercises safer and more effective.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned weightlifter, bumper plates are an essential piece of equipment for any home gym. Bumper plates provide a safe, efficient way to lift heavier weights without risking injury or damage to the floor. They are also much quieter than traditional iron plates, which is beneficial if you work out at home. With their many benefits and uses, bumper plates are a must-have for any serious weightlifter.