Weight Plates

Weight plates can be used to add weight to exercise machines or individual weight bars. Some machines and weight bars may come with a few plates. However, you may want to purchase a set of plates so that you will have more strength training options, and room to grow in your exercises.

Options in Weight Plates

Weight plates are available in different designs, sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. You can purchase a set in weight increments that fit your strength level, height and build. Olympic weight sets are heavy duty weights that are available in sets of 300, 400, or 500 pounds. There are many other types of weight sets available, depending on the type of strength training equipment you are using.

Standard weight plates are typically made from iron and are usually black or gray in color. The drawback to standard plates is the possibility of damaging equipment or floors if the weights are dropped. They can also be noisy when weights hit each other. On the other hand, standard weights are durable and are also very affordable.

Rubber encased plates are very desirable because they will protect you equipment and will not damage floors if dropped. They are less noisy and more comfortable to handle as well. Both standard and rubber encased weight sets can have a standard wide flanged, or grip design. The grip design leaves holes in the plate where you can grab so you can handle the plates with ease.