Plates: What Are they?

Behind the simple and functional shape of weight plates lies one of the most important tools for anyone who trains. From professional athletes to those who work out at home, these accessories are essential for progressing over time and reaching new goals.

Weight plates are circular components made of cast iron, steel, or coated in rubber, featuring a central hole that allows them to be loaded onto barbells, dumbbells, or other training equipment. Rarely used alone, they are designed to serve as modular weights, ideal for progressive training. Each plate has a specific weight and a slim profile, making it easy to combine multiple plates during exercise.

The Main Types of Plates

Over time, weight plates have evolved to meet different needs. The differences aren’t just in the materials and colors, but also in function. Here are the main types:

Classic Gym Plates

These are the most common and widely available plates found in gyms, featuring a steel core and a rubber or polyurethane coating, depending on the model. A good example is our Fitness Grip plates, which offer great durability and excellent ergonomics thanks to their contoured handles. Perfect for general strength training and for those looking for versatile, reliable equipment.

Bumper Plates

Made entirely of rubber, these plates are designed to withstand impact without getting damaged. Ideal for Olympic lifting and functional training, they feature a steel core and comply with international standards (IWF). Each weight is color-coded for easy identification at a glance.

These plates are perfect for athletes who drop the barbell at the end of a lift: they offer a slight bounce and help protect both the floor and the equipment.

Competition Plates

Engineered for lifting heavy loads, these plates are extremely precise in weight and compact in size. CNC-machined and featuring a narrow center hole to fit snugly on the barbell sleeve, they are the gold standard for serious lifters and competitors.

Fractional Plates

Ideal for those looking to progressively increase the load, these lightweight plates weigh just a few grams or kilograms and are used to make small incremental gains between training sessions.

How to Choose the Right Plates

Before buying, consider a few key aspects:

• Are you training for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, bodybuilding, or functional fitness?
  
• Compatibility: always check that the plate’s hole matches the diameter of your bar.
  
• Storage: the more plates you own, the more useful a storage rack will be.
  
• Weight: consider purchasing fractional plates to manage smaller weight increases.

Anything Else to Know?

Plates are typically used in combination with other equipment such as barbells, dumbbells, or training tools like a flat bench, adjustable bench, or multifunctional bench. They play a crucial role and can be considered essential for fundamental exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.

For a complete and safe training setup, it’s also recommended to have a rack, which provides support and safety during the most demanding movements.

Now that you know all the different types of plates and their uses, it’s time to assess your fitness level and choose the right set for your goals. Whether you’re just getting started or aiming to break a new personal record, Ironside Armour plates are a key ally in your training journey.