If you are thinking about using barbells at the gym, you may have come across Olympic weights. But what exactly are these? And why would you want to use these rather than standard weights?
Here, we’ll take a closer look at Olympic weights so you can make an informed decision about whether you want to incorporate them into your workout.
Olympic Weights: What Exactly Are They?
Olympic weights consist of Olympic bars and Olympic weight plates. They initially look quite similar to standard weights, especially to the untrained eye, but there are some key differences.
The main difference is that Olympic bars are longer and heavier. While standard bars are about six feet in length, Olympic bars are about seven feet. They also weigh about 45 lbs compared to 25 lbs for standard bars.
Olympic bars are also thicker. While standard bars have a 1-inch diameter at the ends, Olympic bars have a 2-inch diameter. They only work with Olympic plates, which have 2-inch holes so they can be fixed onto the bar.
The diameter of Olympic bars varies in the middle, and this depends on the manufacturer. This affects how much weight can be attached. But in general, Olympic bars have a much stronger weight capacity.
Olympic barbells also have rotating sleeves. The benefit of this is that it reduces torque created by the plates, giving the user a secure grip, and reducing stress on the wrists.
Different Types of Olympic Plates
Olympic weights come in several varieties including powerlifting plates, competition plates and fractional plates.
You can also find Olympic bumper plates. These are weight plates with a durable rubber construction. This increases shock absorption, making them great for deadlifts and Olympic weightlifting moves. They are often colour-coded so you can quickly identify the weight.
See what’s available in the gym next time you visit and ask one of the instructors to show you the different types of weight plates available so you can try them out for yourself.
Why Should You Use Olympic Weights?
There are several reasons why you may want to try out Olympic weights. If you’ve been using standard barbells for a while, you may want to make the switch. If you feel like you have got what you can out of standard weights, here are some of the key benefits of trying Olympic weights.
Lift Heavier Weights
The most important benefit is that when you use Olympic weights, you can lift heavier weights. They can be loaded up with more weight, and this is ideal if your goal is to build more strength.
Reduced Torque
The rotating ends that Olympic bars have reduce torque when lifting weights. This leads to a smoother lift, and it’s great for faster movements where you need to rotate the bar quickly and for exercises like squats. It can also help to reduce strain.
Precision Tested
When you use Olympic weights, you will know exactly how much you are lifting. This is because they are precision tested. If you take weight training seriously, it’s important to know exactly how much you lift, so this is a big advantage over standard weight plates.
Take Your Weightlifting to the Next Level
Olympic weights are a great way to take your weightlifting to the next level. If you are already using barbells, try out Olympic weights next time you are in the gym. You may find that they help you to boost your strength and power even further. As you can see, Olympic plates have a lot of benefits. So give them a try next time you are in the gym and incorporate them into your workout.