Three things you should consider before buying your first weight plates
Weight training can be a big part of your training routine but there are many different types of weight
plates to choose from. Before browsing online or at your nearest store, you should consider your budget,
goals, and aesthetics.
Determine your budget
Determining your budget is an important step when browsing for new weight plates for your home or commercial
gym.
The budget that you set will influence the quality of weight plates that you will go after. The difference
between the prices of the weight plates is normally the material they are made from, or when you buy a pair
from an expensive range.
It also depends on whether you are purchasing standard or Olympic weight plates.
What are your goals
The next step is to consider what are your fitness goals? By deciding what your goals are, you will
understand what kind of workout you will be doing and which gym equipment is needed.
Whether your workout includes deadlifts or other strength training that will require you to drop weight then
purchasing weight plates that have enough protection is required.
In this care, bumper weight plates and competition bumper plates would be suitable for your workout because
they are used by both professionals and beginners. Bumper weight plates are known for their safety,
durability, and practicality.
The design can be an important factor
We often forget about this but the design of our gym equipment does influence the atmosphere of the
environment they are in.
The design of weight plates has come a long way since the first Olympic
barbells were introduced in the late 19th century.
Today, there are a wide variety of options available, from the traditional metal plates to the more modern
bumper plates. While the aesthetic of weight plates may not be the first thing that comes to mind when
choosing equipment for a home gym, it can actually have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of
the space.
For example, a complete set of Olympic plates can give a room a more traditional and elegant feel, while a
set of brightly coloured bumper plates can add a fun and playful touch.
Ultimately, the material and design of weight plates should be chosen based on the overall aesthetic you want
to achieve in your home gym or commercial gym.
What is the difference between Standard Weight Plates, Bumper Weight Plates and Olympic Weight Plates?
If you are wondering how is the bumper weight plates and Olympic weight plates different from each other, you
are not alone in this. Many people are unaware of the difference when choosing which one to purchase.
Let us bring you some clarity on the topic.
What are standard weight plates?
Standard weight plates are typically made of steel or iron and are used in home gyms and weight sets for
strength training and fitness. They come in a variety of sizes, with the most common being 4kg, 11kg, 15kg,
and 20kg.
Most standard weight plates have a hole in the middle so they can be attached to a barbell or dumbbell, but
some have handles so they can be used for exercises like curls and presses.
Some standard weight plates also have special features, such as handles or raised edges, that make them
easier to grip or lift.
When choosing standard weight plates for your home gym, it's important to consider the types of exercises
you'll be doing as well as your own fitness level and goals.
What are bumper plates?
Bumper plates are weight plates that are made to be dropped during Olympic-style weightlifting or
powerlifting workouts.
Unlike conventional weight plates, bumper plates have a thicker rubber or urethane coating that helps to
protect the floors and equipment. Bumper plates are available in a variety of weights, from lighter plates
that are easy to handle to heavier plates that offer a greater challenge.
While bumper plates can be used for a range of strength-training exercises, they are most commonly used for
Olympic lifts such as the snatch and the clean and jerk.
For these lifts, bumper plates allow athletes to safely drop the weights from an overhead position without
damaging the equipment or themselves. In addition, bumper plates can be used for other exercises such as
deadlifts, box jumps, and even cardio workouts.
Bumper plates normally are larger than Olympic weight plates and they normally come in 5kg, 10kg, 15 kg,
20kg, and 25kg.
All of the bumper plates have the same diameter with only the width being slightly different.
What are Olympic Weight Plates?
Olympic weight plates are weight plates designed for Olympic-style weightlifting. They have a 2-inch diameter
hole in the centre, which is the standard size for Olympic barbells.
Olympic weight plates are typically made of cast iron, although some are made of steel or other materials.
Most Olympic plates come in five sets - 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, 20kg, and 25 kg.
Olympic weightlifting is a weightlifting sport in which athletes attempt to lift heavy barbells overhead in
an uninterrupted movement. The sport originated in the late 19th century, and the first modern Olympics were
held in Athens in 1896.
Olympic weight plates are often used in strength training because they are designed to improve muscle
strength and endurance.
It can be done using free weights, such as dumbbells and barbells, or by using resistance machines.
Every weight plate is made with different materials, which one is for me?
Everyone who has been to a gym or has access to the internet knows that all weight plates look a little
different from the other.
You can’t choose which type of material your weight plates will
be when you are working out in a commercial gym, but when you are buying your own you can choose which one
you want.
Each weight plate is made from different materials that can determine how durable they are and their
performance and whether they are affordable.
Cast Iron
Cast iron weight plates are commonly found in many power lifting gyms, they are very durable and resilient
which is the reason why they are quite a popular option strict and conventionally lifts.
Not only that, but because they are made from cast iron they are economical and highly durable which means
they can literally take a beating.
However, the downside of cast iron weight plates is that you cannot leave them outside or in a humid
environment. If they are exposed to moisture or high humidity, they become more susceptible to rust.
If you are using cast iron weight plates during your workout, you cannot drop them on the floor because they
will damage the floor.
Rubber
Rubber weight plates or training bumper weight plates are a common type of weightlifting equipment. They are
commonly used in weight lifting and strength training.
Rubber weight plates are more durable than other types of training bumper weigh plates, providing more grip
for the user, and being quieter when dropped.
Furthermore, they come in different colours so if you are looking to brighten up your gym then rubber weight
plates might be for you.
However, they are made of rubber they are more expensive than cast iron weight plates.
Another thing that you should look out for is that although the bumper plates are made of rubber, you should
not confuse them with rubber-coated plates as they are iron cast plates coasted with rubber.
Urethane
Urethane weight plates are a popular choice for weightlifters and bodybuilders alike. Unlike traditional
weight plates, which are made of iron or steel, urethane weight plates are covered in a thick layer of
polymer.
This makes them much more resistant to wear and tear, and they're also less likely to damage flooring or
equipment when dropped. They are also less likely to slide or roll during use.
In addition, urethane weight plates are often quieter than their metal counterparts, making them ideal for
use in home gyms.
However, urethane weight plates typically cost more than traditional weight plates, so they may not be the
best option for everyone.
6 Tips For Beginners Looking To Lift Barbells For The First Time
Now, you are thinking of including barbells into your workout routine for your strength training. Here are
some tips that you should know before starting to ensure you can maximise your workout and avoid any
physical injuries.
Remember to warm up those muscles
Before weight lifting, it is always important to do a warm-up. Warming up can help to improve your
performance and reduce your risk of injuries.
It is generally recommended to do 5-10 minutes of light cardio before lifting weights. This can help to
increase your heart rate and prepare your body for the upcoming workout. Additionally, it is often
beneficial to perform some dynamic stretching exercises.
These movements can help to loosen up your muscles and joints, making them more pliable and less likely to be
injured during weightlifting.
Finally, it is also a good idea to do a few light sets of the weightlifting exercise that you will be
performing before increasing the weight. This will help to gradually increase your heart rate and get your
muscles warmed up.
By taking these steps, you can help to improve your weightlifting performance and reduce your risk of
injuries.
Determine how much you can lift
For beginners, the amount of weight you should lift on a barbell will depend on your fitness level and
weightlifting experience. If you're new to weightlifting, it's important to start with lighter weight plates
and work your way up as you become more comfortable with the lifts.
A good rule of thumb is to start with a weight that's about 50% of your body weight. So, if you weigh 80kgs,
you would start with a 40kg weight set.
As you get stronger, you can increase the amount of weight you're lifting. For most people, the safest and
most effective way to build strength is to do a combination of compound exercises like bench press and
squats, along with isolation exercises like bicep curls.
By varying your routine, you'll be able to work for different muscle groups and reduce your risk of injury.
When it comes to strength training, gradually increasing the weight you lift is the best way to see results.
Progress takes time
Unlike other workouts, barbells show your training progress much more evident as you begin lifting more
weights.
You may start from a naked bar to learn to perfect your form to slowly putting on more weights signifying
your steady progress.
When you learn the correct forms it will prevent you from injuring yourself while letting you learn the
fundamentals of weightlifting.
Get a trainer to help you
When you are new to gym equipment it can be quite daunting when you are trying to figure out which machine to
use or whether you are doing a bench press correctly.
Getting help from a professional trainer can come in handy as they guide you through a complicated workout or
how to correctly use the equipment. Furthermore, they provide valuable advice to your fitness journey on
what to improve on and what mistakes to avoid, bringing you closer to achieving your goals.
Don’t hold your breath
As you are lifting heavier plates, you might start holding your breath even without realising it which can
negatively impact your overall performance and slow your fitness progress.
Holding your breath while weight training can cause a rapid increase in blood pressure.
During the Valsalva Maneuver, intrabdominal pressure drastically increases and can lead to hernias.
So it is very important that you remember to inhale as you lower the weight and exhale as your lift.
Taking proper rest days is just as important
When people think about lifting weights, they often focus on the actual act of lifting and forget about the
importance of rest days.
However, rest days are just as important as lifting days, and they play a crucial role in helping you achieve
your fitness goals. One advantage of taking rest days is that it gives your muscles a chance to recover from
the stress of lifting.
This is important because it helps to prevent injuries and ensures that you can continue lifting without any
setbacks. Another advantage of rest days is that they give you a chance to work on other aspects of your
fitness, such as flexibility and cardio.
This can help to create a well-rounded routine and prevent you from becoming too reliant on lifting weights.
Finally, rest days are important because they allow you to focus on other aspects of your life. If you're
constantly lifting weights, it can start to feel like a chore, and this can lead to burnout. By taking
regular rest days, you can avoid this pitfall and keep your motivation high. So, there are many good reasons
to take advantage of rest days when you're weightlifting.
Remember, they are just as important as lifting days, and they can help you achieve your fitness goals in a
healthy and sustainable way.
Take the next step, look at some of the best weight plates on the market
The 100kg Bumper Weight Plates Set
If you are looking for bumper weight plates, the 100kg Bumper Weight
Plates might just be the one for you.
Here are the key features:
- 400mm diameter
- Made from virgin rubber
- 50.4mm collar opening
The widgth of each plates:
- 5kg = 24mm wide
- 10kg = 39mm wide
- 15kg = 55mm wide
- 20kg = 73mm wide
Our 100kg Bumper Weight Platesset can be used in any workout routine and are used in commercial and home gyms
across the country so you know that you will only be getting the best quality on the market.
The weight plates are made from virgin rubber so you can rest assure that when you drop them in the gym, your
floors will not get damaged and they are also durable which means that they will last the test of time.
Furthermore, when you purchase the 100kg Bumper Weight Platesset they are not only affordable but they also
open you up to more workouts like Powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and Functional training etc.
The 100kg Competition Weight Plates set
If the 100kg Bumper Weight Platesset are not for you then perhaps consider the 100kg Competition
Weight Plates.
The 100kg competition weight plate set package comes with 2 of each weight plate from 5kg to 20kg Olympic
weight plates.
Each Kinta Competition weight plate has a hard chrome coated steel centre disc and 50.4mm collar opening for
barbells. The 5kg plates are the Kinta fraction plates.
Each weight plate is 10 within 10 grams +/- of the registered weight and within 1mm of the designated width
and diameter.
Here are the key features of the Competition Olympic Weight Plates:
- 50.4mm Olympic Collar
- +/- 10gr weight tolerance
- 450mm diameter
- Embossed logo
- 100% virgin rubber with no odour
The plate thickness are:
- 5kg – 22mm
- 10kg – 32mm
- 15kg – 42mm
- 20kg – 52mm
The 140kg Kinta Competition Weight Plates Package
The 140kg Kinta Competition Weight Plate Package comes with 2 sets of each plate from 10kg to 25kg Olympic
weight plates.
They come in 2 sets of 10kg, 15kg, 20kg, and 25 kg.
Here are some of their features:
- 50.4mm Collar opening
- +/- 10gr weight tolerance
- 450mm diameter
- Embossed printing
- 100% virgin rubber with no smell or odour
Plate thickness:
- 10kg – 32mm
- 15kg – 42mm
- 20kg – 52mm
- 25kg – 62mm
Take the plunge
If you are looking for weight plates like bumper plates, training bumper weight plates, and Olympic weight
plates for your commercial or home gym can be an exciting step and we hope that we have been helpful in
providing useful advice in making the choice easier.
While we still have your attention, take a look at our wide range of weight plates at Kinta Fitness to kick start the next chapter of your fitness
journey.
FAQs - Kinta Fitness
Do you have a physical store that I visit?
If you want to come down to our warehouse at Malaga, Western Australia our excellent
support team will be happy to answer any queries you have about our product.
Our warehouse business hours are:
9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday
9 am – 4 pm Saturdays
11 am – 3 pm Sundays
I want to start my own home gym, where do I start?
Home gyms can be expensive and it’s hard to find the right one that fits your
needs.
Kinta Fitness was founded by our owner Joe Paps, Ex-Army Veteran who suffered from
joint pain when he ran or worked out at home but didn't have time for an injury
rehabilitation session afterwards because the cost wasn't something they could
afford every month.
He believes everyone should have access to a facility where there's support in
building fitness goals while staying within budget - which is why we offer
facilitation services along with product guidance suited towards anyone looking into
purchasing their own gym equipment!
Will the equipment come set up?
No. In order to save space and save money on delivery costs, all our equipment comes
flat packed with all the nuts and bolts included plus instructions for quick and
easy assembly.
If you require assistance in setting up and you are located within 40km to our
warehouse, we can send a team of our own specialists to expedite setup for an
additional fee.
What if I get shipped the wrong item?
We want to make sure you get your items as quickly and hassle-freely with
our store! If there is a problem, just photograph a note of what was
shipped wrongfully or not fully functioning on arrival - then email
through at admin@x.kintafitness.com.au.
We'll take care of everything from here including sending back the
package to our warehouse at no charge to you with your chosen carrier.
Free Weights 
Strength & Conditioning 
Packages 
Gym Flooring 
Machines 
Accessories 
SALE 
