Barbells, bars and plates
What is a free weight?
Lifting bars and plates are one of the equipment alongside dumbbells & kettlebells which categorize as free weights. But what does it mean? It points out to the free movement exercises that can be done with the specific weight.
On the contrary to the training machines or benches, which are stationary and usually only meant for 1-3 exercises (depends on the type of the machine/bench). Free weights allow you to choose more openly the place and variety of exercises you want to perform.
How much does a lifting bar weigh? How long is the bar?
The standard (olympic) lifting bar for men is 220 cm long, it weighs 20 kg and the diameter of the suitable plates is 50 mm. The grip bar is about 28 mm.
The standard (olympic) lifting bar for women is 201 cm long, it weighs 15 kg and the diameter of the suitable plates is 50 mm. The grip bar is about 25 mm.
A lot of non standard measures for bars are also produced by the manufactures, depending on the specifics of the discipline and exercise. For example, Budopunkt has hex bars; a lifting bar (120 cm, 10kg) and many more catalogue products (if not seen on our website, do not hesitate to ask, we can make an offer to other models if possible).
Which plates do I need to buy? Will all be suitable for the bars?
No, not all plates and bars are compatible. The keyword here is the diameter of the plates and bars. Two common diameters prevail in the world of free weights - 30 mm and 50 mm (olympic measure). So in order to buy a set of plates and a bar, make sure the sizes are correct (especially if you already have one of the items at home, then check out the diameters before purchasing the items).
How much do the plates weigh? What does the color of the plates mean?
Again - there can be a variety of all sorts of weighs, but the standards are kept between 0.5 - 25 kg. Surely if you’ve done some research you can see a connection of colors and weights. These are actually competition plates - they are required to have the accordance due to the rules of the sport. For a home user, this is not that important to specifically follow.
Powerlifting Federations (squat, bench press, and deadlift) and Weightlifting Federations (Olympic weightlifting - snatch; clean and jerk) are the leaders and developers of this sport.
Are the plates and a bar sold as a set? Can I buy and use them separately?
Bars and plates are completely okay to use as separate training tools - this is very common. For instance, it is actually really good to learn the technique with an unloaded bar + to do all the exercises using only the bar (as it has a weight itself already).
But I can assure you that the time will come when more weights will be needed as the power and curiosity rises. This is a natural side effect and logical continuous matter to your training. Also here comes the need to know the sizes of plates/bar needed, if you’d like to buy them separately.
Please look up the specifications/product information provided with the certain items (if not marked on our website, please ask from our customer service).
What are the best home workout barbells and plates?
If you have a decent size home gym, then go all the way and buy the standard barbells and weights - that would be an investment for a long period of time.
But if you have little space or you are a beginner and do not want to overload the whole house with metal, then I’d suggest purchasing a studio barbell set.
They are really compact and have everything you need - a bar, plates and lock collars - all in all it weighs 20 kg.
Also another suggestion - for better maintenance for the set and floors - consider buying a rubber mat or cover to the floor (it will protect your home). Look here for the selection of rubber mats in our store.
How to prevent the plates from sliding off from the bar?
To ensure the plates are sticking on the barbell, you have to use collars. They will lock and secure the plates from moving. Sold as pairs to cover both ends of the barbell. Let's have some peace and security while focusing on our exercises.
Here the selection is the same as the plates had - you need to know what diameter suits your bar - collars as well are either 30 mm or 50 mm.