Weight plates are one of the most important pieces of functional weight training equipment to have in your gym. Available in a variety of shapes and finishes, weight plates often form the basis of any free-weight training program for both beginners and elite athletes.
There are two main types of weight plates available, standard plates or Olympic plates which are differentiated by the diameter of the hole in the centre of the plates. Standard weight plates have a diameter of 29mm, while Olympic weight plates (and bumper plates) have a diameter of 51mm.
So, whether you’re searching for standard, Olympic or bumper weight plates in Australia, we have everything you need to push the limits during your workouts. All our weight plates are made from the highest quality materials, designed to be tough and durable.
If you’re looking to improve your home or commercial gym setup we also have a range of weight stands available. Not only will you have the weight plates you need, but an easy and convenient way to store them so you can change the layout of your workout space to suit your needs.
Find everything you need in our extensive range of weight plates (including weight plate storage options), featuring standard weight plates perfect for bodywork all the way up to Olympic weight plates for serious lifters. No matter how you choose to work out and challenge yourself, we have the weights to help you reach your fitness goals.
Standard or Olympic Weight Plates - Which ones to choose?
Choosing the right weight plates depends on your fitness goals and the type of barbell you'll be using them with.
Standard plates are designed for standard barbells with a 1-inch diameter. These are often more affordable and suitable for beginners and general strength training. If you're focusing on lighter weights and exercises like curls or lateral raises, standard plates might be all you need.
Olympic plates are made for Olympic barbells, which have a 2-inch diameter. They often allow for heavier lifting and are ideal if you're looking to progress to more advanced lifts like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. Olympic plates also tend to be more durable for serious training.
Need some help choosing the right plates for you? Click here to check out our Weight Plate Buyer's Bible or, if you have questions and want more information, feel free to contact us.
FAQs
At World Fitness, our heaviest weight plate is 25kgs. Our range of weight plates scale from 1.25kgs all the way to 25kgs.
Weight plates are generally made from solid cast iron, steel or from smooth natural rubber depending on the style of weight plates.
To decide which type of weight plate is best for your home gym, think of your training style and goals? Are you looking to do more functional training or heavy lifting?
If you are looking to lift some serious weight then Olympic plates will be your best option, while standard plates are best for those looking to do high rep workouts. For those looking to do functional training, it really depends on how much space you have in your home gym as either type of weight plate will work for you.
Also consider the material of the weight plates. Cast iron weight plates are not designed to be dropped however bumper plates are, making them safer for heavy lifting especially if you don’t have a safety spotter.
A weight plate is a disc-shaped weight, typically made from cast iron, rubber, or urethane, with a central hole. It's designed to be loaded onto barbells or weight machines, providing adjustable resistance for various strength training exercises.
Weight plates are incredibly versatile tools for strength training. They allow you to add resistance to a wide range of exercises, targeting various muscle groups. Using weight plates helps you build strength, increase muscle mass, improve power, and burn calories.
Both weight plates and dumbbells offer unique advantages. Weight plates used with barbells often allow for heavier lifting, making them ideal for major compound lifts. Dumbbells provide more freedom of movement, making them great for isolation exercises and unilateral work. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your fitness goals and preferred exercise types.
Weight plates offer several benefits. They're incredibly versatile, allowing you to target multiple muscle groups with a wide variety of exercises. You can easily customise the resistance by choosing different weight plates, making them suitable for all fitness levels. Another key benefit is progressive overload – easily increase the weight over time to continue building strength. Plus, high-quality weight plates are durable and will last for years of training.
Weight plates are used for countless exercises, from squats, deadlifts, and bench presses to shoulder presses, lunges, rows, and bicep curls. You can find many exercise ideas and tutorials online or consult a fitness professional for guidance.
Consider these factors: barbell type (standard or Olympic), your fitness level and goals, the material you prefer (cast iron, rubber, or urethane), and your budget.
To avoid plateaus and continue seeing progress, it's good to change your weightlifting routine every 4-8 weeks. This could mean switching up your exercises, increasing the weight you lift, adjusting sets and repetitions, or changing your rest periods between sets.