Weight lifting is a fantastic way to increase muscle tone and cardiovascular endurance. It’s also an activity you can easily do at home. All you need is a weight set of your own. This guide tells you what to look for when buying weights and highlights the best fitness gear 300 lb Olympic weight sets.
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Whether you want to perfect your deadlift or boost lean muscle to improve your CrossFit endurance, the right home weight set will help you achieve your goals. The most common Olympic weight sets are popularly used for both home and commercial gyms.
As you shop around for your perfect weight set, consider these characteristics:
● Plates: Do the plates have grips if you want to use them off the bar — for example, to increase core strength with weighted sit-ups?
● Barbell: In some cases, the barbell is included. In others, it’s sold separately.
● Handle grip: If a bar is included, check the grip. Ideally, it will have cross-hatched lines to ensure a more secure grip while lifting. This comes from a manufacturing process known as knurling.
● Safety collar: Check if you need safety collars to secure the plates to the bar. If so, ensure these are included in the set.
● Material: Olympic weight sets are usually pure metal. If you’re looking for weights to use in Crossfit, opt for rubberized weight plates with low bounce.
Keep these points in mind as you peruse the weight sets below.
When you first start browsing the vast selection of Olympic weight sets available, you may get overwhelmed. Narrow down your options with the help of this guide. Here are five Olympic weight sets worth considering.
If you’re looking for a fast and easy solution to your weight gear needs, opt for the Fitness Gear 300 lb Olympic Weight Set. You can do a variety of exercises with training weights, from bench presses to squats. The set features a seven-foot 45 lb chrome bar. You also get two spring clips for security plus several plates with handle grips. Various weights allow for a customized workout.
Pros:
● Easily accommodate multiple users with varied customized weights
● Knurling on the bar
● Plates designed for a comfortable grip
Cons:
● Only two spring clips included
If you want to keep it simple without all the fancy extras, check out the CAP Barbell Olympic Weight Set. This three-piece Olympic bar is simple and straightforward. The bar itself is seven feet so that you can load on additional weights beyond the initial 110 lbs provided. The Olympic plates offer grips, so you can also use them off the bar. Weight plates are available up to 45 pounds. Grip holes make holding and loading fast and safe. Additional weights are sold separately, so you can beef up weight as you progress.
Pros:
● CAP is a major brand, so you can be sure you’re getting a quality product
● Weights are made of solid cast iron
● The weights’ black enamel finish offers an attractive appearance, in case your weight bench is on display
Cons:
● The bar doesn’t have knurling
The Club Quality 4-Weight Deluxe Barbell Set by Step Fitness wins in versatility thanks to the steering wheel design of the weight plates. The grips allow you to easily hold the plates in your hand, making this a perfect pick if you also want to lift weights off the bar. The bar is 1″ in diameter and 54″ long and made of heavy gauge steel for maximum durability. The weights have nylon quick-release collars for easy locking and quick removal. The major drawback of this set is that it only provides you with 60 pounds worth of weight.
Pros:
● Weights made of recycled material, encased in an HDPE shell
● Easy-handle grips, perfect for off-the-bar weight lifting
● Quick-release collar so you can put weights on and off the bar quickly
Cons:
● Only includes weight up to 60 pounds
If you already have a bar and need a new Olympic weight set, opt for the XMark Black Diamond Plates. This set includes ten weights ranging from 2.5 lb to 10 lb. Each one has 2″ stainless steel inserts. The plates are recognized for their durability, thanks to their cast iron cores, which are encased in rubber to prevent chipping.
Pros:
● Patented design
● One-year warranty
● Anti-chip rubber casing
Cons:
● Some people might not like the rubber smell
If you want to work on your squats, this is a must-have addition to your Olympic weights purchase. The Power Zone Squat Stand Rack Power Cage comes with a heavy-duty frame made of premium steel. The power rack supports up to 805 pounds of maximum weight. For safety, the rack has “spotter arms” with safety latches, so you can be sure you have back up on hand, even when you’re lifting alone.
Pros:
● Fits up to seven Olympic bars
● Includes six resistance band pins
● Safety clips let you organize weight on the rack and add stability while utilizing
Cons:
● Takes up a lot of space
In the end, the “right” weight set depends on your personal preferences. Any of the above options will serve you well and should meet your basic needs. The one you choose depends mainly on your priorities. For example, if your top concern is versatility, go for the Club Quality 4-Weight Deluxe Barbell Set by Step Fitness, whereas if you want something basic, pick the CAP Barbell Olympic Weight Set.
If you’re looking for an all-rounder, opt for the “Best Overall” listed here: Fitness Gear 300 lb Olympic Weight Set.
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