If you're in the market for weight plates, you might wonder whether you should go for bumper or iron plates. How can you make the most of your budget? What’s the most versatile? What are bumper plates used for, anyway?
In this article, we’ll talk about some exercises you can do with bumper plates, so you can determine whether they’re right for your home gym.
Let’s get bumpin’!
First off, let's talk about what bumper plates are. These bouncy, often colorful plates are made of high-quality rubber and designed to be dropped from overhead without damaging your floor or the plates. So, why use bumper plates? Well, my friend, the answer is simple: they're awesome!
Not only do they protect your floor and your plates from damage, but they also provide extra grip and stability for certain exercises. Plus, let's be real; there's just something satisfying about the sound of bumper plates hitting the ground. It's like music to a lifter's ears!
And if you're tight on space, bumper plates are a space-efficient solution that can be used for various exercises. So, don't be a square - get yourself some bumper plates and start lifting like a boss!While bumper plates are typically used for Olympic lifting, there are plenty of other exercises you can do with these bad boys.
Here’s some exercise inspo to get you started.Bumper plates are essential for Olympic weightlifting exercises like the snatch and the clean and jerk. Since these exercises involve lifting the barbell overhead and dropping it back down, bumper plates are needed to protect both your floor and the plates from damage.
While you don't necessarily need bumper plates for squats, they can be a good option if you're doing heavy squats and want to protect your floor. Plus, the larger diameter of the bumper plates can make it easier to get into the correct starting position.
Like squats, bumper plates aren't essential for deadlifts, but they can be a good option if you're doing heavy deadlifts and want to protect your floor. Plus, the larger diameter of the bumper plates can make it easier to get into the correct starting position. While you can technically use bumper plates for overhead press, it's not really necessary. Since this exercise is done on a stable surface, there's no need to worry about damaging your floor.
However, if you’re looking for a single set of plates that can do it all, know that you can use these for OHP variations. Bumper plates can be a great option for lunges, especially if you're doing walking lunges and need to bail. No shame; we’ve all been there.
Look, lifting straps are great for rack pulls and Strongman workouts, but neglecting grip strength development is the equivalent of skipping leg day. You don’t do it. You don’t let your friends do it. The grace we gave you on bailing your lunges expires immediately. Shame. Shame. Shame.
Grab your bumpers and feel the burn in your hands and forearms as you go for a relaxing stroll. If nothing else, think how effective you’ll be at carrying your luggage on your next vacation, you over-packer, you.
Oh boy, plate push-ups. They're like regular push-ups but with the bonus of making you feel like you're pushing the entire world off your back.
And don't even get me started on the struggle of trying to balance those slippery plates while you're trying to maintain proper form. It's like trying to pat your head and rub your belly at the same time, except with the added risk of face-planting into the ground. Fortunately, bumper plates offer a little more traction than iron plates.
Alternatively, you can place one or both hands on your plates for deficit or staggered push-ups to really feel the burn. Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your glutes because we're talking elevated lunges with bumper plates!
Not only do these bad boys make it easier to get into the correct starting position, but they'll also have your quads quaking and booty burning. And let's remember the rubber surface that provides extra grip and stability - because the last thing you want is to slip and end up face-first on the gym floor.
Did you know that Arnold Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding coach used to make him wear shorts to show off his puny calves as a way to encourage him not to skip leg day? And we all know how that turned out - Arnold went on to become one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, with calves so massive they could probably crush a watermelon.
So, if you're looking to follow in Arnold's footsteps (or should I say, calf-steps), add calf raises with bumper plates to your workout routine. The rubber surface of the bumper plates will keep you steady as you rise up onto your toes, and before you know it, you'll have calves that would make even Arnold jealous.
So, get lifting and start showing off those gams like it's nobody's business! A lot of people ask this burning question when outfitting their home gym. Can you use bumper plates for the bench press? Well, technically, you can, but should you? It’s not ideal.
Bench press is a lift that's all about stability, so unless you're looking to add an extra challenge to your workout by wobbling around like a newborn giraffe, stick to the regular plates (or grab a bamboo bar).
And let's not forget that bumper plates are like the Biggie Smalls of the weight world - bigger than regular plates, making it harder to get into the correct starting position. So, save yourself the hassle and the embarrassment of rolling off the bench like a bumbling buffoon, and stick to what works best for bench press - the good ol' fashioned plates. Sorry to disappoint.
Bumper plates are a versatile option for people who like to keep things fresh, prioritize Olympic lifting, and want to protect their home gym floor.
If you're looking for a way to protect your floor and your plates while lifting heavy, bumper plates are definitely worth considering. Happy lifting!
