Man doing bench press with bumper plates

A home gym might be the perfect solution for you if you're looking for a way to get in shape and improve your overall fitness. And when it comes to home gyms, bumper plate sets are some of the best equipment pieces you can invest in.


In this article, we'll talk about what bumper plate sets are, why they're a great choice for your home gym, and some of the best options on the market right now. 


What are Bumper Plate Sets?


Bumper plate sets are one of the most popular pieces of equipment for home gyms. Bumper plate sets either come in pairs eg 2 x 10kg, 2 x 15kg etc or they come with a range of incremental weight plates usually in sets of 150kg, 100kg or 60kg.  These sets allow you to do Olympic weightlifting exercises such as the snatch, clean & jerk, and more in the comfort of your own home.


Unlike regular weight plates, bumper plates have a thicker circumference which helps protect the plates and the flooring below them. They can be dropped from a height of up to 12 inches, making them ideal for Olympic weightlifting as you don’t have to worry about damaging your gym floor or equipment.


The majority of modern bumper plate sets are made from a combination of steel with a rubber or urethane coating for ultra safety, durability and stability.  This material significantly reduces noise and helps to protect the weight from premature wear as well as the flooring and surrounding areas.  


Bumper plate sets also come in different design and style options.  There are sleek black options, bright cammo designs and colour-coded ranges which allow for easy weight recognition when choosing and changing your plates while you train.


Exercises You Can Do with Bumper Plate Sets


Bumper plate sets are perfect for any type of home gym. Not only do they take up minimal space, but they also allow you to diversify your exercise routine with a variety of movements. Here are some exercises that can be done with bumper plates sets:

  1. Deadlifts - Deadlifts are one of the most popular exercises you can do with bumper plate sets. Deadlifting strengthens your core and lower body, making it a great way to build strength and power. These are best done with a standard or Olympic-sized barbell.

  2. Squats - Squats are great for toning and strengthening your legs, glutes, and core. To do a squat with a bumper plate set, you'll need to set the barbell on the ground and load it up with plates until it reaches your desired weight. Then stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower yourself down until your quads are parallel to the ground before pushing back up.

  3. Overhead press - Overhead press is a great exercise for developing strength in your upper body and core. You can do these with a barbell or two dumbbells loaded with plates. Stand upright and press the weight above your head before bringing it back down to the starting position.

  4. Bench press - A bench press is one of the most popular exercises for strengthening the chest and upper body. To do this with a bumper plate set, you'll need to lie on the bench and load up the barbell with plates before pressing it away from your body. Make sure to keep your back pressed into the bench throughout the exercise.

These are just a few exercises you can do with bumper plate sets. With a little creativity, you can easily create an entire workout routine tailored to your fitness goals.


Benefits of Using Bumper Plate Sets in Your Home Gym


Bumper plate sets are perfect if you’re looking for a way to add some weight-lifting to your home gym and work towards serious lifting. Their durable construction and various sizes and weights can be used for a wide range of workout types such as Crossfit, HIIT, Interval Training, Olympic Weight Training and more.  

 


Let’s look at the ket benefits of investing in a quality bumper plate set for your home gym:


Safety


One of the biggest benefits of using a bumper plate set is that they provide a safe way to complete all your weight-lifting exercises. The plates are designed to absorb shock and help reduce the risk of injury if the barbell is accidentally dropped or released, making them much safer than other weights.


These plates are also the preferred choice of Olympic weightlifters, who have to perform lifts with large amounts of weight and need extra protection against injuries. The Olympic barbell used with the plates can also provide additional safety benefits, as they are designed to cradle the weights and have a more balanced weight distribution.


Cost-effective


Bumper plate sets are extremely cost-effective. With such a wide range of exercises and workout choice using a variety of weights, a bumper plate set is an effective way of getting the most out of your training sessions than buying separate weights and equipment that may not cover just as much.


This makes them an ideal choice for your home gym on a budget. It also allows you to gradually expand your collection as your budget allows, ensuring you have all the necessary equipment without breaking the bank. Some rubber plates can even be purchased in increments, making it easier to measure progress and add more plates as needed.


User-Friendly


It's not just about having the right equipment for your home gym but also about how easy it is to use. Bumper plate sets are designed with this in mind; they are lightweight, easy to store and transport, and don't require additional accessories or tools. They come in various shapes and sizes, so you can find a set that will fit your gym and lifestyle.


Versatility


Bumper plate sets are a great choice if you’re looking for an exercise tool to give you the most bang for your buck. The combination of weight plates and barbells can be used for various exercises, from squats and deadlifts to Olympic lifts.

You can do both basic movements and more advanced lifts like snatches and cleans with one set. This sets you up to focus on technique or use heavier weights as your strength increases.


Durability


These plates are built to last. Made of high-quality rubber, they won't chip or crack like cast iron plates can, meaning you don't have to worry about rust or corrosion over time either. The rubber construction makes them much quieter than metal plates, so you don't have to worry about disturbing your neighbours or other family members while working out.


Bumper plates are quieter


Some people don't realise how loud traditional metal weights can be. Bumper plates are made of dense rubber, which absorbs much more noise than metal. This makes them a great choice for those with downstairs neighbours or who want to exercise early in the morning without disturbing anyone else in the house.


As you can see, bumper plate sets are the perfect choice for your home gym. They provide a safe, cost-effective way to add weight-lifting to your routine, and their versatility and durability make them an ideal choice for any fitness enthusiast.


How to Choose the Right Bumper Plates Set for Your Home Gym


Bumper plate sets come in various weights and sizes, so it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Determine your goals - Think about what exercises you want and how much weight you need. This will help you determine the right weight range for your bumper plate set. Consider a set with heavier plates if the bar drops too often.

  • Consider your space - Make sure you have enough room for a full set of bumper plates and the area where you’ll be storing them. If you don’t have a lot of space, look for sets with smaller diameter plates that are easier to store.

  • Quality over quantity - When choosing a bumper plate set, it’s important to consider quality over quantity. A cheap set of plates may not last as long and could potentially be dangerous. Look for sets made with high-quality materials that will stand up against wear and tear.

  • Price - As you shop, compare prices on different bumper plate sets to ensure you get the best deal. Also, make sure to factor in any discounts or promotions that may be available. If the regular price is still too expensive, try looking for used sets online.

Conclusion


When it comes to a home gym, bumper plate sets are the perfect choice for an efficient and safe workout. They provide maximum portability and durability and are cost-effective compared to other weightlifting equipment.bumper plate sets 


Their bright colour or sleek black options also provide a unique aesthetic and can contribute to your overall motivation in the gym. So if you’re looking to kick your fitness up a notch, investing in bumper plate sets is the way to go. With all of their benefits, it’s easy to see why they are an essential part of any home gym.


You may also be interested in reading:

Beginner Barbell Workouts: How to get the most out of lifting at Home

Weight Racks - How can they improve my Workout Efficiency?

Must-Have Kit for Home Gyms