Standard vs. Olympic Hand Held Free Weights

There are two basic types of hand held free weights, standard and Olympic weights. Working out with this type of exercise equipment has several benefits. Free weights are relatively inexpensive when compared to other equipment. They are also smaller and easier to store than larger workout equipment. Exercises with Olympic free weights allow you to use your full range of motion, resulting in greater muscle building benefits. In addition, you can add plates to the bar to increase the intensity of your workout.

For beginner exercises with free weights, a standard hand held set of standard or adjustable dumbbells works well. Beginners generally lift less than more experienced strength trainers. A standard set has thinner plates and the plates have a smaller hole in the center than Olympic weight plates. The small hole fits on a standard bar, which is thinner than Olympic bars. The plates come in metal or plastic. Metal plates last longer and it is easier to find compatible weights to add later when you want to purchase additional plates.

Barbells and dumbbells for standard hand held weight sets are smaller in diameter than an Olympic set. It is important to choose a bar that will fit standard plates, or the free weights won’t fit on the plates. Barbells for standard plates can either be hollow or solid. Hollow bars should only be used for light lifting. Heavier plates will cause the bar to bend and dent. A solid bar will last longer under the pressure and take more weight as you increase your exercise program.

Olympic weight sets cost more than standard sets. The plates are larger and have larger holes in the center. They are used for exercising in a gym. Plates for Olympic free weights can be found in metal and rubber. Stay away from cheap rubber plates because they tend to crack if you drop them. These hand held sets are a better choice if you are into heavy lifting.

Barbells and dumbbells for exercises using hand held Olympic weights have a larger diameter than standard bars. Standard weights won’t fit on these bars. These barbells are solid, weighing forty five pounds. Take the weight of the bar into consideration when loading the bar with plates. Because they are heavier and sturdier, these bars can hold more plates than a standard bar without bending or denting.

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