Shrug bars are perfect for such exercises as deadlifts, overhead press, shrugs and more. The size and shape of the shrug bars reduces the potentially dangerous stresses on the lower back and supporting muscles because it keeps the weight inline with the centre of your body.
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Anyone wanting to workout with free weights will of course need a set of weight plates to meet their needs. Plates are available in different sizes, weights, and shapes. Which is suitable for you will depend on your hom gym set up.
If you are using or planning to buy a basic standard barbell or standard dumbbells you will be strictly be limited to using standard size weight plates. These have a centre hole whose diameter will only fit bars of the same diameter, in the case of standard bars this will be one inch. Most beginners weight lifting sets will come with standard bars and plates to match. Finding additonal weights to buy should be easy – look in a department store or local fitness centre shop.
A serious trainer will likely want Olympic style bars at some point and these too have specific size weight plates which will typically be two inches in diameter. Olympic weight plates are available in different styles to accomodate different uses. Olympic plates are typically available in 1.25kg, 2.5kg, 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, 20kg and 25kg weight. Most fitness stores will stock Olympic weight plates. Typical plates will be round and made of cast iron – some may be encased in rubber, which should be make less noise when hitting the floor which may be a consideration. It is common to find plates with hollowed out outer edges making them easier to handle and load/unload from the bar.
Choose your weight plate carefully, with proper use there is no reason they should not last as long as you. Consider what exercises you intend to use them with, your existing equipment and of course your budget.
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