Weight Plates & Olympic Weight Plates

Weight plates are essential for building strength and adding resistance to your workouts. Available in a range of sizes and materials, they’re designed to help you lift heavier, train harder, and reach your fitness goals—whether you're using a barbell, machine, or the plates on their own.

Different Types of Weight Plates

There are several types of gym plates to suit different training styles and preferences:

Rubber-coated plates: These are quieter in use and kinder to floors, making them a great choice for home gyms.
Cast iron weight plates: A classic option, known for their compact design and heavy feel—ideal for lifters who want to maximise weight in minimal space.
Bumper plates: Made for Olympic lifts, these plates are built to be dropped from height without damage.

Each type of weighted plate has its own advantages, so the best choice depends on your space, equipment, and goals.

Olympic Weights

Olympic plates are the go-to choice for serious strength training. They feature a 50 mm centre hole that fits Olympic-sized barbells and machines. Because of their secure fit and standardised sizing, they’re often used in commercial gyms and weightlifting competitions.

Olympic weight plates are available in a wide weight range—from 2.5 kg for beginners to 25 kg for advanced training. Their size and design allow for balanced loading, smooth lifting, and controlled movement, especially important for compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.

Olympic vs Standard Weight Plates

The key difference between Olympic and standard weight plates is the hole diameter. Olympic plates have a 50 mm centre hole, while standard plates typically have a 25-30 mm hole. This affects which barbell they’re compatible with.

Olympic weights are generally more stable, durable, and versatile. They’re preferred for heavy lifting and performance training. Standard plates, on the other hand, are lighter and often more affordable—better suited for beginners or occasional home use.

Built for Every Level

Whether you're new to strength training or working towards your next personal best, understanding the different types of barbell weights can help you make informed choices. Each type has unique benefits, and mixing plate styles can be an effective way to support varied workouts.