When it comes to strength training, people are always confused about choosing between rubber bumper plates or cast iron plates for workouts. Even when you're setting up a home gym, you always consider which of these weight plates you should choose for your indoor workout space.
Each type of these weight plates has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and in today's article we will be examining those in detail. Read till the end to find out which of these weight plates is perfect for your workout space as well as fitness training. Let's first begin by understanding the difference between both types of workout plates.
What are the Differences between Rubber Plates and Iron Plates?
Rubber workout plates and cast iron dumbbells or plates are all made for one singular purpose: that is, strength training. Even though both of these are strength training exercise tools, the debate of which among these is better got started when the traditional iron plates faced tough competition with the New Age rubber exercise plates.
Cast iron plates are one of those old methods of workout that have been used across different countries traditionally as a method for increasing power and strength. But the growing need for accessible and more versatile workout equipment led to the increasing popularity of rubber workout plates.
One of the biggest differences in their buildup is that iron plates, as the name suggests, are made of iron and are heavier. However, rubber plates are accessible and durable, ideal for workouts but not very good for the environment.
Pros and Cons of Rubber Plates as an Equipment?
The Pros of Rubber Exercise Plates
User-Friendly: Rubber plates are a very safe and user-friendly option for beginners. It reduces the risk of injuries or floor damage, as it absorbs the impact even if it falls on the floor.
Protect Floors: Rubber as a material is highly elastic; that's why it helps to protect the flooring from scratches, dents, and damage. It is therefore a suitable choice for home gym floors.
Less Noise: In comparison to iron plates, rubber plates make less noise when dropped during workouts. It gives you a quieter workout environment and also saves you from constant complaints if you have a home gym.
More Variety: Rubber plates are available in a wide range of sizes and with calibrations, which helps with more precise load adjustments during workouts.
The Cons of Rubber Exercise Plates
-
Expensive: Rubber plates for exercise are slightly more expensive in comparison to the traditional iron plates. It is because they are made with a lot of precision and new-age technology, so you might have to work a bit on your budget.
- More Bouncy: Rubber exercise plates have high elasticity and are slightly bouncy, which makes them unfit for certain exercises and lifts that require control. This property of the workout equipment is one of its benefits as well as a conditional drawback.
Pros and Cons of Cast Iron Plates as an Equipment?
The Pros of Cast Iron Plates
-
Traditional Choice: Instead of being experimental, cast iron plates are a traditional choice for weightlifting as well as strength training workouts. They have a higher weight accuracy and offer more precise results.
-
Cost-Effective: Cast iron plates are generally more affordable. Then the bumper plates are made out of rubber. That's why they are a very good option for people who have a lesson budget.
- High Stability: The solid metal construction of the iron plates offers more stability during complicated exercises in weightlifting. It is one of the reasons that makes it good for workouts that need higher stability.
The Cons of Cast Iron Exercise Plates
-
Potential Damage: In comparison to rubber dumbbells, cast iron plates have more potential to create noise and damage uncovered flooring if not handled in a proper manner.
- Not Beginner-Friendly: Cast iron plates are not big enough or friendly because they have less cushioning and bounce. The disadvantage of their heaviness and rigidity is that they make the users more prone to injuries during explosive exercises and workouts.
In Conclusion: How to Decide Which is the Best Exercise Plate for Workout?
Whether you choose to work out with rubber hexa dumbbells, rubber bumper plates, or iron workout plates, it is important to consider your custom workout needs as well as preferences. Especially when you're exploring options for working out at a home gym. You must be careful about whether your equipment offers floor protection, common noise reduction, and support for your workout or not.
In general it is advisable to begin using rubber bunker plates because they offer a higher amount of safety and cushioning. But in case you are a professional-level athlete or looking forward to advancing in training, then you can choose cast iron plates that offer weight accuracy, affordability, and higher stability for exercises.
Therefore, you should choose an option that can help you perform your exercises in an easier manner, suits your budget, and, most importantly, matches up to your fitness level. You must carefully look into the pros before making your final decision.
