Concrete weight vs iron weight
Keeping ourselves fit plays an important role in our life. It not only helps in keeping ourselves in shape but also acts as a shield towards getting any kind of disease by boosting our immunity. Also, if you are gym savvy, you would surely know how weight training helps one to keep in shape.
However, if you are a beginner, you will surely be confused between choosing Iron weight vs concrete weight, we are here to help you.
Ideally, while an instructor will guide you through what is better, it can be quite a brainstorming activity if you are planning on getting one for your home gym. Both play an integral role in weight training which helps to build and shape the core muscles. But the crux is choosing the appropriate type.
If you are also unclear about this, then you have come to the right page. By the end of the article, you will definitely be able to decide which one will suit you best. So now let’s start:
Concrete weight
These are concrete weights covered with hard plastic. This makes the best beginner’s weight as it helps in performing the exercise with accuracy.
Why should I use concrete weight?
It is a perfect pick for beginners and will also pretty much fit your budget and won’t cost you a bomb. And finally, if you are planning for a short-term plan to use these weight plates then this is a perfect option.
Are concrete weights good?
Yes, of course great look and high grip and less injuries than iron weight.
Concrete weight
Advantages
- They are plastic weights filled with sand, their volume is greater than metal weights because the metal is denser.
- The only good thing about them is that they are cheap and a good starter weight if you don’t have the money to buy some barbell weights.
- Yes, even though they can be loose on a standard barbell bar, they can be used very well on a fat grip bar that will help strengthen your grip – giving you Popeyes forearms.
Disadvantages
- They take up a lot of space on the bar.
- Cemented ones eventually start to crack and break. Once this happens, the sand will start coming out of the cracks of the plastic and only then its weight will start decreasing.
- Concrete weights can be loose fitting on the bar and can be shaky which can lead to injuries.
Concrete weight vs iron weight
- One of the biggest differences between concrete and iron weights is that concrete weights are cheaper. If you are low on a budget, concrete weights are a solid way to get some weight on your bar in your garage gym, and no one can blame you for that.
- When using cement weights, it can tap and pieces of it can chip and get into your eyes.
- Another difference between concrete and iron weights is that you can have a different type of iron plate that is designed to be dropped, and concrete is not. Whether you have a concrete floor, a drop pad, some rubber on the floor, it is never a good idea to drop a barbell weight as it can damage the floor, the bar or even injure yourself.
How much does concrete weigh
The weight of a yard of concrete can vary depending on the material and mix design.
Iron weight
Now coming to the next variant which is Iron Weight. It is perfect for those who are into professional weight training. And if you’re looking to build a home gym, putting them on your wish list will complete your quest. Iron weights have a longer shelf life and last longer than concrete weights. But on the con side, dropping them on the floor on your feet can certainly lead to cracks and fractures. Well, being careful is an essential aspect that you should pay attention to.
Most weight plates are made of cast iron, the decent ones will be rubberized or otherwise coated with some sort of finish to provide resistance against corrosion and damage.
Training with both is exactly the same if you stack the same amount of weight, but you probably realize that. Also, they are not as loud when dropped, and are common and generally great to work with but can cause damage when dropped (when lifting very heavy).
Benefits of concrete weight vs iron weight
- Iron weights are stronger than concrete weights which makes them more resistant to stress and impact.
- Iron weight are generally preferable because they are smaller and slimmer in size and weight and can be easily attached to a barbell. (Note: they still equal the same weight).
- They are safer and not sharp on the edges.
- Most of the iron weights have a tighter fit.
- They don’t take much space on the bar
Rubber bumper weight
Rubber bumper plates are another type of weightlifting plate similar to iron plates. They can do almost anything iron plates can do but the iron plate cannot do what the rubber plate can. They are coated with rubber and can allow you to drop a loaded barbell from an overhead position when weightlifting without causing any damage to the weight or the bar.
If you have to choose between either iron plates, concrete or rubber. It’s always best to go for the rubber plates every time, you get all the benefits.
Are they both good?
Yes, of course, concrete and iron weights are best for workout. The only good thing about the concrete weight is that they are cheap and a good starter set if you don’t have the money to buy some barbell weights. Even if they hold up, you’ll eventually run out of space at the bar.
If you don’t have any weights you can opt for the concrete weight, unless you don’t plan to pull off the floor, which means deadlifts or power cleans or rows, etc. I don’t believe the concrete weight is strong enough to handle the stress of doing a heavy deadlift.
Final thoughts on concrete weight vs iron weight
Keeping the above points in mind, we can conclude that while choosing between concrete weight vs iron weight, choose them based on your capacity and level. For a beginner concrete weight can be better but for a professional you are good to go with the iron weights for optimal results.
