The Best Arrangement to Stack Weights on a Weight Rack
A weight plate, which looks like a large iron circle with a hole in the center, slides onto barbells to be used during strength training. When you have finished training, a weight rack is a place to store these weight plates. For safety reasons, you should put these plates onto the rack in a certain order.
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Free Weights
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A set of Olympic free weight plates are available in the following sizes: 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 35 and 45 pounds. As the weight increases, the weight plate increases its diameter.
Pyramid
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When considering the best way to stack your free weights, think about the design of a pyramid. The base is larger than the top so the structure is balanced and will not topple over. The same theory applies to weight stacking; the heaviest and largest weights should be placed on the bottom.
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Tips
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Other reasons to keep the heaviest weight on the bottom include safety for your back. You want to avoid repeatedly lifting the heavier weight to a height that causes strain in your lower back. So, if you place the 45 pound plates closer to the floor, you will protect your back.
Weight Rack
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Your weight rack will typically have two or three rods on each side to hold weight plates. Place the 45-pound and 35-pound weights on the bottom rods, with the 45-pound plates on first. You can put the 25-pound weights on last for the bottom rod, or first in the middle rod. Use the top rod for your lighter weights, again placing the heaviest weight closest to the center. Balance out both sides of your weight rack evenly by placing the same amount of plates on the lowest rods.
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References
- Photo Credit Pile of Weights image by mcab from Fotolia.com
