Standard or Olympic Weights- What’s the Difference?

Weight lifting is a great way to develop muscles so it’s not surprising that this is such a popular workout. Did you just decide to start a weight lifting workout, but you’re not sure what weights you should buy? Basically, there are two types of weight plates- standard plates and Olympic size plates. Here are the differences and the advantages and disadvantages of using each.

• Bar diameter
The standard weight’s entire bar is 1” in diameter. It is often used at home and is designed to take standard weight plates with 1” holes. However, they can also take Olympic plates but the plates will not fit properly since their holes are larger. So if you want to use Olympic plates on a standard bar, it is required that you should purchase an Olympic adapter sleeve for the plates to fit tightly on the standard bar.

On the other hand, Olympic size bars are 2” diameter on the ends. With this, they will only take Olympic weight plates which also have 2” diameter holes. You can’t mix and match these two weight plates because the bar diameter varies on the sleeves where the weights are being mounted.

• Competition rank
Typically, Olympic size bars are the ones being used in competition, while novices often choose the standard or regular type because of the idea that Olympic bar is designed for pro athletes and power lifters.

• Strength and stability
Standard weight bars are not as thick and heavy as compared to Olympic weight bars. Therefore, a standard lifting bar will start to bend when loading somewhere over 200 pounds. On the other hand, the Olympic bar is more durable and can handle several hundred pounds safely without bending or bowing.

• Price
The regular bars are lighter and require fewer raw materials when manufactured so they are usually less expensive.

• Grip
The middle portions of these two types of bars differ slightly. In Olympic bars, it is 1/16 or 1/8 thicker than the usual size of standard bars with just 1”. As a result, bars that are larger in diameter are easier to use for dead lifts. The grip is more stable and secure so you can intensify your weight lift workout.

• Beginner’s choice
Standard dumbbell handles are 14 inches long while Olympic dumbbell handles are 18 inches. And it is common for people, beginners in particular, to prefer the shorter ones for their weight lifting routines.

• Protective coating
Most standard weight plates have plastic coatings. This may not be a good choice if you’re planning to use these dumbbells in an intensive workout for a long time. Over time, the plastic can peel off making them unstable or even unsafe to use. It will surely affect your grip and routine. However, rubber encased plates are more durable.

Equipment choices depend on the goals of the user and budget. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Assess and compare thoroughly before starting a weight lifting program because not all requirements are the same. What works for others is not an assurance that it will also work for you. Do some research and try out the different types of weights at the gym or store to help you decide which weight training equipment would be most beneficial to you.