You don’t have to be training for the Olympics to use an Olympic weight bench or an Olympic weight set. It has become a term used for specific types of weight benches and weight sets. As the name somewhat implies, an Olympic weight bench set is a hardier and sturdier type of bench and set of weights. They are found in weightlifting competitions, fitness centers, gyms and the homes of serious weight lifters everywhere for that reason, but this type of weight lifting equipment is great for people of any fitness level.
Olympic Weight Bench
An Olympic weight bench is slightly different than a standard weight bench in that it is typically a little larger and sturdier. The bench is 48 inches wide and it is made to accommodate the standard 7 foot Olympic bar. If you buy the Olympic bench and barbell separately make sure you get a 7 foot bar, shorter barbells may not fit properly.
Having a wider bench and a wider space between the arms leading to the rack make these weight benches more comfortable and provide a greater feeling of stability, especially for larger lifters doing a heavy bench press. This stability is very important for those lifting large amounts, and can help to increase performance.
Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench
Olympic weight benches are available in different styles. For example you can get one that is a flat weight bench or an adjustable weight bench, etc. They are also available with the options of a leg extension or preacher curl to provide more of a full body workout.
Olympic Weight Set
Olympic weight sets generally come in sizes of 300, 400 or 500 pounds (although you can find additional sizes) along with a standard 7 foot Olympic bar weighing 45 pounds and spring collars to hold the plates on the barbell. The plates come in weights of 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 35 and 45 pounds. If you get a used weight set or discount weight set make sure you get the full set so you are able to incrementally adjust the weight as you increase your muscle strength.
Different barbells can handle different amounts of weight so if you buy pieces of the set separately make sure the barbell will be able to handle the Olympic weights you want to use while weight lifting. If you buy you Olympic weight set as a complete set the bar included will be able to handle the weight of the plates in that set, but keep in mind if you end up buying more plates later you may also need to buy a new bar.
When it comes to the plates you can buy either rubber encased Olympic plates, or you can buy the regular Olympic plates and add rubber bumpers to the them. The rubber layer can help protect your floor, which can be pretty important when you’re lifting 400+ pounds.
Whether you’re a serious weightlifter, an athlete in training or you just want a nice set of weights, an Olympic weight set including an Olympic weight bench is a great choice. Olympic weights are more solid than some other weight benches and sets and they will last you a long time. Plus they have standard sized equipment so you know what you’re getting.
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