, . For big poundages you need a good quality bar. You do not have to jump to
an elite bar to get a good quality one, but you need to get something a lot
better than the cheapest bar you can find. Several manufacturers, e.g., York®,
produce quality bars that are moderately priced. For serious Olympic lifting
even the moderately priced bars may be unsuitable because they do not flex
during lifting under load, as Olympic weightlifters want a bar to. A bar that
flexes must, however, return to being perfectly straight after use. Flexion does
not mean that the bar stays bent.. For the squat, center knurling on the bar will help greatly to keep the bar
from slipping while on your traps.. Plates come with large- and small-diameter holes, and either in plain metal,
with rubber coating (bumper plates), or in total rubber. e cheap plates in
particular are notoriously off weight. e rubber plates are cheaper than the
bumper plates, a lot thicker (a York solid rubber -pound plate is inches
in width), but will not damage the plates, bar or floor if the loaded barbell is
dropped. ey also make for quieter training. To get the advantages of rub-
ber plates not damaging the floor, and making less noise than metal ones,
you may only need one pair of rubber plates per bar. is only applies so
long as the metal plates on the bar are of smaller diameter than the rubber
ones. Alternatively, use solid-metal plates and do your lifting on some thick
rubber matting, for shock absorption. But if you are using good form and
controlling the bar properly, and not using the Olympic lifts, you should not
be dropping the bar anyway, though you should be prepared in case you do.. Take care of your bars. If you regularly wipe an oily rag over the sleeves, this
will help reduce the wear on the chrome from the friction between bar and
plates. Also regularly check that the sleeves are securely fastened.Bench, rack and stands
. If a flat bench weighs about pounds, or more, then it is probably a fine
bench. You want weight, stability and comfort (i.e., not too much width).
For very heavy use, a flat bench of pounds or more would be a wise
choice. If you get an adjustable bench—for incline work, and back support
while performing seated presses—get a heavy-duty one with an adjustable
seat. ere are many flimsy adjustable benches, often coming with attach-
ments that distract from the exercises that really matter.