Dumbbells: Why do a few heavy plates feel much heavier than many lighter ones?

Asked by: Patrick Doe

Why do some dumbbells feel heavier than others?

Metal weights, in many instances, will feel heavier than other materials and this is due to a number of factors. Weight design, rust, density, and diameter of iron weights can all influence how a weight feels when lifting and it’s certainly true that metal weights can feel heavier.

Why do weights feel heavier some days?

Unfortunately, your muscles and liver can only store so much glycogen, so you have to keep replenishing it through diet. If you don’t replace muscle glycogen stores after a workout, and in the time between workouts, you may enter a workout with glycogen-depleted muscles.

Why do dumbbells feel heavier than machines?

The angles of the mechanical device, the movement pattern of its handles, the number of pulleys used, all of these can affect the way the weight “feels” on the other end. 15lbs on one machine may “weigh” slightly less or more on another machine due to the complexity of the pulley system involved.

Why do weights feel heavier at different gyms?

And you have gear ratios. So if you have a bigger pulley.

Are rubber weights better than metal?

Rubber can do everything iron can… but better



The sixth, and final, difference between rubber and iron plates is that rubber plates can do everything iron plates can, but iron plates cannot do everything that rubber plates can do.

Are dumbbell weights accurate?

If you want to know the exact weight of what you’re lifting, you may be surprised to know that dumbbell weights aren’t always accurate. Dumbbell weights are often close to what is listed, but slightly under or over the weight, depending on the brand and type of dumbbell.

Why do I feel weaker the more I exercise?

Whether you are starting to work out for the first time or you are a professional athlete, muscle fatigue is a normal side effect of exercise that may put a damper on your routine. Fatigue is your body’s way of adapting to a fitness regimen and making you aware that you have reached your metabolic/psychological limit.

Why am I getting weaker the more I workout?

1. You’re too strict with your training schedule. The desire for greater strength and muscle gains can have you working tirelessly in the gym—to your detriment, though, not your benefit. You get on the fast track to a mental or physical breakdown.

Why do I feel weaker than my last workout?

If you’re going to workout sleep deprived, try not to do so after an extended wake time and/or ingest caffeine before your workout. Be consistent with your nutrition and intake adequate calories + carbs. A few days of eating much less than normal (especially carbs) can negatively impact your performance.

Why does digital weight feel heavier?

That’s why it feels slightly heavier than traditional weights: You challenge your muscles with consistent resistance throughout the entire movement, and that type of overload results in improved strength. Increasing the efficiency of your training is only one part of the package.

Are rusty weights heavier?

Do Rusty Weights Weigh More? In short, yes, rusty weights weigh more than clean weights. When iron rusts, it reacts with oxygen and water.

What’s the difference between bumper plates and weight plates?

Unlike standard weight plates, where each unique weight is also a different diameter, bumper plates are all the same diameter. Instead of varying in physical size (45 lbs. being the largest and then working down from there), they vary in thickness and construction.

Are rubber coated weights better?

Safety. In general, rubber dumbbells are considered to be a safer choice than iron or chrome dumbbells. However, if you are allergic to latex or sensitive to strong odors, then iron dumbbells may be a better choice for your health.

Is it OK to bench with bumper plates?

To progress your bench press, you’ll want to have a variety of weights on hand. Bumper plates are also a nice addition to your setup as they won’t cause too much damage to your floors if you drop them compared to traditional iron weights.

Can I mix bumper plates with regular plates?

You can mix bumper plates with iron plates without worrying about damaging your plates or barbell. However, this works as long as you add iron plates with the same weight or less to the bumper plates. Mixing bumper plates helps to protect your floor and barbell from damage.

Are 35 pound plates useless?

35s are the most useless waste of space in any gym that has them. Look, we’ve already figured this out, but you guys have fun. In a gym, probably, but at home they can be usefull.

Are all weight plates the same?

Typically made from iron, traditional plates come in all different sizes. The more each plate weighs, the bigger it is. It kind of has to work that way. More weight equals more iron!

Can weight plates break?

Without proper force reduction and minimizing vibration, bumper plates will eventually fail. The constant impact of bumper plates with a hard surface will cause failure ultimately, resulting in broken plates. Most weight room floors that we have inspected use a simple 3/8″ or 8mm recycled rubber for their flooring.

Are crumb bumper plates good?

Crumb bumper plates are made out of softer rubber compared to regular bumper plates. This means crumb plates are even more durable than regular bumpers and offer an amazing bounce.

How long do gym plates last?

Bumper plates are designed to absorb impact and force making them the ideal choice of plates for use in most home gyms. If used in the correct manner, bumper plates can easily last 5 – 10 years through moderate use or 3 – 5 years with intensive, daily use.

Can you drop rubber coated weights?

Rubber plates are steel or cast iron plates that have just a thin rubber or urethane coating around them. Unlike bumper plates, rubber plates can’t be dropped.

Why are bumper plates easier to lift?

The reasoning behind this is that bumper plates are bigger, so the weight on each side of the barbell is applying a larger lever arm on the bar which will make it bend more than that same weight of iron plates.

Why are weights so expensive?

Since a lot of labor goes into the processing, the weights are more expensive. Manufacturers need to pay their workers. They need to fix machines, tools, and equipment as they break to continue producing. All these costs factor into the overall price of the weight.

Are bumper plates better for deadlift?

Deadlifts, especially in competition, are intended to be done with iron plates. However, for the rest of us you can really go either way. You can be traditional and deadlift with iron plates, but if you’re concerned over dropping heavy weights on your garage or basement floor then you can always go with bumper plates.

Will deadlifts crack concrete?

Deadlifts will crack concrete when dropping the barbell directly onto the floor. Not only will deadlifts damage concrete when the bar is dropped, but they will also damage hardwood flooring and tiled flooring as well. The damage caused to concrete will be in the form of cracks and chips on the surface.

Does the bar bend at 405?

At What Weight Does A Barbell Bend



while good quality bars have a weight capacity of up to 1500lbs, once the bar is loaded with 405lbs or more than you are likely to see some bending (more common in powerlifting gyms). Anything between 405lbs – 700lbs+ will see a noticeable and permanent bend.