The Best Barbell Accessories
Weightlifting is a great way to tone your body and build your muscles. To get started, you'll need a quality set of barbells and weight plates. Once you have these, you can begin adding barbell accessories to your home gym equipment. There are a variety of accessories to choose from, so think about your workout goals before you start purchasing. Are you trying to lift more, reduce stress, or try new lifts? By thinking about what you'll use the accessories for, you'll make sure you only buy ones you're actually going to use. To help you take your home gym to the next level, here are five barbell accessories to consider.
RAGE Fitness Olympic Training Barbell, 15 lb
A Barbell Fit for the Masses
This aluminum barbell will help you perform any basic lifts. It can accommodate up to 300 pounds of weights. You’ll need to use Olympic style plates. They need to have a 2-inch center hole to fit on this barbell.
It’s 6-feet long, with about 49-inches between the sleeve collars. With these dimensions, this barbell will fit in most standard bench racks. The collars spin freely, and don’t make a lot of noise as they do so, especially if you keep them oiled. The medium knurl is comfortable to hold onto, and works well for beginners.
Pros
- Good length so it fits in most bench racks
- Free spinning collars so it’s easy to add weights
- Diamond knurling that’s comfortable to hold
Cons
- Since it only weighs 15 pounds, you’ll need to support this bar carefully as you add weights so it doesn’t rock and roll as you try to put them on.
Greententljs Olympic Barbell Clamps 2 inch Quick Release
Stay Safe and Securely
Barbell clamps hold the plates onto the bar. They’re an essential piece of equipment and you definitely don’t want them to fail. If you’re looking to upgrade your clamps to a more secure model, these ones are great. They’re made from high-quality materials so they’re built to last. The secure latch keeps these clamps in place, so they won’t move.
They’re sized to fit 2-inch Olympic size plates. You can install them with one hand, without getting pinched. There are over ten colors to choose from, so you will be able to personalize your barbells. It comes as a set of two, so you can use one on each end of the barbell.
Pros
- Durable so they’ll last a long time
- Easy to install with one hand, so you don’t waste any time getting them on
- Secure latch so your clamps won’t fail during use
Cons
- These are stiffer than the base model clamps that come with many sets, so it may take some time to adjust to the pressure you need to use. However, you will get used to it and be able to install them quickly.
Protective Pad Support
Barbells can put a lot of pressure on your back and shoulders. These barbell accessories help to prevent that. It’s a high-density pad that line the center of your barbell. It measures 17-inches by 3.6-inches, which will fit many different types of bars. The design features a non-slip surface so it won’t spin on the bar as you’re lifting.
These barbell pads are quick to install. You slide them on, and then secure the strap. Then, they’re ready to cushion your neck and back. As you lift, the shock from the bar is absorbed by the pads, instead of by your body. This can help reduce injury and help make lifting more comfortable. Since this product is fairly small, you can easily bring it along to the gym with you. That way you won’t have to share germs by using the pads they provide.
Pros
- Easy to install so you’ll be enjoying the cushion before you know it
- Thick padding that absorbs shock and makes your workout more comfortable
- Straps to keep it in place so you won’t have to worry about it slipping and sliding while you’re lifting
Cons
- It’s a little bulky, and might not fit easily in your gym bag to bring along
Z ATHLETIC Chalk Balls for Gymnastics, Weight Lifting, Rock Climbing, Gym
Get a Grip
Working out makes you sweat. But, when your hands get sweaty, they tend to get slippery. And slippery hands and metal barbells aren’t a great combination. You’re more likely to lose your grip on the bar when your hands are wet. To help keep your hands dry while you lift, you need some chalk. This absorbs any moisture on your skin, so you can stay dry.
The downside of chalk is that it’s very messy. Fortunately, this product was designed with tidiness in mind. It comes in a sock ball, so you simply squeeze it to release a bit of chalk onto your hands. That means no more messy loose chalk in a box or bin. When it’s empty, you can refill it with bulk chalk. It’s non-toxic and fragrance free, so you won’t have to worry about what you’re putting on your skin. You’ll be able to lift for longer, without having to stop to find a towel and dry your hands.
Pros
- Squeeze the ball to apply, so you don’t have to deal with a messy bin of loose chalk
- Harder to apply too much so you’ll waste less chalk
- Can refill it, so you save money in the long run
Cons
- It is still chalk, so there will still be some mess from use
CAP Barbell FM-SAFE13BK Safety Catches/Spotter Arms
Securely Hold Heavy Weights
When you’re lifting heavy weights, dropping the bar on yourself is always a danger. To help prevent injury, it’s a good idea to use spotter arms. These attach to your power rack. You can adjust them so they’re in the right spot for the type of lift you’re doing. Then, if you drop the bar, it will land on the arms and not on you.
These spotter arms feature a powder coat finish that helps prevent rust. They’re heavy duty, and can support up to 500 pounds. On the end of each, you’ll find a welded end cap. This keeps the bar from rolling off once it’s caught. This barbell accessory can really add an extra layer of safety to your lifting routine.
Pros
- Can support up to 500 pounds
- Powder coat finish to keep rust and corrosion away
- Durable end cap to prevent the bar from rolling off
Cons
- Designed for a specific size of power rack, so it might not fit on the rack you have – make sure to read the specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of barbell accessories should I buy?
You can find so many different types of barbell accessories, so it’s important to select ones that will enhance your workouts instead of just adding clutter to your gym space. Products such as clamps and collars can help upgrade your basic barbell set. You can also find barbell accessories that help support your body during lifting. Belts and pads are two examples. Chalk is also useful, since it helps keep you from dropping the barbell. If there are multiple barbell accessories you want to purchase, and you can’t get them all at once, make a wish list. Then, prioritize it, so you’ll always know which one to add next.
How do I clean barbell accessories?
Sweat and dirt can build up on anything you use while working out. To help keep your gym space hygienic, you’ll want to regularly clean your weights and barbell accessories. You can wipe them off with a disinfectant wipe. Then allow them to air dry before you use them again. If your products come with specific cleaning directions, make sure to follow those for best results.
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