Can You Deadlift Without Bumper Plates?

When it comes to any manner of performance, you don’t always need optimal equipment.

Cars don’t need premium tires or gas to function.

Marathon runners can get through a race without high-performance running shoes.

And – most relevantly – weightlifters can perform deadlifts with proper form all without bumper plates.

However, just because you can accomplish all these things without the best equipment doesn’t mean that it’s ideal.

Of course, many people can’t necessarily afford the bells and whistles and must work with what they’ve got.

Still, specifically with deadlifts, if you have the income at your disposal, there are too many benefits offered by bumper plates to ignore. Furthermore, there are too many disadvantages to not having bumper plates that can hinder your progress with the lift.

Why Are Bumper Plates Better for Deadlifts?

Some people might think that, as beginners, they should master the most basic, barest essentials before splurging on state-of-the-art equipment.

It makes sense.

Everybody’s seen the “athlete” who shows up to training sessions decked out in designer athleisure wear, trying to look like a pro. Then it comes time to put in the work, and they bring nothing to the table.

But weightlifting equipment is different.

When you’re starting out with deadlifts, and you’re using regular plates on a barbell, there is one specific factor involved that can really cause problems.

To further elaborate, people who are learning the lift are going to use a lower weight. Unfortunately, the diameter of the smaller traditional plates is far less than that of the 45-pound (or 20 kilos) plates.

Note that the safest starting point of a deadlift is 18 inches off the ground, which is the diameter of the 45s.

So, when you’re taking the time to try and perfect your form, lighter traditional plates make you crouch down far too low to reach your starting position. This outcome is counterintuitive to mastering the technique of a lift before moving onto 45-pound plates, and you can end up hurting yourself.

Whereas, the diameter of bumper plates – whether it’s 5, 10, 25, 35, or 45 pounds – is exactly the same. With these plates, your starting position will always be 18 inches, helping ensure safety and proper form.

Furthermore, bumper plates don’t make much noise when you drop them. Therefore, you can focus entirely on completing your lift without spending too much energy and placing the bar gingerly back to the floor.

Are you looking for durable, affordable, and high-quality bumper plates? Then look no further than Fringe Sport, and read on to find out what to look for in bumper plates.