What's in the 37.5kg Set?
The Northern Olympic Cast Iron Plates 37.5kg set includes pairs of four different plate weights: 1.25kg, 2.5kg, 5kg, and 10kg. That gives you a total of eight plates, offering a good range for incremental loading on a standard Olympic barbell. Let's break down exactly what you get and why these specific sizes matter.
Included Plate Pairs
- 1.25kg x 2 plates: These are the smallest plates in the set. They are essential for making small weight jumps (2.5kg total) when you need to progress slowly, especially for exercises like overhead press or lateral raises where small increments make a big difference.
- 2.5kg x 2 plates: A common intermediate size. Two of these give you a 5kg jump, which is a standard progression for many lifts. They also help balance the bar when used with the larger plates.
- 5kg x 2 plates: These are your mid-range workhorses. A pair of 5kg plates adds 10kg to the bar, a common increase for exercises like bench press or squat when you're ready to move up.
- 10kg x 2 plates: The heaviest plates in this set. A pair adds 20kg to the bar, which is a significant jump. These are ideal for building a solid foundation for your heavier lifts.
Why These Sizes Work Well Together
The 1.25kg and 2.5kg pairs give you the flexibility to make very small weight increases (as little as 2.5kg total), which is crucial for steady strength progression without jumping too fast. The 5kg and 10kg pairs provide the larger increments needed for your main lifts. Together, they allow you to build a complete loading scheme from light warm-up sets to heavier working sets.
Key Features of the Northern Olympic Cast Iron Plates
- Olympic Cast Iron Plates - 1.25kg/2.5kg/5kg/10kg x 2 (37.5kg Set): These plates are crafted from high-quality cast iron with a black powder-coated finish and silver lettering. The powder coating adds durability and protects against rust, while the silver lettering makes weight identification quick and easy during your workout.
Olympic Cast Iron Plates - 1.25kg/2.5kg/5kg/10kg x 2 (37.5kg Set) - Olympic Cast Iron Plates - 1.25kg/2.5kg/5kg/10kg x 2 (37.5kg Set): Each plate features a precision-machined hole that fits most Olympic bars, providing a secure and stable fit. A snug fit reduces plate wobble during lifts, which is safer and helps you maintain better form. The precision hole also makes loading and unloading smoother.
- Olympic Cast Iron Plates - 1.25kg/2.5kg/5kg/10kg x 2 (37.5kg Set): The smooth, coated finish not only adds durability but also protects your floors and reduces noise when plates are dropped or set down. If you have a home gym, this is a practical consideration. The coating helps prevent scratches on your floor and dampens sound compared to bare iron plates.
Who Is This Set For?
This 37.5kg set is a good starting point for a home gym lifter who is building their plate collection from scratch. The range of sizes allows you to begin with lighter weights and progress gradually. It's also a useful addition if you already have a barbell and need a set of smaller plates to make more precise loading possible. However, if you are an experienced lifter who already works with heavier weights, you may want to consider a larger set, such as the 60kg or 100kg options, which include 15kg and 20kg pairs.
Considerations Before Buying
This set includes only pairs of plates up to 10kg. You will need a barbell (sold separately) to use them. Also, the total weight of 37.5kg may not be enough for heavier compound lifts like squats or deadlifts for intermediate and advanced lifters. If you plan to lift heavier, you might want to start with this set and add larger plates (like 15kg or 20kg pairs) later, or purchase a larger set from the start.
