In the world of weightlifting, the term 2 plates is commonly used to refer to a specific amount of weight on a barbell. However, its meaning can vary depending on the unit of measurement. In many gyms, 2 plates typically refers to two 45-pound (20.4 kg) weight plates, totaling around 90 pounds (40.8 kg) when used on each side of the barbell. But when we talk about 2 plates in kg, the total weight refers to 2 x 20 kg plates, which equals 40 kg. For lifters following international training standards or those working in kilograms, knowing the exact weight of 2 plates in kg Is essential for proper workout planning and tracking progress.
What Does 2 Plates in kg Mean in Weightlifting?
In weightlifting, the term 2 plates in kg is commonly used to describe a specific barbell setup. This term can be a bit confusing for beginners, so it’s important to break down its meaning, how it’s used, and how it relates to different lifting exercises. Whether you’re in a gym setting or lifting , understanding how “plates” are referenced can help you track your progress and ensure proper form.
Definition of 2 Plates in the Context of a Barbell Setup
When someone says they are lifting 2 plates on each side of the barbell, they are referring to a standard barbell with weights loaded onto it. The word “plate” is shorthand for weight plates, which are circular discs that can be added to a barbell to increase its load.
Standard Barbell Weight: A standard barbell typically weighs 20 kg (44 lbs), so when someone refers to 2 plates they are talking about adding weight plates on either side of the barbell.
What Does 2 Plates in kg Mean?: If you’re using 2 plates in kg, it generally refers to using two 20 kg weight plates on each side of the barbell. This means a total of 40 kg of added weight, plus the 20 kg of the barbell itself. The total weight for this setup would be 80 kg.
In the context of lifting, saying 2 plates in kg simply means the lifter is handling an 80 kg load, including the barbell and the two 20 kg weight plates on each side.
Common Understanding in Gyms and How It Relates to Standard Barbell Weight Configurations
In gyms, the term 2 plates in kg is often used as a way to communicate a certain level of strength or lifting achievement. For instance, bench presses, squats, and deadlifts are common exercises where you might hear someone say, “I just hit 2 plates!” or “I’m working with 2 plates today.”
Plates as a Weight Unit: Weight plates come in various sizes, but in many countries and gyms, the standard plate weighs 20 kg. Other common plate weights might include 10 kg, 5 kg, and 2.5 kg. When you hear “2 plates in kg,” it typically refers to two 20 kg weight plates on each side of the barbell.
Standard Barbell Load: For example, in the case of the bench press, a lifter using 2 plates in kg is pressing a total of 80 kg. The same would apply for squats or deadlifts, where the weight on the barbell is calculated by counting the number of weight plates (usually 20 kg each) and multiplying that by the number of plates on each side.
How the Term Plates Is Used Across Different Types of Lifting
The term “plates” can be used in various types of lifting, from bench presses to deadlifts. The way 2 plates in kg is referenced may change slightly depending on the exercise, but the principle remains the same: each plate adds weight to the barbell.
Bench Press: In the bench press, saying “I’m lifting 2 plates” means you’re pressing a total of 80 kg (including the barbell).
Squats: For squats, 2 plates in kg refers to the weight on the barbell. So, if you add two 20 kg weight plates on each side of the barbell, the total weight is 80 kg.
Deadlifts: In deadlifts, the same rule applies. 2 plates in kg indicates that the lifter is deadlifting 80 kg, or the barbell with two 20 kg weight plates on each side.
It’s also worth mentioning that 2kg weight plates are often used to adjust smaller increments of weight in lifting. These plates are typically used in combination with larger plates like 5 kg, 10 kg, or 20 kg plates to fine-tune the weight load, especially for people who are more advanced or trying to make gradual improvements.
Understanding the terminology in weightlifting, like 2 plates in kg , is essential for tracking your progress and improving your lifting technique.
The Weight of 2 Plates in kg
Understanding the weight of 2 plates in kg is crucial for anyone involved in weightlifting, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter. The term “plates” typically refers to weight plates that are added to a barbell, and when someone mentions 2 plates in kg they are usually talking about the weight load on each side of the barbell. Let’s break down what this means, how to calculate it, and why it’s important for your training progress.
Standard Plate Weight: Understanding the Conversion from Pounds to Kilograms
When you hear the term 2 plates in kg , it’s important to know the standard weight of the plates being referenced. Weight plates in most gyms are commonly measured in kilograms (kg) in countries using the metric system.
1 Standard Plate = 20 kg: A standard plate is typically 20 kg in countries that use the metric system. This is the most common plate size you’ll see in gyms around the world, especially for exercises like the bench press, squats, and deadlifts. In the United States, some gyms may use pound-based plates, where a “plate” can refer to a 45 lb weight. However, for the sake of clarity, in the context of 2 plates in kg, the reference is usually to 20 kg plates.
Why the Conversion Matters: For lifters in countries where pounds are the common weight measurement, it’s essential to understand that 1 kg is approximately 2.2 pounds. Therefore, a 20 kg plate is roughly 44 lbs, and when you’re talking about 2 plates in kg, the weight will be around 88 lbs.
Knowing this helps when comparing lifting weights across different regions or when you’re switching between metric and imperial systems.
Calculation Example
Let’s break down the math to better understand the total weight for 2 plates in kg on a barbell.
How to Calculate the Weight
Barbell Weight: The standard barbell typically weighs 20 kg. This is true for the majority of Olympic barbells used in weightlifting.
Adding the Plates: When we talk about 2 plates in kg on each side, we mean two 20 kg weight plates on each side of the barbell.
Each plate weighs 20 kg.
2 plates per side means adding 40 kg (2 x 20 kg) to each side of the barbell.
Total Weight: To calculate the total weight, we add the weight of the barbell (20 kg) to the weight of the plates (40 kg on each side).
Barbell + 2 Plates in kg = 20 kg + 40 kg + 40 kg = 100 kg.
So, when you hear someone say they are lifting 2 plates in kg, they are lifting a total of 100 kg (including the barbell and the plates).
2kg Plates: What is Smaller Weight Increments
In addition to standard 20 kg plates, there are also smaller plates, such as 2kg plates, which are often used to fine-tune the weight load. These smaller plates allow lifters to gradually increase or decrease the weight during their workouts.
Use of 2kg Plates: When you’re training with heavier loads, 2kg plates can help you make smaller, more precise weight adjustments. For example, if you’re working with 2 plates in kg but want to add just a little more weight, you could add two 2kg plates on either side, bringing your total weight up to 104 kg.
Common in Fine-Tuning: These 2kg plates are especially useful in a variety of exercises, like the bench press, squats, or deadlifts, where incremental changes can make a significant difference in performance and progress.
By understanding how the weight of 2 plates in kg works, you can more accurately track your lifts, improve your strength, and safely progress to higher weights over time.
How Much is 2 Plates in kg?
In weightlifting, the term 1 plate is a commonly used reference for a specific weight added to a barbell. However, understanding exactly how much weight 1 plate in kg refers to can vary slightly depending on where you’re lifting and the type of system used to measure the weight. Here, we will break down the weight of 1 plate in the context of the metric system and compare it to the imperial system, so you can have a better understanding of how this term is used in different environments.
Explanation of the Weight of 1 Plate
In the metric system, the weight of 1 plate is generally 20 kg. This is the standard size for most weight plates found in gyms that use the metric system, especially for exercises like bench presses, squats, and deadlifts.
Standard Weight Plate
A 20 kg plate is the typical weight plate added to a barbell, and it’s often referred to simply as 1 plate in weightlifting terminology. So, when someone says they’re lifting 1 plate, they’re usually referring to the barbell (which is typically 20 kg) with a single 20 kg weight plate on each side, totaling 40 kg (20 kg + 20 kg). This is considered a moderate load for beginner and intermediate lifters.
How This Differs in the Imperial System
In countries like the United States, where the imperial system is used, the weight of 1 plate is usually referred to as 45 lbs. However, the 45 lb plate is very close to 20 kg when converted into the metric system, specifically about 20.4 kg.
Imperial System: The 45 lb plate is often called 1 plate in many U.S. gyms, which is approximately 20.4 kg in the metric system. The slight difference between 20 kg and 20.4 kg isn’t typically significant enough to cause issues in most lifting contexts.
Standard Barbell and Plates: For example, in the imperial system, when you refer to 1 plate, it could mean 45 lbs on each side of a 45 lb barbell. The total weight with this setup would be around 135 lbs (about 61.2 kg). This is a bit heavier than the metric system’s standard, where 1 plate means 20 kg on each side, totaling 80 kg.
Impact on Weightlifting Calculations and General Gym Practices
Understanding how much 1 plate in kg refers to is important for several reasons:
Standardization in Workouts: Most gym-goers and weightlifters use the term 1 plate to quickly describe the load they’re lifting. Whether in a metric or imperial system, this shorthand makes it easier to discuss weights without needing to specify the exact weight each time. However, confusion can arise when transitioning between these systems, so it’s important to recognize the difference.
Calculating Load and Progress: Knowing the exact weight of 1 plate helps you track your progress as a lifter. For example, if you’ve been lifting 2 plates in kg (a total of 100 kg), and then you move to 1 plate, you’re lifting 80 kg (20 kg barbell + 20 kg plate on each side). Understanding the conversion helps to set goals and measure progress effectively.
Smaller Plates for Fine-Tuning: In addition to the standard 20 kg plates, 2kg plates (also known as 2kg plate increments) are often used in gym settings for small weight adjustments. These smaller plates allow lifters to add 2 kg on each side of the barbell, fine-tuning the weight for exercises that require gradual increases, like for beginners or in plateau-breaking workouts. So, for instance, adding two 2kg plates on each side would make the barbell weight increase to 88 kg, providing incremental adjustments for more controlled progress.
Global Differences: It’s also important to remember that 2 plates in kg could refer to 40 kg added to each side, totaling 100 kg, if you’re using metric plates. However, in places where the imperial system is common, the number of plates may be calculated differently. For example, if someone in the U.S. says they’re using 1 plate, they might mean 45 lbs (20.4 kg), but this could vary depending on the gym’s equipment.
1 plate typically refers to a 20 kg weight plate in the metric system. This is the standard plate size in many countries worldwide. In the imperial system, 1 plate is usually 45 lbs, or about 20.4 kg. It’s crucial to understand these differences when calculating the total weight on a barbell, especially when switching between the two systems. Whether you are lifting 1 plate in kg or 2 plates in kg, knowing how much weight is on the bar will help you track your progress and make adjustments for your training needs.
Common Confusion: How Much is 2 Plates in kg on Each Side?
A common point of confusion in weightlifting, especially for beginners, is understanding how much weight is being lifted when referring to 1 plate on each side of a barbell. The terminology around plates can be tricky, and there are often misunderstandings about the total weight being lifted. Let’s break down how much weight is on each side of the barbell when you hear someone talk about 1 plate or 2 plates in kg .
Clarifying Confusion About How Much Weight is on Each Side of the Barbell
When people refer to 1 plate on each side, they are typically talking about one weight plate placed on each end of the barbell. However, the total weight on the barbell can vary depending on the size of the plates being used and the system in place (metric or imperial).
1 Plate on Each Side = 20 kg per side = 40 kg Total: In the metric system, when someone says they are lifting 1 plate on each side, they are referring to one 20 kg plate on each end of the barbell. This setup means 40 kg in total. The 20 kg plate is the standard in many gyms, and this is the weight most often referenced when talking about 1 plate.
The Total Weight for 2 Plates on Each Side (Standard) = 100 kg: If you hear someone mention they’re lifting 2 plates in kg on each side, they’re referring to two 20 kg plates on each end of the barbell. The total weight for this setup is 40 kg per side (20 kg x 2), which adds up to a total of 100 kg (including the standard 20 kg barbell). This is a common setup for intermediate lifters, as lifting 2 plates in kg (80 kg of plates + 20 kg barbell) is often seen as a milestone for many gym-goers.
Why the Confusion Happens
The confusion often arises because the term 1 plate on each side can mean different things depending on where you are lifting and the plates used:
Barbell Variations: The weight of the barbell itself can vary. In most cases, the standard Olympic barbell weighs 20 kg, but some barbells used in commercial gyms may be lighter or heavier (for example, some may weigh 15 kg or 25 kg).
Plate Size Confusion: The plates themselves can vary as well. For example, in imperial systems, a 45 lb plate is often considered 1 plate , but this is roughly equivalent to 20.4 kg, which is a small difference but can still be confusing.
Communication Issues: People often say 1 plate or 2 plates without clarifying whether they mean per side or the total load. In many cases, 1 plate on each side means 20 kg per side, adding up to 40 kg total, but if you don’t know this convention, you might wonder if they mean 20 kg total (with just one plate) or 40 kg.
2 plate on each side typically means 20 kg per side, adding up to a total of 40 kg when considering the barbell. When someone talks about 2 plates in kg on each side, it means 40 kg per side, resulting in a total of 100 kg (barbell + plates). Understanding this terminology will help you avoid confusion in the gym and accurately track your progress, whether you are working with 1 plate or 2 plates in kg.
How Much Weight is 2 Plates for Weight Loss?
When it comes to weight loss, lifting weights is a key component that contributes to muscle building and fat burning. 2 plates in kg typically refers to two weight plates added to a barbell, each usually weighing 20 kg for standard Olympic plates. Therefore, 2 plates in kg equals approximately 40 kg in total weight, which can be a significant amount for many individuals, depending on their fitness level.
How Lifting with 2 Plates Relates to Weight Loss and Building Strength
Lifting 2 plates in kg can be an excellent way to increase strength and muscle mass, both of which play a crucial role in the weight loss process. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, so by increasing muscle mass, your metabolism speeds up, helping to burn fat more efficiently.
When lifting 2 plates in kg, it’s important to focus on compound exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups, promoting both fat loss and muscle growth simultaneously. Additionally, lifting heavier weights, such as 2 plates in kg, can improve bone density, enhance functional strength, and increase overall physical performance, further supporting weight loss goals.
The Importance of Progressive Overload
To see consistent improvements in weight loss and strength, progressive overload is crucial. This means gradually increasing the weight you lift to challenge your muscles more over time. Starting with lower weights and working your way up to 2 plates in kg can be a part of this process. When your muscles adapt to a certain weight, like 2 plates in kg, they need additional stress to grow stronger and to continue promoting fat loss.
For instance, if you can comfortably lift 40 kg (the weight of 2 plates in kg) for 10-12 reps, it’s a good idea to increase either the weight or the number of sets you perform. This progressive challenge ensures that your body continues to burn calories and shed fat while also building lean muscle mass.
Example Workout Plans Involving Lifting 2 Plates for Fat Loss, Metabolism Boosting, and Muscle Building
To incorporate 2 plates in kg into your weight loss strategy, consider the following workout plan:
Squat Routine
Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching.
Sets: 4 sets of 6-8 reps with 2 plates in kg (40 kg).
Focus: Controlled descent with a full range of motion to maximize muscle activation.
Deadlift Routine:
Warm-up: 5 minutes of light cardio.
Sets: 4 sets of 5-7 reps using 2 plates in kg (40 kg).
Focus: Push through your heels and maintain a neutral spine to work your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back.
Bench Press Routine:
Warm-up: 5 minutes of light cardio.
Sets: 3 sets of 8-10 reps using 2 plates in kg (40 kg).
Focus: A steady, controlled movement while keeping your core engaged for stability.
These exercises not only work multiple muscle groups, but they are also designed to enhance your metabolism by increasing energy expenditure both during and after your workout, a phenomenon known as “afterburn.”
Integrating 2 plates in kg into your workout routine, with proper form and progressive overload, can help speed up fat loss, boost your metabolism, and build muscle strength over time.
FAQs about 2 Plates in kg
Two plates refer to adding a weight plate to each side of a standard Olympic barbell, which typically weighs 20 kg (44 lbs). Standard plates usually weigh 20 kg (which is about 45 lbs) each. So, when you put two 20 kg plates on each end of a 20 kg barbell, you end up with a total weight of 100 kg. This is because each side of the barbell gets 20 kg + 20 kg of plates, and the bar itself weighs 20 kg. Therefore, 20 kg (bar) + 40 kg (plates on one end) + 40 kg (plates on the other end) = 100 kg. In pounds, this translates to approximately 225 lbs. It is important to always account for the barbell’s weight when calculating the total weight you are lifting.
One plate in a standard gym context usually refers to a 20 kg (45 lbs) weight plate. Most gyms use these standard weight plates for their strength training equipment. While there are smaller and larger plates available (ranging from 1.25 kg to 25 kg or more), when people refer to “a plate,” they typically mean the 20 kg version. Recognizing these common weight denominations can aid in easily understanding and communicating about weightlifting goals, lifting achievements, and planned exercises.
Yes, 100 kg is equivalent to 2 plates on each side of a standard Olympic barbell. Here, each plate weighs 20 kg, so two plates per side equals 40 kg per side. Adding the 20 kg barbell weight brings the total to 100 kg. This weight is often considered a significant milestone in strength training and is a common goal for many lifters. Doing a 100 kg bench press, squat, or deadlift indicates a good level of strength and training consistency.
Three plates on each side of a standard Olympic barbell would be 60 kg per side, plus the 20 kg weight of the barbell itself. Here’s the math: 3 plates x 20 kg each = 60 kg each side, which totals 120 kg from the plates alone. Adding the weight of the barbell (20 kg) results in 140 kg altogether. In the context of weightlifting, achieving a three-plate lift (140 kg) is often considered a mark of advanced strength, whether it’s for the squat, bench press, or deadlift. If referred to in pounds, this weight totals about 315 lbs.
Welcome! I’m Jordan Mitchell, the dedicated editor at Leadman Fitness, where we specialize in manufacturing high-quality bumper plates, barbells, weight machines, kettlebells, and dumbbells. With a passion for fitness and a keen eye for detail, I ensure that our product information is clear, accurate, and engaging for our customers. My role involves collaborating closely with our design and production teams to highlight the innovative features and superior craftsmanship that set Leadman Fitness apart in the industry. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a fitness enthusiast, I’m here to provide you with the information you need to achieve your training goals with our top-of-the-line equipment.