A couple of years ago, I made the mistake of doing touch-and-go deadlifts where you do not pause between deadlift repetitions. The repeated stress of the barbell hitting the floor left me with tendonitis of the elbow, aka lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow. If you have elbow strain from weightlifting, see 5 Simple Steps to Recover From Elbow Pain and Start Lifting Again. You don’t need to bolt the platform to the floor for it to work well, but you can, and that versatility is great for a home gym. Yes4All is a low-cost gym equipment manufacturer that makes awesome stuff for the home and garage gym enthusiast.

As you set up the deadlift, you should bring your hips down to the start position, while at the same time bringing your shins to meet the barbell. Olympic-style lifting requires a durable deadlift platform to protect your weights and absorb any loud crashes during a workout. Foot straps are another important factor to pay attention to when purchasing deadlift shin guards. Depending on the brand, the shin protector may or may not have a foot strap. Below, we’ll take a much closer look at weightlifting platforms, including what they are, what types of platforms are available, how they benefit you, and what you can do if you don’t have the money or space for a proper weightlifting platform.Especially today when so many gyms are closed, you need a deadlift platform to work your posterior chain and improve your strength in your home. Learn the Deadlift A bigger platform isn’t always better. If you’re only planning on deadlifting without Olympic lifts (e.g.), then a smaller, better-built platform is a better choice. The size is only relevant if you have the room for it in your home gym and you’re going to usethe full size.

Deadlift platforms are for deadlifting alone, while Olympic platforms are designed for practicing the Olympic lifts – snatch and clean and jerk. I’ve reference proper flooring several times and I’ll mention it again here. Even for those starting with a cement floor, laying a durable material over that should be a given for all home gyms. I’ve written a complete guide to home gym floors you can see here, but the short answer is to use rubber flooring. For areas that you don’t need to withstand a dropped weight, a 3/8” layer of rubber is perfect. For areas that need additional protection due to deadlifting or other stressful activities, a 3/4” layer of rubber is preferred. Using a lifting platform Reduce arm pain from the inevitable vibration of dropping the bar, and make less noise in the garage during your heavy lifting sessions. Your family members, neighbors, and gym partners will thank you.

Interlocking Center Mat Cobblestone

Weightlifting drop pads are commonly used in Olympic weightlifting training where movements including the snatch and clean are performed. Key Takeway: A great durable platform due to the fitment and bamboo finish, but you need to make sure you’ve got the space, and the band pegs would be an improvement.

For effective use and upkeep of your weightlifting drop pads, make sure you have it in the right place when exercising and clean with a gentle soap/detergent combined with microfiber cloth. The Simplest DIY Deadlift Platform for Beginners – AMRAP deadlifts at 64 The Consequences of a Weak Posterior Chain Most of the weights you’ll buy for deadlifting and Olympic lifts are made from sturdy steel or iron and encased in a layer of protective rubber. This is typically more than enough to protect it from the usual wear and tear caused by regular gym training, even lifts where you drop the weight from waist or head height. This crash mat is a little on the pricier side and a bit different from the other drop pads featured, but you get an added bonus of versatility because it’s multi-use and perfect for various exercises. If you have a home gym and limited space for multiple pieces of equipment , this is a great item to maximize your space.

The Final Verdict

When lifting hundreds of pounds of cast iron up in the air, sometimes things don’t go as planned and they come crashing down harder than we’d like. You’ll need to remember the rubber tiles are not included, so you need to bundle the deadlift platform and rubber tile frame together if you buy this product. Thanks to the design of most deadlift shin guards, most of them will also double as claves warmers. As you can see, there are a lot of reasons to install a weightlifting platform in your home! Alternatives to Lifting Platforms for Home Gyms

You will no longer be dependent on the gym, you will protect your equipment and floor, as well as keep yourself motivated to train. A full deadlift platform doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg; you just have to shop around and know the right brand for your needs. When storing these pads for long periods of time, they should be placed in an area that isn’t overly hot or humid and also out of direct sunlight, this will enable you to have reliable drops ready for many years ahead. If you workout outside, never leave your mats outdoors when they aren’t in use. This will cause them to deteriorate at a much faster rate. Summary There are a surprising number of reasons to use a lifting platform, benefits that will make them a crucial addition to any gym where heavy weights are going to be lifted. Benefit #1: Protect Your Floor This also gives larger tolerances for “walking a lift-out,” where an athlete needs to take a step to regain balance.

Deadlift Platform FAQs

In his book Power to the People, Pavel Tsatsouline wrote that the deadlift is THE exercise of choice for computer geeks to Olympic athletes, more effective than the squat and perhaps the best exercise for abs. This is a great benefit for those who share home gym space with their partner, spouse, buddies, or kids. Below are the best pads for reducing noise, protecting your floor and gym gear, and keeping noise complaints to a minimum. When I’m instructing new athletes on the ideal deadlift techniques, I always mention the importance of keeping the deadlift cue in mind while executing the movements. In addition, the shin guards have a silicone band along the top to prevent them from falling down. I thought it was going to be uncomfortable on bare skin when I wore the shin guards with shorts, but I didn’t notice it at all.