Why did I buy REP Fitness Iron 45lb Plates for Jiu Jitsu?
I purchased the REP Fitness Iron 45lb plates to help in the development of my strength attribute for Jiu Jitsu performance on the mat. For strength conditioning for Jiu Jitsu, I like to regularly lift utilizing a barbel and compound lifts including squats, deadlifts, bench press, and shoulder presses. I like to follow a progressive overload strength training plan with the goal of three Jiu Jitsu practices a week and three lifting sessions as a normal dude with a family and full-time job.
Progressive overload is taking a lifting session’s weight and after hitting a goal adding weight to the lift the next time you do the lift. An example is my current programming for the deadlift, where I’m aiming for 3 sets of 6 reps. This week I was able to do all three sets at 310lbs. Next week when I deadlift I will try for 3 sets of 6 reps at 315. I will stay at 315 until I get all 3 sets at 6 reps and when I do move up another 5 pounds progressively overloading.
I found that strength improvements seen in progressive overload translated well to strength on the mat in Jiu Jitsu. When all else is equal, strength, speed, and stamina can tip the balance in a Jiu Jitsu match. When barbel training 45lb plates are the common heaviest weight available (though there are hundred-pound plates these days). For beginner barbell training here is what I recommend to start with for training:
2 x 45 lb. plates
2 x 35 lb. plates
2 x 25 lb. plates
2 x 10 lb. plates
2 x 25 lb. plates
2 x 10 lb. plates
4 x 5 lb. plates
2 x 2.5 lb. plates
As you get stronger you can simply add more 45 lb plates as needed.
About the REP Fitness Iron 45lb Plates
REP Fitness Iron Plates are heavy-duty cast iron with a black matte finish and raised silver lettering and numbering. The plates have raised lips and lettering/numbering on both sides of the plate. The plates have both pounds and kilograms listed on both sides of the plates. REP has not identified anywhere on the plate itself. Here are the dimensions of the 45 lb. weight plates:
Diameter: 17.7”
Width: 1.5”
Center Hole: 52mm fits all standard 2” thick barbells
REP offers these in 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 35, and 45 lb pairs.
At the time I ordered these the plates were actually on sale for $109.99 for the pair. A good deal is typically $1 per pound for iron weights including used equipment. This came out to be about $1.22 a pound for brand new weights. REP also does a point reward program and I ended up paying $79.99 for the pair after cashing $30 in reward points. I believe the normal price for these plates at the time of this writing is between $129.99 – $159.99.
Shipping of the REP Fitness Iron 45lb Plates
At the time of ordering these plates, REP listed a 10-12 business day to ship on all orders. I ordered the plates on June 29th, they shipped via UPS on July 8th, and I received one plate on July 14th, a total of 14 days from order to receipt. The shipment was two separate packages and I received one plate on 7/14 and the other on 7/15 which was most likely a UPS issue.
Shipping was included in the price of the plates.
Unboxing of the REP Fitness Iron 45lb Plates
Packing was standard for a large heavy iron plate. The plate was enclosed in a cardboard box that was secured by a plastic strap and heavy-duty duct tape. Within the box, the plate was further protected by a plastic sleeve and light foam over the sleeve. Both plates looked good and were not damaged during shipping.
Fit and Finish of the REP Fitness Iron 45lb Plates
Overall the fit and finish of the REP iron plates were good. The matte black paint on the plates is a little glossy and the silver lettering was bright and sparkly. I would say that the plates look a lot nicer than some of the cheaper options out there like you find at a big box store.
Each plate did have some imperfections including chips and scuffs on the plate itself. I plan on banging these plates together on big lifts so the small imperfections were not a factor for me. The plates seem standard to other plates sliding easily on and off my standard barbells. I also like the texture, lip, and lettering on both sides of the plates.
Actual weight of the REP Fitness Iron 45lb Plates
REP fitness has a 3% weight tolerance on their 45lb plates. Here is what my plates weighed using an at-home digital scale:
Plate #1 44.8 lbs.
Plate #2 44.6 lbs.
Eternal Jiu Jitsu’s Recommendation on the Rep Fitness Iron 45lb Plates
I believe strength training to be a Jiu Jitsu attribute development must and 45lb plates for barbell training is unmatched in getting the job done. REP Fitness 45lb Iron Plates more than get the job done. The plates meet all the functions of any other 45 lb weight and look good while doing it. You can regularly find these on sale at different times of the year from REP and when on sale, slightly more than discount plates or even used plates. Mine did come with a few imperfections, but weight lifting with heavy iron plates is not always pretty and I no doubt think these plates will last a lifetime of lifting. I would recommend these plates if you are budget conscious but still, look for quality and function.