The Best Rated Weightlifting Platform For Commercial Gyms
A Strength Equipment Essential
Don’t let the looks fool you. At first glance, the weightlifting platform screams…. boring! I call it the “iceberg” of fitness equipment because what matters is beneath the surface. Stay tuned for the facts that will open your eyes and learn what the #1 rated weightlifting platform is.
At IRON COMPANY® we sell many types of weightlifting platforms. Every one of these platforms is a quality product with value and distinct performance characteristics. Plus, every platform has merit and specific application. But one of these is rated #1 overall because it possesses the broadest range of desirable features.
Why use a Weightlifting Platform?
The simple answer is that a weightlifting platform protects the subfloor, and provides solid footing and a secure area that is designated for lifting. And much of this “lifting” is of the ballistic nature.
The consensus opinion is that you can just use a bunch of rubber gym mats or/and/with rubber bumper plates or a combination of the two and accomplish the same thing while saving a “boatload” of money. Unfortunately, this line of thinking will prove to be problematic. Concrete is not indestructible, and it will begin to crumble from bumper plates being repeatedly dropped on it.
Using only rubber mats will not dissipate the energy and concussion either, even in conjunction with bumper plates. After several months, it’s not uncommon to move the rubber mats and discover the concrete crushed underneath. Even with 3/4” thick rubber mats.
Superiority of a Weightlifting Platform
Protection is the name of the game for a good platform. It protects not only your concrete but also the life of your bumper plates, Olympic Bar and your joints. The lifting platform is an engineering masterpiece. It has a sophisticated substructure that dissipates the energy of a massive load crashing down, while simultaneously absorbing shock, reducing the concussion, and muffling the noise. That benefit is extended to your bumper plates and Olympic bar. This results in a greater longevity for both.
All of this extrapolates to less stress on your body. The footing on a platform is superior to either rubber flooring or concrete. It’s level, secure and solid.
And the “Winner” is?
The competition was fierce among all the weightlifting platforms available from IRON COMPANY. The judging criterion was based on protection and features. And to be honest, I might have been influenced slightly by a “pretty face.”
Drumroll, please…
And the winner is the #3194 Hardwood Lifting Platform by Legend Fitness.
Just the facts: The Legend Fitness #3194 tips the scales at 948 lbs. That’s nearly a ½ ton of protection and bulk awaiting the next load to come “raining down.” This platform comes in a standard configuration of 8’ x 6’ or you can super-size it to 8’ x 8’. This #3194 lifting platform is 3” thick and features a CAD-designed perimeter steel frame that consists of only 4 pieces and delivers a rock solid feel.
The center section is an oak hardwood that features tongue-in-groove construction. This provides a strong, stable and level footing surface. It is coated with a gym-floor grade polyurethane coating for an unprecedented “grip.” On each side of the hardwood is the “landing area,” which is covered with precision cut 3/4” dense rubber that is manufactured to withstand the punishment of repeated heavy landings.
As a bonus, the #3194 platform comes with an entrance ramp on each end for easy entry/exit. And you can put your own customized “logo” on the hardwood, which helps build your brand. Even though the weightlifting platform is a rectangle, the clever octagon design gives it a look that catches your eye.
Of course, the #3194 Legend Hardwood Lifting Platform won’t be the cheapest platform in town. But it’s more affordable than you think when you weigh out the benefits and years of use.
Well, the facts are in, the results are posted, and now you know what’s beneath the surface of a great weightlifting platform.
About the Author
John Sisk is passionate about helping others achieve success in the arena of fitness. As a fitness industry veteran of over 40-years, John has the experience, product knowledge, and perspective that are second to none. John was founder and president of Legend Fitness for 29 years before teaming up with IRON COMPANY in 2006. With over 147 manufacturing partners, John has the right tools, experience, and expertise to ensure you get the best products for your fitness application, whether it is for military, commercial, or personal use. This is more than a job; it is a lifetime commitment to helping people. When not at IRON COMPANY, John can be found leading a Bible Study in the inner city or hiking the Appalachian Trail. Contact John here.