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With gyms closing across Canada as of today, many athletes are scrambling to figure out how they can continue training at home with a similar focus as they would have in the gym. I thought this would be an opportune moment to reshare our suggestions from one year ago on how you can make your own weight plates out of concrete. Whether you want to make plates because you're not able to find any weights (all sold out), or simply don't want to pay upwards of $3.00/lb, making your own weights is a cost effective and quick way to ensure you stay on track with your fitness goals over the coming weeks. Continue reading below to see how we made 4 plates (~35lbs) for under $30CAD.
Step 1: Make a mold
You have several options when making/using a mold. There are professional molds that can be bought online ($$$), however if you really want to go the cheaper route you can make a mold by using a bucket like we did. You can get these anywhere (I got mine at Home Depot for under $3.00 CAD).
To make plates like ours you'll need to measure and cut your bucket at 5 inches in length. This 5 inch mold made 33.4lb plates. You can make heavier plates by using a wider bucket or by cutting it longer than 5 inches, although I haven't tried this yet, so no guarantees on how much the plate would actually weigh.
Step 2: Make the plate-center hole
Next you'll need to create the center hole of the plate so that it can easily slide on/off your barbell without scratching the sleeves. I bought a PVC pipe (2 inches in diameter) and cut it to 5 inches in order to match the bucket/mold (* remember to match the PVC pipe to the length of your bucket if you're using a different length than 5 inches).
Step 3: Buy concrete
I bought 2 bags of Quikrete (30KG/66lbs each) for under $4.00 CAD each. Each individual bag made 2x33.4lbs plates (factoring in the addition of water).
MAKING THE WEIGHTS
Step 4: Prepare the mold & mix concrete
After cutting your bucket/PVC pipe, spray the inside of the mold with a lubricant to help get your weight out later (I used 1 can of Jig-A-Loo which cost under $7.00 CAD).
Next you'll want to mix concrete in a wheel barrow or other container. Mix with water until the concrete becomes a soft (but not soupy) consistency. At this point, some people choose to reinforce their weight with metal or fiber glass. I couldn't find any, so I went without.
Step 5: Pour concrete into mold
*If you forgot to spray your mold with a lubricant, now is the time to do so! As well, if you have someone else to help you with this part it will make things much simpler. Shovel/pour concrete slowly into the mold while you (or someone else) ensures that the PVC pipe remains centered in your mold. Every so often gently tap the sides of the mold in order to spread out concrete and allow air bubbles to escape. Once the mold is completely full, make sure the concrete is level and give the mold a few more gentle taps to ensure there are no more air bubbles. Let the concrete set for at least 48 hours (or per package instructions) before removing the weight.
*It isn't always easy to get the plate out. If you have a thin chisel-this can be used to gently slide in between the outside of the weight and the mold in order to loosen it. I ended up putting the weight upside down on the arm/handle of an wheelbarrow (in the upright position) so that the plate is upside down with the handle pressing against the bottom of the mold. Eventually this will pop the weight out...but be careful and ready to catch it!
FINISHED PRODUCT
Our initial question was: how long will they last? We originally made these around 1 year ago and they are still in perfect condition in 2022. That being said, although they are used together (all 4 plates) or with other heavier plates (have since been gifted used-iron plates) for heavy deadlifts, squats, cleans, etc, I have made sure not to drop/slam them (more so because I am lifting inside the house and don't want to damage the floors). Furthermore, If we're being completely honest, although I am doing some lifts in the mid 200-300lb range, my skinny 🍑 isn't lifting heavy enough to warrant dropping weights (😂).
💡I wasn't sure how I would like using these at first (or if they would even work well enough) but I am more than happy with the finished product and have successfully used these to prepare for my 2021 events. The truth is many people live in areas where they do not have access to professional weights (or simply can't afford them), but they make do with what they can come up with. Instead of looking for excuses (weights are too expensive, there's no stock), think outside the box, and remember: it doesn't have to be pretty, it just has to work!
Enjoyed these tips and want to use your newly made plates to take your training to the next level? Click the button below to check out our 1 on 1 personalized running and OCR training plans and let us put together a plan to help you achieve your goals in 2022 (whether you use pro plates or concrete plates!)
Have question about our training plans or making your own weight plates?
Send us an email: outlawocr@gmail.com.
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