Anyone who has lifted weights has probably benched at least once without using the proper barbell collars.
I have to admit that I did too while being well aware of the risks I was taking.
Barbell collars are an essential tool for our safety and the safety of others when we train.
They also allow for more effective training, help maintain weight control and prevent the risk of injury.
In this article, we will explore in detail the reasons why these accessories are critical, as well as the various types of collars available on the market.
Why is it important to use barbell collars?
These accessories are among the most important for weight training.
Here are some of the top reasons why you should use barbell collars when exercising:
SAFETY: as we have already mentioned above, collars are essential to ensure safety during weight training.
By keeping the plates securely on the bar, the collars reduce the risk of unwanted movement of the barbell and the plates from falling off
Even if you are using lighter weights, do not underestimate the importance of these locks.
Keep in mind that sometimes the bars in gyms have been used for many years and are likely slightly bent, making plates more likely to slide off.
GREATER EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAINING: they allow for balancing the load on the sides of the barbell precisely, preventing excessive imbalances that could compromise the balance of the equipment.
This results in more effective and targeted training, as the muscles of the body exert the same force on each side.
GREATER FLEXIBILITY: collars are available in different shapes and sizes, allowing for greater flexibility in choosing the accessory that best suits your needs and training equipment.
FEWER DISTRACTIONS: When the plates are not secured, you may hear an annoying clinking during exercise, which can cause mental distraction and prevent you from training calmly.
With collars, this type of problem does not occur, and we can focus on improving exercise performance.
5 Risks of not Using Barbell Collars During Weightlifting
Do not use rocker collars, it leads to situations of potential danger to both yourself and those around you.
This bad habit increases the risk of injury when lifting weights.
Here are five of the main risks you take by not using these accessories:
1. Weight Discs Falling
One of the main risks of weightlifting without barbell collars is the potential for weight discs to fall.
During weightlifting, weights can move uncontrollably on the barbell, and without the collars holding the plates securely in place, there is a high risk of weights falling during exercise.
In some cases, falling weight plates cause no harm to anyone and may only result in a reprimand from the instructor.
However, in other circumstances more serious consequences may occur, such as damage to property or people.
2. Excessive Imbalances
Without these safety devices, weights can slip on the bar, causing excessive imbalance.
This makes it difficult to keep the bar balanced, and as a result, you would have a less effective workout, as the weight distribution is not even.
Excessive imbalances also tend to cause muscle strain, injuries, and fatigue.
3. Foot Injuries
If the discs are not securely fastened, they can fall off the barbell and hit your feet, causing even very serious injuries.
The most common foot injuries are:
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Fractures.
4. Injuries to Other Gym Users
If a disc slips off the barbell during an exercise, it can hit another person’s leg or foot.
The latter risks injuries such as abrasions, cuts, or bruises and in some cases, fractures or more serious injuries.
Of course, this can also happen to us because if another gym user during a weightlifting session loses control of the barbell without collars, and we are nearby, we could be hit by the weights in free fall.
5. Damage to Equipment and Personal Items
Although uncommon, the barbell or dumbbell can bend due to sudden movements of the weights.
However, this is more likely with low-quality equipment or inappropriate and improper use.
It is essential to use high-quality equipment and periodically check its conditions to prevent accidents or injuries.
These incidents can damage other nearby equipment, personal belongings, walls, and floors of the gym.
Why are Barbell Collars Important?
Using these accessories ensures your safety and that of others during weightlifting.
They are designed to securely hold the discs on the barbell, preventing unwanted weight movement and barbell instability.
In addition, their use contributes to increasing exercise effectiveness.
If weights move uncontrollably, the movement becomes less effective and less focused on the muscles involved in the exercise.
Finally, using collars is a sign of respect for other gym users because if the weights were to fall off the barbell and hit other people, they could cause injuries or damage to other equipment or objects.
Types of Barbell Collars and How to Apply Them
There are many types of barbell collars available on the market, each with its unique features.
Let’s look at them one by one:
- Spring Collars
- Screw Collars
- Clamp Collars (also known as Olympic Collars)
- Magnetic Collars
- Lever Collars
- Lockjaw Collars
- T-Bolt Collars
- Snap Clip Collars
- Chain Collars
- Proloc Collars
- OSO Collars
Spring Collars
Spring Collars are spring-loaded locks that securely fasten onto the ends of a barbell.
They are relatively easy to install, but some users may struggle with placing and removing them.
If used for an extended period, they may lose their ability to grip tightly onto the bar sleeves and may sometimes slip with the weight of the plates during intense movements.
However, they are among the cheapest and lightest collars available on the market and fit well on standard barbells and handlebars.
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Spring Collars are a popular choice among athletes and casual weightlifters looking for a simple and cost-effective locking solution. |
Screw Collars
Screw Collars are designed to have a screw hand-tightened to lock the weights onto the bar sleeves.
They are easy to apply and remove but may take more time compared to other types of collars.
However, being made up of relatively simple parts, they are also more affordable compared to other collar types.
Screw Collars are suitable for use with standard barbells or Olympic barbells but may not be as secure as a clamp or lever collars.
Clamp Collars (also called Olympic Collars)
Clamp Collars, also known as Olympic Collars, are high-quality collars designed for use with Olympic barbells.
They are typically made of sturdy metal and feature a clamping spring that securely locks them onto the bar, ensuring greater safety during weightlifting exercises.
They are very easy to install and remove, although more expensive and heavier than other types of collars.
However, this model is considered among the safest and most reliable.
Magnetic Collars
Magnetic collars use a magnet to lock the weights onto the bar sleeves.
They are easy to apply and remove, but not all barbells are compatible with Magnetic Collars.
Also, these collars aren’t the best at locking weights securely.
However, they can be an effective choice for those looking for a quick and easy way to lock weights onto their barbells.
Lever Collars
Lever collars use a lever mechanism to lock onto the bar sleeves.
They are very easy to install and remove, offer a secure grip, and are suitable for use with Olympic barbells.
They are more expensive than some other types of collars and require a bit of practice to use correctly.
Some models require the use of a key to lock and unlock the lever, which may be inconvenient during workouts.
Lockjaw Collars
Lockjaw Collars, also known as Quick Release Collars, use a lever to securely lock the weights onto the bar sleeves.
They are designed to provide a safe and easy-to-use locking mechanism that holds the weights firmly in place.
Lockjaw Collars are a bit more expensive and may not be suitable for use with Olympic barbells as they may not grip as tightly to larger sleeves.
T-Bolt Collars
T-Bolt Collars, also known as T-bolt screw collars, are a high-quality accessory designed to fit any barbell or dumbbell with a 50mm diameter.
They are made of sturdy plastic and are very easy to apply and remove.
The distinctive feature of these collars is their T-shaped lever, which ensures secure locking onto the bar.
This provides greater safety and stability during exercises, preventing the weights from shifting or falling during workouts.
Snap Clip Collars
Snap Clip Collars are made up of two plastic parts that snap together using an interlocking system.
This locking system may be less secure than other types of collars, but snap clips are still commonly used for low to medium-intensity weightlifting exercises.
Chain Collars
Chain Collars, as the name suggests, are collars that use a chain to lock the weights onto the bar sleeves.
They are typically made of metal and are designed to ensure a secure and durable locking mechanism.
The chain can be adjusted based on the amount of weight that needs to be locked and can be used with barbells of different sizes.
While they may take a bit more time to apply than other types of collars, Chain Collars offer greater safety and stability during weightlifting exercises.
Proloc Collars
Proloc Collars are a type of barbell collar that differs from many others in that they use a screw-locking system.
Unlike other types of collars that lock using springs or levers, Proloc Collars tighten around the bar sleeves using a manually twisted screw.
This locking system is particularly useful for exercises involving heavy loads, as it provides greater safety and stability.
OSO Collars
OSO (Ohio Strength Bar Collars) Collars are a type of lever-lock collar designed for Olympic barbells and dumbbells with a 50mm diameter.
They are made of sturdy aluminum and feature a U-shaped lever that locks securely onto the bar, holding the weights in place.
OSO Collars are known for their ease of use and high locking capacity, making them a preferred choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Moreover, they are available in a variety of colors and designs, making them a popular choice for aesthetic reasons as well.
What are the safest barbell collars?
Choosing the safest barbell collar depends on various factors such as the type of exercises performed, the athlete’s strength and experience level, the size of the barbell, and the preferred material.
Some of the collars considered to be the safest include Lockjaw Collars, Clamp Collars, and T-Bolt Collars.
These pieces of equipment provide a secure grip on the bar, reducing the risk of unwanted movements of the plates during training.
It is always important to choose a quality collar that is durable and able to withstand the maximum load that you intend to lift.
Furthermore, another very incisive factor in choosing the safest collar is its adaptability to different barbell diameters and types of plates.
Some collars are designed to fit only certain types of barbells, while others are universal.
If you train at home, don’t underestimate the importance of a good barbell collar for your safety during your workout!
The best barbell collars:There are many high-quality barbell collars available on the market, each with different characteristics. Below are some of the best available models:
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Can you do Bench Press without barbell collars?
Personally, when I do bench presses with heavy weights, I have a spotter help me and do not use barbell collars.
(Do not take my example and I am not telling you not to use barbell collars when you do bench press.)
In this case, if neither I nor the spotter can lift the weight, as it is too heavy, at least he can help me tilt the barbell to slide the weights off.
Some experienced weight training lifters choose to use neither safety collars nor a spotter when bench pressing.
This way they feel more confident and in control of their workout.
However, it’s important to note that this practice (and mine too) can pose significant security risks.
RELATED:>>> The 4 Rules of Bench Pressing Without a Spotter
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DISCLAIMER: Avoid using collars on the barbell and spotter during weightlifting exercises can be risky for your safety. In the event of sudden muscle failure or a miscalculation in choosing the weight, the lack of a spotter or safety collar can cause serious injury or even death. Therefore, if you choose to exercise without these precautions, be very aware of your limitations and what you are doing. Even if some experts habitually do bench presses without collars, this can still pose a risk to people nearby. Additionally, as a rule, even if you have a spotter to assist you, collars should always be used. |
Squats, Deadlifts, and Olympic Lifts: When Barbell Collars Make All the DifferenceUsing barbell collars on deadlifts, squats, and Olympic lifts is essential to ensure maximum safety during training. These exercises involve the use of very heavy weights, and failure to secure the plates properly on the barbell can cause serious risks of injury, both for those performing the exercises and those in the vicinity. In particular, during squats, plates not properly secured on the bar could slide off and cause a serious imbalance, resulting in loss of control of the barbell and the risk of falling. Similarly, during deadlifts, the absence of barbell collars can become a dangerous situation as if the weights fall, they could cause injury to both the lifter and those around him. Finally, during the Olympic lifts, where athletes lift the bar overhead, the use of collars is essential to ensure maximum stability of the weight and prevent the plates from detaching during the exercise. |
How do I choose the right barbell collar?
When choosing a barbell collar, the first thing to consider is the type of barbell you are using.
As previously mentioned, Olympic barbells have a sleeve diameter of 50 mm, while standard barbells have a diameter of 25 mm.
Choosing the wrong collar may prevent you from properly securing the weight plates, putting your safety at risk.
Another thing to consider is the type of training you do and how often you do it.
For example, if you are doing high-intensity Olympic lifts, you may prefer a lever or clamp collar, which offers a higher level of security and grip.
On the other hand, if you are doing exercises with a lighter barbell, a spring or screw collar may be sufficient.
Finally, it is important to consider the quality of the collar. Choosing a low-quality collar increases the risk of injury, so it’s better to invest in a branded and good-quality collar.
Some collars offer greater durability and resistance to wear, which can be an important factor if you plan to use them regularly.
Other tips for safe training
First and foremost, it is essential to allocate adequate time to warm up the body and prepare it for the upcoming workout.
Additionally, maintaining proper posture during exercises is of primary importance to avoid overloading or injuring specific body parts.
Finally, it is advisable to ensure a firm grip on the barbell or dumbbells to improve stability and minimize the risk of injuries.
If you want to learn more about safety in the gym, go read the article: Protecting yourself in the gym: 10 essential safety guidelines.
Can a spotter replace barbell collars?
Not, a spotter cannot replace barbell collars.
The spotter’s job is to assist the athlete during exercise, helping to lift the weight if necessary and ensuring proper technique.
However, barbell collars are essential for keeping weights in place on the bar.
If the weights are not securely fastened, they can slide off the barbell during exercise, causing damage to the floor, equipment, or worse, the athlete themselves.
Therefore, even with a spotter present, it is always a good practice to use collars to ensure greater safety during training.
Conclusion
Barbell collars are an essential component of gym equipment to ensure safety during weightlifting exercises.
In addition to preventing athlete injury, they provide better control of the bar itself, improving workout efficiency.
Choosing the right type of collar depends on the type of barbell and your needs.
Olympic lifters, for example, prefer to use collars that offer maximum safety and performance.
While many gyms still use barbell spring collars.
The important thing is to always check that these accessories are working properly before lifting weights.
To avoid injury, you should always be aware of your safety in the gym, following safe training practices and using the right equipment.
