How to Load 135 lb (One Plate)
The classic 'one plate' - a major milestone for beginners
What You Need
Bar Weight
45lb
Per Side
1× 45lb
Total Plates
2× 45lb plates
= 45lb bar + 1× 45lb × 2
Exercise Benchmarks
What this weight typically represents:
| Exercise | Level |
|---|---|
| Bench Press | Beginner-Intermediate |
| Overhead Press | Intermediate-Advanced |
| Squat | Beginner |
Loading Tips
- Perfect weight for learning proper form on compound movements
- Focus on controlled eccentrics and full range of motion
- Most commercial gyms have plenty of 45lb plates available
Try the Calculator
Use our interactive plate calculator for any weight:
Calculate Your Plates
Total Plates Needed
Standard Olympic Plates
Metric (kg): 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25
Imperial (lb): 45, 35, 25, 10, 5, 2.5
Note: Standard Olympic barbells weigh 20kg (45lb) for men and 15kg (35lb) for women. The calculator shows plates needed per side of the barbell.
Related Tools
FAQ
What plates do I need for 135lb?
To load 135lb on an Olympic barbell (45lb), you need 1× 45lb per side, for a total of 2× 45lb plates.
Is 135lb a good weight?
The classic 'one plate' - a major milestone for beginners
Can I use different plate combinations?
Yes, there are often multiple ways to achieve the same weight. However, the configuration shown uses the minimum number of plates possible, which is generally preferred for stability and ease of loading.
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