Best Deadlift Equipment – Introduction
Deadlift equipment can play a crucial role in your fitness journey, especially after you discover the incredible benefits of deadlifts, the many muscle groups they work, and how they can transform your body, even after 50.
The good news is that deadlifting requires a small area and minimal equipment.
However, adding a power rack or squat stands can be beneficial for any lifter, providing safety, support, and versatility for compound exercises like deadlifts, squats, and barbell squats – if you have the space and ceiling height.
While not necessary for deadlifting, it offers added safety for heavy lifts and can support other exercises like squats and rack pull deadlifts.
To start deadlifting, you need an Olympic barbell, bumper plates or cast iron weight plates, collars, and a good mat.
This essential equipment is available in most gyms or can be set up in a home gym if you’re starting your fitness journey.
You might consider adding a deadlift jack as you progress and lift heavier weights.
This tool makes loading and unloading plates easier and helps prevent strain on your lower back, making your workouts more efficient.
If you’re tight on space, a mini deadlift bar jack is a compact alternative that offers the same convenience while taking up less room, perfect for smaller home gym setups.
These are available in most gyms that have free weights.
On the other hand, you can ditch the gym and set up a small area of your basement or garage with minimal weightlifting gear.
This post will reveal the most crucial deadlift gear you need to get started doing one of the best exercises on the planet for anyone of any age.
At the least, I recommend that a deadlift beginner gets the following items or something similar:
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost.
#1. Deadlift mats
Investing in a high-quality deadlift mat is a wise choice to protect your floors and reduce noise during your deadlifting sessions.
I recommend the Rubber-Cal Shark Tooth mats for their durability and minimal rubber smell.
These mats are excellent for home gyms.
They provide stability for heavy lifts and ensure that your gym flooring remains intact, especially when lifting heavier weights.
The last thing you want is to damage your floor while making progress in your deadlift journey.
I got two 2×3-foot Rubber-Cal Shark Tooth mats, which have worked fine.
They do not have an overpowering rubber smell, either!
Protect your floor and weights, and reduce noise in your home with these heavy-duty mats.
#2. Yaheetech Olympic 7 feet Weight Bar
An Olympic barbell is an essential component of any deadlifting setup.
This Yaheetech Olympic bar isn’t specifically designed for Olympic lifts or heavy powerlifting, but it’s a great addition to any home gym setup.
It’s an excellent option for beginners who want to deadlift but don’t want to invest in higher-end equipment like the Rogue Ohio Power Bar.
Rated for up to 300 lbs, this Olympic bar is sturdy and reliable for your deadlifting routine.
Although it’s not intended for heavy lifts, it’s a good choice for beginners who need a budget-friendly alternative to get started with their training.
If you’re building your gym equipment setup, check out the 5 Best Deadlift Barbells on The Market Today.
#3. BalanceFrom Everyday Essentials Color Coded Bumper Plates
These BalanceFrom bumper plates are an excellent addition for those building a versatile home or garage gym.
Sold in pairs or sets, they simplify weight selection and are designed for durability.
Each plate is color-coded for easy identification, and their wide metal hubs ensure a smooth fit on the bar.
Whether working on deadlifts, squats, or other exercises, these plates offer the stability you need for heavy lifts.
BalanceFrom bumper plates are ideal for both beginners and experienced lifters, offering high-quality performance without breaking the bank—making them a must-have for anyone serious about weightlifting at home.
For home gyms, bumper plates are the best choice because they reduce noise and protect floors better than cast iron plates.
Some lifters refer to cast iron plates as ‘steel plates,’ but true steel plates are rare and mostly found in powerlifting competitions or machine weight stacks.
For more recommendations, check out the Best Budget Bumper Plates for Your Home Gym Today: Buying Guide.
#4. Nike Metcon 8 Workout
The Nike Metcon 8 cross-training shoes are perfect for deadlifting and CrossFit.
These shoes are specifically designed for lifting weights, such as deadlifts, squats, and other exercises where a solid foundation is critical.
They keep you low to the ground and provide excellent foot stability, helping prevent injuries to your knees and back.
Many lifters experience knee or ankle sprains when using the wrong footwear.
I used to struggle with knee pain from squats, but my knees have felt much better since switching to the Nike Metcon 8.
The shoe’s design ensures that your lower body is correctly supported throughout your workout, minimizing risk and maximizing performance.
Whether lifting heavy or focusing on strength training, investing in quality shoes like these can make a big difference.
Learn why the best shoes for deadlifting are essential for safety and performance.
#5. Weightlifting Shin Guards
THEFITGUY Weightlifting Shin Guards can cover your skin, socks, or training pants.
They provide shin protection for deadlifts, CrossFit, snatches, cleans, box jumps, and rope climbs.
With these shin guards, you do not need to remove your shoes, saving you valuable time.
#6. Moxy Deadlift Socks
Moxy deadlift socks will prevent shin scraping and keep your knees and lower legs warmed up.
I suffered many shin scrapes and bruises until I started wearing proper shin protection for deadlifting.
These deadlift socks provide excellent shin protection, so I have continued using Moxy socks for more than five years.
I highly recommend Moxy Premium Deadlift Socks.
#7. Dark Iron Fitness Weight lifting belt
Dark Iron Fitness’s Genuine leather weight-lifting belt for men and women provides strong support for squats and deadlifts, which both require bracing your core.
A weight-lifting belt helps you learn how to brace and protects your lower back, too.
B016RAMIUQ”This belt is an IPF-sanctioned powerlifting belt.
This certification means you can use this belt in any powerlifting competition sanctioned by the International Powerlifting Federation.
I would not leave home without a weightlifting or powerlifting belt on a squat or deadlift workout day.
#8. Dead Wedge Deadlift Jack
The Dead Wedge Deadlift Jack is an essential tool for making weight changes quicker and easier.
Instead of struggling to load and unload plates, you simply roll the bar onto the wedge, allowing effortless plate adjustments.
This compact tool is perfect for home gyms and takes up significantly less space than traditional deadlift jacks.
For deadlifters handling 225 lbs or more, the Dead Wedge provides an efficient way to protect your back from strain while maximizing your lifting session.
#9. Starting Strength
Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe is the Bible of basic barbell training.
Learn how to squat, deadlift, and bench press, the basic powerlifting lifts, and the foundational 3×5 workout plan.
Deadlift Equipment – Wrapping Up
When setting up your home deadlift studio, having the perfect combination of fitness products is crucial for an efficient and safe workout.
Key gym equipment such as deadlift mats, an Olympic barbell, and bumper plates will help you create an effective home gym.
With the right setup and quality equipment, you’ll be well on your way to a successful deadlifting routine that supports your fitness goals.
Related Posts:
- 7 Best Budget Bumper Plates for Your Home Gym Setup
- Set Up for Your Own Deadlift Platform for Beginners
- Moxy Socks Review for Deadlifts, Weight Loss, and Fitness
- 5 Best Deadlift Shin Guards on the Market Today
- 8 Great Benefits of Flexibility Training for Health & Fitness
- 5 Best Deadlift Socks for Powerlifting and Fitness
