Weight Collars and Arthritis

chunky_pinup

I've been lifting for quite some time now, and feel pretty proficient in the weight room, but recently, my arthritis (RA associated with my Lupus) has been in a pretty bad flare. I know how to modify my exercise to accommodate in order to not exacerbate my symptoms and send me into full-on flare up mode, but I'm finding one issue that is kind of embarrassing for me in the weight room - the d@mn Weight Collars.

I can load and de-load the weights no problem...but when my fingers are all wonky, those clips are near impossible for me to maneuver! I feel like a fool being able to load up heavy plates then having to ask for help with something that is probably very simple for everyone else, so I was considering purchasing my own to bring to the gym with me.

Does anyone have recommendations on ones that are easy to secure with minimal hand/finger dexterity?

nordlead2005

You can either go without them or you could use something like this - http://www.amazon.com/Olympic-Barbell-Dreapark-Barbells-Locking/dp/B011VAXA36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463748573&sr=8-1&keywords=quick+weight+collars

ninerbuff

Lock Jaw are ones that I keep in my bag and what I use with clients.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

chunky_pinup

nordlead2005 wrote: »

You can either go without them or you could use something like this - http://www.amazon.com/Olympic-Barbell-Dreapark-Barbells-Locking/dp/B011VAXA36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463748573&sr=8-1&keywords=quick+weight+collars

I haven't seen ones like that before! Everything I've come across looks way similar to the standard clamps in all gyms. Thank you!

jemhh

nordlead2005 wrote: »

You can either go without them or you could use something like this - http://www.amazon.com/Olympic-Barbell-Dreapark-Barbells-Locking/dp/B011VAXA36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463748573&sr=8-1&keywords=quick+weight+collars

My husband just bought me a set of these. I really like them so far.

chunky_pinup

jemhh wrote: »

nordlead2005 wrote: »

You can either go without them or you could use something like this - http://www.amazon.com/Olympic-Barbell-Dreapark-Barbells-Locking/dp/B011VAXA36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463748573&sr=8-1&keywords=quick+weight+collars

My husband just bought me a set of these. I really like them so far.

Good to know. Thanks!

Willbenchforcupcakes

2" wood clamps are my choice if I'm not using locking collars

jimmmer

I go without.

SonyaCele

this is my favorite style, not sure which brand is best quality, but i like this lever style, its easiest for me. a big knobby thing for my old crackly hands

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Pair-2-Olympic-Barbell-Weight-Collars-Clamps-Weightlifting-Crossfit/121967783817?_trksid=p999999.c100623.m-1&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=20160323102634&meid=c8e89e7a4d2d4c33a3c525e4d5678d75&pid=100623&rk=4&rkt=6&sd=261389546874

Larissa_NY

I don't collar my weights because trying to work the collars causes my hands serious pain. If I did I'd use one of the brands listed above, though, and just pack them to the gym with the rest of my lifting gear.

DopeItUp

I'd probably just forgo the collars totally in 95% of situations, to be honest. I personally almost never use them, myself.