Which fitness gear contains no plastic, coating and grips included?
This category is being vetted. Nothing here is a recommendation yet.
Where plastic hides in fitness gear
Most weights are iron with something on it. Dumbbells and kettlebells are vinyl-dipped or powder-coated, and bumper plates and rubber-coated weights are synthetic rubber unless the page names natural rubber. Grip tape and handle wraps are vinyl or polyurethane. Resistance bands are latex blended with synthetic, or TPE, and jump ropes are PVC or nylon. Bare steel, raw or oiled cast iron, and hardwood hangboards finished in oil are the plastic-free builds, and the question on those is whether a clear coat sits on top for protection.
What to check before you buy
- The surface: bare steel, cast iron or hardwood, or vinyl dip, powder coat or paint?
- The finish on a hangboard: bare, oiled or waxed, or lacquer or resin?
- The rubber: named natural rubber, or unspecified, recycled or synthetic?
- The grip: knurled metal, wood or cloth, or vinyl, polyurethane or silicone?
- The straps and loops: cotton or leather, or nylon and polyester?
- A clear coat over bare steel: none, or named?
- Packaging: paper and card, or plastic film?