What safety rule should be followed to prevent weight plates from banging together?

Preventing weight plates from banging together is crucial for both safety and equipment longevity, making the rule to avoid banging the weight plates together important. This practice helps eliminate the risk of injury that can occur from the impact of plates colliding. The clacking of plates can also cause a distraction, which may affect concentration and form during lifts, potentially leading to accidents or poor lifting technique.

Using weights that are the same size or lifting weights slowly can contribute to a safer lifting environment but do not directly address the specific action of preventing the plates from colliding. Similarly, using heavier weights for control might not be a relevant guideline since lifting heavier loads without proper technique increases the risk of injury. Therefore, the focus on avoiding the banging of plates aids both in maintaining a safe workout environment and protecting the equipment itself.