STEP UP TO THE PLATE

When in doubt, keep it simple. Skip the overhyped gimmicks and expensive machines, and pick up a weight plate for a potent, full-body workout with big servings of strength and fitness.

LOCKDOWNS. ONE DAY, we'll all tell our grandkids about being forced to stay at home. But there was one positive training lesson that the pandemic highlighted: the value of a versatile training tool. Most of us got hella creative in our homes, and for the most part, the plans worked. In some cases, it led to fail videos. But on the whole, we made a plan. The ones that didn't use their imagination emerged from lockdown with plenty of unwanted luggage around their waists.

The humble weight plate shined during the lockdown. Just like the classic homebuilding trio of kettlebell, barbell and dumbbell, the plate is a versatile tool that can hit every single muscle group and offers the side benefits of building up your core and trunk. It's not just an accessory for your barbell; it offers plenty of training options. We're not just talking about famous ones: the Russian Twist, Around-The-World (or the Halo), or the Pinch Carry-there are hundreds of options. The ones we've chosen here target your muscle groups with laserlike precision.

You can choose the tri-grip design plates that are easier to hold, or you can be a little crazier and choose an oldschool metal version without any handles. Either way, you're going to work and best of all, these moves don't just torch your shoulders, they're able to hit plenty of other muscle groups. Specifically, it's also a link-builder for your forearms. Both options will strengthen the muscles of your lower arms, which is a major limiting factor in several of the classic exercises we all love. Deadlifts, pull-ups, cleans, snatches and more; there are so many legendary musclemaking moves that require jacked forearms.

The gains don't end there. As mentioned above, several of these plate moves will quickly upgrade your core strength as they are front-loaded. Unlike kettlebells or dumbbells, weight plates are also easy to hold close to your chest for moves like squats or weighted good mornings.