Discover effective weight plate exercises for full-body strength, endurance, and functional fitness—no extra equipment needed!
22 EXERCISES FOUND
Weight Plate Russian Twist
Steps : 1.) Start off with your back on the floor and your feet under a bench or have a partner holding them. 2.) Bend your knees and lift your upper body off of the floor as if you were in a final sit up position, then stick your arms out in front of your chest with your hands together. 3.) When you are in place, twist your torso to the right while exhaling, holding on and squeezing your abs for a few seconds as you reach the side. 4.) Move back to the starting position as you exhale, then back in the starting position, repeat the exercise in the alternate direction. 5.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed.
Weighted Crunch
Steps : 1.) Start by laying flat on your back on the ground and feet rested at a 90 degree angle on a bench. 2.) Hold a weight to your chest or extended out in front of you, then slowly elevate your shoulders off of the floor while your lower back keeps you positioned on the floor. 3.) As soon as you feel tension in your abs, squeeze and hold for a few seconds, release and return back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Weight Plate Front Raise
Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off holding a barbell weight plate in your hands at your waist and standing up straight. 2.) Keep your palms facing inwards towards each other. 3.) Then slowly move the plate up and out until it has reached your shoulder level and hold onto it for a few seconds squeezing your shoulders tightly. 4.) Return back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed
Weighted Side Bend
Steps : 1.) Begin by standing up straight with your one arm to your side holding a weight plate and the other rested behind you with palm placed on your head. 2.) Then slowly bend to one side of your body, grasping onto the weight, until you feel a tension on your obliques and hold for a few seconds. 3.) Return back to the starting position and complete the number of reps desired and then switch to the opposite side.
Weight Plate Rotation
Steps : 1.) Lie on a mat or on the floor. 2.) While sitting up extend your knees out with a slight bend. 3.) Your feet should be a few inches off the ground. 4.) Grab a plate and rotate from one side of your chest to the other side while maintaining your body position. 5.) Repeat for the desired amount of reps.
Weighted Trunk Rotation
Steps : 1.) Stand straight up with your feet shoulder width apart and holding a weight plate in your arms up against your chest. 2.) Rotate your torso to the right without twisting your feet, then rotate your body to the left and contract your abs. 3.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Decline Bench Weighted Twist
Steps : 1.) Start by laying with your back flat on a decline bench holding a weight plate or dumbbell to your chest and placing your feet underneath the padded foot rests. 2.) While keeping your back straight, slowly lean up so that your back creates a 90-degree angle with the bench and push the weight out directly in front of you. 3.) Begin by twisting at your mid section bringing the weight over to one side until you feel a stretch in your abs, then return back to the starting position and repeat in the opposite direction. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Weight Plate Shrug
Steps : 1.) Start by standing up straight with your feet shoulder width apart and a slight bend in your knees, holding a weight plate in each hand and letting your arms hang down at your sides. 2.) Once you have secured the weight plates in place, slowly shrug your shoulders as high as you can and hold the position for a count. 3.) Return back to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Weight Plate Reverse Curl
The reverse plate curl exercise uses free weight plates to isolate the bicep and build bigger arms. Steps : 1.) Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart, your knees slightly bent and your abs drawn in. 2.) Grab a plate in your hands with an overhand (palms down) grip at the 11:00 and 1:00 o'clock position. 3.) Keeping your elbows and arms at your side, curl the slowly up towards your head, squeezing and isolating the bicep muscle. 4.) Slowly return to the starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Weight Plate Neck Flexion (Supine)
Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off by lying face up with your back on a flat bench holding a weight plate in front of your head. 2.) With the plate rested on the front your head, slowly lower your neck down squeezing your shoulders and keeping the plate pressed lightly to the head. 3.) Then return back up to the starting position. 4.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed
Weight Plate High Front Raise
Steps : 1.) Start by standing up straight with your feet shoulder width apart and holding a weight plate together with both hands at waist level. 2.) Slowly, while squeezing your shoulders, elevate the weight plate above your head and hold for a count. 3.) Return back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Weight Plate Hand Squeeze
Steps : 1.) Start by standing up straight with your feet shoulder width apart, arms at your side and one arm holding a weight plate at hip level. 2.) Lower the weight down so that your fingers are nearly extended but you are still able to hold onto the weight and hold this position for a count. 3.) Raise the plate back up to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Weight Plate Neck Extension (Prone)
Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off by lying face down on a flat bench holding a weight plate behind your head. 2.) With the plate rested behind your head, slowly lower your neck down squeezing your shoulders and keeping the plate pressed. 3.) Then return back up to the starting position. 4.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed
Weight Plate Wall Sit
The weight plate wall sit is a variation of the traditional wall sit exercise that adds resistance to increase the challenge for your lower body muscles, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Stand with your back pressed firmly against the wall. Walk your feet out and slide your back down the wall until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle, or as close to 90 degrees as possible. Your feet should be positioned slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, and your knees should be aligned with your ankles. With your hands gripping the weight plate in front of your chest, keep your elbows bent and close to your body. Ensure that the weight plate is held securely and does not slip during the exercise. Brace your core muscles to stabilize your spine and maintain proper posture throughout the exercise. Hold the wall sit position with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle and your back pressed against the wall. Keep your chest lifted, shoulders back, and gaze straight ahead. Ensure that your weight is distributed evenly through your feet, with the majority of the pressure on your heels. Hold the wall sit position for a predetermined amount of time, such as 20-30 seconds, or longer if you're more advanced. Focus on breathing steadily throughout the hold, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. After completing the hold, slowly push through your heels and straighten your legs to return to the standing position against the wall. Keep your back pressed against the wall as you rise up. Take a short rest period before repeating the exercise for additional sets or hold times. Aim to perform 2-3 sets of wall sits, holding each position for the desired duration.
Weight Plate Squat
Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off by taking two flat benches and positioning them shoulder length apart and standing on top of them with a weighted plate attached to your torso right above the opening between both benches. 2.) Then bend at your knees keeping a straight posture with your back straight and chest out continuing down until your upper legs and knees form a 90-degree angle and the weight plate falling in between both of the benches. Hold for a few seconds. 3.) Use your lower legs as well as your heels to push yourself back up. 4.) Return back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed
Weight Plate Sissy Squat
Steps : 1.) Start in an upright position right next to a power rack or any secure post/object with your feet shoulder width apart, one hand grabbing the object and the other holding a weight plate or dumbbell to your chest. 2.) Making sure you have a firm grip on the object you are holding onto, bend at your knees and lower your body towards the ground in a squat position. 3.) Stop when your body creates a 90-degree angle and hold for a count, then return back to the starting position by using your thighs to elevate your body back up. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Weight Plate Pinch
Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off by taking two weight plates and placing them together. 2.) Take your fingers and thumb and squeeze the plates together, holding the position for as long as possible. 3.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed.
Weighted Decline Rotation
Steps : 1.) Start by laying on a decline bench with a weight plate crossed in between your arms over your chest and feet secured in the foot rests. 2.) Slowly curl up with your abs and pause as soon as you reach the top. 3.) As soon as you reach this position rotate to one direction, then return back to the center and then back down. 4.) Repeat these steps but to the opposite direction. 5.) Perform this exercise for as many reps and sets as desired.
Before you hit the gym, take the time to define your fitness goals. Whether you're aiming to build muscle, lose weight, or improve endurance, having specific objectives will guide your training and keep you focused on your workouts.
Designing a structured workout plan is essential for maximizing your time in the gym. Incorporate a mix of cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and flexibility exercises to target different muscle groups and improve overall fitness levels.
Compound exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making them highly effective for building strength and muscle mass. Prioritize compound movements in your workouts for optimal results.
To continue making progress, gradually increase the intensity, volume, or resistance of your workouts over time. Progressive overload challenges your muscles and forces them to adapt, leading to growth and strength gains with every workout.
Pay attention to how your body feels during and after workouts. Push yourself to work hard, but also know when to scale back or take a rest day if you're feeling fatigued or experiencing pain from your workouts.
Recovery is just as important as exercise itself. Make sure to get an adequate amount of sleep, fuel your body with nutritious foods, and incorporate rest days into your routine to allow your muscles time to recover and grow stronger after each workout session.
Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining energy levels, regulating body temperature, and supporting overall health. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after workouts to optimize your workout performance.
Keep your workouts interesting and challenging by incorporating a variety of exercises, equipment, and training modalities. Experiment with different workout styles, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and yoga, to keep your body engaged and avoid workout monotony.
Consistency is key to seeing results. Make exercise a regular part of your routine by scheduling workouts at the same time each day and treating them like appointments you can't miss. Consistency in your workouts will help you achieve your fitness goals faster.
Keep a workout journal or use a fitness app like JEFIT to track your workouts, monitor your progress, and celebrate your achievements. Tracking your workouts helps you stay accountable and motivated, and allows you to see how far you've come on your fitness journey.
Always start your workouts with a thorough warm-up to prepare your body for exercise and reduce the risk of injury. Incorporate dynamic stretches, mobility drills, and light cardio to increase blood flow and loosen up tight muscles before starting your workouts.
Technique is crucial for preventing injuries and maximizing the effectiveness of your workouts. Always prioritize proper form over lifting heavier weights or performing more repetitions. If you're unsure about your form, consider working with a certified personal trainer to ensure you're performing exercises correctly.
In addition to intense workouts, incorporate restorative activities like yoga, stretching, or foam rolling into your routine to improve flexibility, mobility, and recovery. These activities can help reduce muscle soreness and prevent injuries, allowing you to perform better in your next workout session.
Find ways to stay motivated and inspired on your fitness journey. Set rewards for reaching milestones, enlist the support of a workout buddy or join a fitness community, and remind yourself of why you started in the first place. Staying motivated will help you stay consistent with your workouts and achieve your fitness goals.
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a strong, healthy body. Be patient with yourself and trust the process. Results take time, so stay consistent, stay positive, and keep pushing forward with your workouts, knowing that your hard work will pay off in the end.
Picture yourself achieving your fitness goals and visualize the steps you need to take to get there. Visualization can help increase motivation, focus, and confidence, making it easier to stay on track and overcome obstacles in your workouts and fitness journey.