Strength-training athletes swear by plate weights for excellent reasons. These weight plates can provide a heavier and more balanced lift than dumbbells. They also outperform the freehand weights when it comes to working your legs and exercises that call for explosive motion. Plate weight sets that provide an array of weights are preferred – especially those that come with smaller increments, which hasten the progress of muscle development. This X-plode set of Olympic Hammertone Plates are an excellent example, with a choice of 2.5 (temporarily sold out), 5, 10, 25, 35 and 45 lb weights – all of which slide easily onto the standard 2” Olympic bar.

Their distinguishing features make weight handling quicker, easier and safer. The four largest weights come with four ergonomically moulded handle grips, making it more convenient for you to grasp them when they’re lying on the floor. Added notching on the outer rim gives you a much more reliable grasp when you’re transporting these weights or loading them onto the bar. The notched tab also lessens the possibility of pinching your finger between plates. Your grip is also enhanced by the bumpy texture of their hammertone finish. This coating is as tough as it is attractive – resisting both rust and chipping, so you’ll be able to keep lifting every gram of their weight for a long, long time.