Creative Uses for Weight Plates Beyond the Gym

Weight plates are a staple in gyms and fitness centres, but did you know that they can also be used creatively outside of the gym?

In this article, we'll explore a variety of unconventional uses for weight plates, including alternative exercises, home improvement projects, recreational activities, and artistic decorations.

Let's dive in!

Unconventional Weight Plate Exercises

Landmine Exercises

Landmine exercises are a fantastic way to incorporate weight plates into your workout routine. 

These exercises utilise a barbell anchored at one end and loaded with weight plates on the other.

Some examples of landmine exercises include single-arm rows, rotational presses, and landmine squats. Give them a try for a fresh spin on your workout!

Oblique Twists

Why not use weight plates to target your core muscles? Oblique twists are a simple yet effective exercise to engage your obliques and abdominal muscles.

Hold a weight plate with both hands, sit on the ground with your knees bent, and rotate your torso from side to side, tapping the plate on the floor beside you.

This low-impact exercise is excellent for developing core strength and stability.

Floor Slides

Floor slides are a great way to add variety to your lower body workout.

Place your feet on weight plates while in a plank position, then slide your feet towards your hands, lifting your hips and engaging your core.

Slide your feet back to the starting position, and repeat. This exercise targets your glutes, hamstrings, and core muscles.

Home Improvement and DIY Projects

Door Stopper

Weight plates can make effective door stoppers. Simply place a weight plate in front of a door to prevent it from closing.

This can be particularly helpful in high-traffic areas of your home or when you need to keep a door open for an extended period.

Furniture Riser

Need a little extra height for your furniture? Stack a few weight plates under the legs of a table, chair, or bed to raise it to your desired height.

This is an easy and affordable solution for creating more storage space or making your furniture more comfortable to use.

Stabilising and Levelling

Weight plates can be used to stabilise and level wobbly or uneven furniture.

Place a weight plate under the shorter leg or legs of a table, chair, or other piece of furniture to create a stable and level surface.

Outdoor and Recreational Activities

Frisbee Fun

Turn your weight plates into a fun outdoor game by using them as makeshift frisbees.

This can be a fantastic way to enjoy some outdoor fun with friends and family.

Just ensure you're using lighter weight plates and that you have plenty of space to avoid any accidents or injuries.

Garden Stepping Stones

Transform your weight plates into unique garden stepping stones by burying them partially in the ground.

This creates a sturdy and decorative pathway in your garden or yard.

You can even paint the weight plates with weather-resistant paint for added aesthetic appeal.

Camping and Picnics

Weight plates can be useful during camping trips and picnics, as they provide a convenient way to secure items from the wind.

Place a weight plate on top of tablecloths, napkins, or other lightweight items to keep them from blowing away.

Artistic and Decorative Ideas

Clock Face

With a bit of creativity, you can transform a weight plate into a stylish and functional clock face.

Attach a clock mechanism and hands to the centre of the weight plate, and either paint or apply numbers to create a one-of-a-kind timepiece for your home or gym.

Wall Art

Weight plates can be used as a unique and eye-catching form of wall art.

Hang them on the wall with sturdy hooks or brackets, and display them as a testament to your dedication to fitness.

You can even paint or customise the weight plates to match your décor.

Tabletop Centrepiece

Create an attractive and conversation-starting centrepiece for your dining table using weight plates.

Stack a few weight plates in varying sizes, and top them with a decorative item such as a candle, small plant, or seasonal ornament.

In Summary

Weight plates offer a wealth of creative uses beyond the gym. From unconventional exercises to home improvement projects, outdoor activities, and artistic decorations, these versatile fitness tools can be utilised in countless ways.

So, the next time you come across a spare weight plate, consider the many possibilities it presents!

FAQs

Can weight plates be used for core exercises?

Yes, weight plates can be used for various core exercises, such as oblique twists and floor slides, which target the abdominal and oblique muscles.

How can I repurpose weight plates as home décor?

Weight plates can be transformed into wall art, clock faces, or tabletop centrepieces for a unique and stylish home décor addition. 

Can weight plates be used outdoors?

Absolutely! Weight plates can be used for outdoor activities such as frisbee games, garden stepping stones, and securing items during picnics or camping trips.

How can weight plates help with home improvement projects?

Weight plates can be used as door stoppers, furniture risers, or stabilisers for wobbly or uneven furniture.

What are some unconventional exercises I can do with weight plates?

Some unconventional exercises using weight plates include landmine exercises, oblique twists, and floor slides, which target various muscle groups and add variety to your workout routine.