When it comes to maximizing the value of your home gym, versatility is key. The Tib Bar Guy’s 35lb Metal Weight Plate Bundle featuring two 10lb plates, two 5lb plates, and two 2.5lb plates provides an incredible range of training options without taking up much space. Whether you are training for strength, hypertrophy, athleticism, or simply trying to stay mobile and resilient, this compact set unlocks a surprising number of exercises.

Here are the Top 10 Uses for the 35lb Metal Weight Plate Bundle to help you train smarter and more effectively:

1. Dumbbell Curls 

Basic dumbbell curls are a staple for building arm strength and size, and using the Torque Bar from The Tib Bar Guy elevates this classic movement even further. By loading plates onto the Torque Bar, you not only target the biceps but also develop superior grip and forearm strength thanks to the thicker handle diameter. Thick handle training challenges your forearms, wrists, and hand muscles, leading to better carryover into sports, lifting, and daily activities.

Tip: Focus on strict form with controlled eccentrics to maximize muscle engagement and minimize cheating.

2. Dumbbell Lateral Raises (or Lu Raises)

Lateral raises are essential for building strong, capped shoulders. Using the plates from the bundle, you can load a lightweight implement like the Torque Bar or a compact dumbbell handle to perform lateral raises with perfect tension.

Alternatively, for a more athletic variation, you can perform Lu Raises—raising the arms all the way overhead to enhance shoulder health, mobility, and control. The lighter plates (2.5lbs or 5lbs) are ideal for maintaining the strict form required for this extended range of motion.

3. Dumbbell Lying Triceps Extensions

Dumbbell lying triceps extensions, often referred to as "skull crushers," are one of the best ways to isolate the triceps. The 35lb bundle allows you to customize the load depending on your strength level.

Perform these on a decline bench to increase the range of motion and get a bigger stretch on the triceps. Controlled reps here will build stronger arms that carry over into pressing strength and athletic power.

4. Dumbbell Front Raises

Front raises primarily target the anterior delts, an often-overused muscle group that still benefits from direct, intelligent training. Load a moderate amount of weight and focus on strict form to keep tension exactly where it needs to be.

This movement is especially useful if you are looking to improve shoulder health, pressing strength, or aesthetic shoulder development. Keep the tempo slow and avoid swinging the weight for maximum results.

5. Dumbbell Rear Delt Flyes

Rear delt flyes are crucial for balancing out the shoulder joint and building symmetrical and comprehensive strength. Using a light weight, you can perform high-rep rear delt flyes to target the often neglected posterior shoulder muscles.

Building stronger rear delts not only improves posture, but also enhances performance in larger compound lifts like rows and presses. Rear delt flyes also assist with scapular stability, making them a vital addition to any comprehensive training program.

Tip: Do these while lying face down on a 30-45 degree incline bench to encourage strict form while maintaining full focus on the rear delts.

6. Dumbbell Prone Y's

Prone Y’s are a fantastic corrective and strengthening exercise for the middle and upper back musculature, as well as the rear delts. Lying face down on a bench, raise your arms into a "Y" position overhead, emphasizing lower trap and mid trap activation.

Use very light weights for this exercise and focus on fully controlled movement with straight elbows throughout the entire range of motion. This movement is especially beneficial for individuals seeking to improve shoulder function, overhead mobility, and scapular control.

7. Suitcase Carry

The suitcase carry is an incredible core, grip, and posture developer. Simply load plates onto a dumbbell or the Torque Bar, and carry the weight at your side, walking at a moderate pace and maintaining upright posture.

The unilateral load challenges your obliques and forces your core, hips, and obliques to stabilize without leaning to the side or compensating. This simple but highly effective exercise improves real world strength, helping you resist asymmetrical loads during sports and daily activities.

8. Standing Hip Flexion (Attached to Rope or Solo Tib Bar)

Standing hip flexion is a game changing movement for improving sprinting speed, high knee drive, and hip health. Attach the weight plates to a piece of rope that you loop around your foot, or better yet, load up the Solo Tib Bar, fasten it to your foot, and perform controlled standing hip flexions.

Strengthening the hip flexors directly builds resilience against groin strains, enhances sprint speed, and improves overall athleticism. 

9. Split Squats with Offset Load

Split squats are one of the most effective lower body exercises for developing strength, balance, and resilience. Adding an offset load where the weight is only in one hand—forces additional core and hip stability demands.

Using the 10lb or 15lb combination from the bundle allows for scalable loading depending on your strength and experience. Training with an offset load also helps to address imbalances between the left and right sides, which can enhance performance and reduce injury risk.

10. 1 Arm Dumbbell Overhead Press

The 1 arm dumbbell overhead press is a phenomenal way to build shoulder strength, core stability, and overall body control. Load your preferred handle using plates from the 35lb bundle, and press the weight overhead while resisting side bending.

The unilateral nature of the exercise trains the obliques and deep core muscles to stabilize the spine, while the pressing motion builds robust, functional shoulder strength. Adjust the plate combinations as needed to match your strength level and training goals.

Final Thoughts

The 35lb Metal Weight Plate Bundle from The Tib Bar Guy is far more than just a simple collection of weights it’s a gateway to smarter, more effective training. With just a few compact plates and a little creativity, you can attack almost every major muscle group while enhancing functional strength, joint health, and athleticism.

Whether you are using the Torque Bar, Solo Tib Bar, or your own training implements, this bundle ensures you have the tools necessary to build a strong, resilient, and well rounded body without cluttering your space. Embrace these top 10 uses, and take your training to the next level.