What are plates primarily used for in strength training?

Plates are primarily used in strength training as weight discs anchored to barbells. This allows athletes to increase resistance during their workouts, which is crucial for building muscle strength and promoting muscle hypertrophy. By loading plates onto a barbell, individuals can progressively overload their muscles, a key principle for improving performance in strength training.

Using plates enables a variety of exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, which are foundational movements for developing strength. The ability to add or remove weights also allows for customization of workouts, catering to different fitness levels and training goals.

The other options represent different training elements that do not directly pertain to the primary function of plates in strength training. For example, while improving flexibility, using bodyweight resistance, or heart rate monitoring are important aspects of overall fitness, they don’t align with the primary purpose of plates in this context, which is focused specifically on building strength through weighted resistance.