An apparatus for weightlifting. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of technique plates. Each technique plate of the plurality of technique plates is an Olympic weightlifting technique plate. Each technique plate is formed as one piece of solid plastic-based composite, wherein a given technique plate is a different color from other technique plates of a different weight. Each technique plate has a color that is provided by the solid plastic-based composite. Each technique plate comprises a hole that is configured to receive a bar, wherein the hole of a given technique plate is rugged due in part to the given technique plate being one piece and made of solid plastic-based composite, wherein the hole of each technique plate has a hole tolerance and hole width that maintains sliding with ease and minimum teetering of the technique plate on the bar. Each technique plate is secure on the bar preventing damage to the technique plates when dropped on the floor. The plurality of technique plates being rugged, ease of use, and secure on the bar enables a user to focus on technique during weightlifting.