Most of the tried and true equipment you use at the gym is made of iron—but if you want a more dynamic, fat busting full-body workout, ditch the weights and pick up some ropes.

Ropes aren't just for sailing and and Boy Scouts. Battle ropes (or battling ropes) are a must-have tool for anyone looking to pack on lean mass. "The key to their effectiveness is that they work each arm independently, eliminating strength imbalances as they sculpt your muscle," John Brookfield, creator of the original battling-ropes system, told Men's Health.

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