Yoke

Tall and solid, a yoke has a horizontal bar that sits across your upper back, with upright posts on either side and feet that hold added plates. You stand inside the frame, brace your middle and lift it clear of the floor. It feels substantial and slightly unwieldy, and the frame’s movement gives you immediate feedback about your balance.

It is mainly used for loaded carries: you lift the frame, walk a short distance and lower it with control. This trains your legs, shoulders, back and grip while asking you to keep a steady posture as you move. You can also practise simply standing with it before adding steps, which makes the movement easier to learn gradually.

A yoke is better suited to someone with some experience lifting and carrying awkward loads, ideally with guidance at first. It needs a clear, level stretch of floor and enough room to turn and store the frame. The bar height and load are usually adjustable, so you can begin lightly. A sturdy backpack or two shopping bags offer a simpler everyday carrying alternative.