Let’s be real, starting a weight training routine is exciting stuff. Those first few weeks feel like a Rocky movie. The weights keep going up, the gains come fast, and watching your muscles pop is an incredible feeling. But here’s the thing, maintaining that momentum can be tough, especially as you get stronger.
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Those Early Gains Though…
When you first start lifting, it’s like everything clicks into place. Each week, you’re slapping more weight on the bar, your motivation is through the roof, and you’re hitting new personal bests left and right.
Your body is transforming before your eyes, and your goals feel within reach. You leave the gym feeling like an absolute champion every single session. This “newbie gains” phase is when your body is responding rapidly to the new lifting stimulus.
The Dreaded Plateau
Then out of nowhere, you hit a brick wall. Your body adapts to the demands you’ve been placing on it, and adding more weight starts to feel impossible. Progress slows to a crawl, and pushing forward gets harder and harder. Sound familiar?
This plateau stage is super common for lifters. Your muscles get used to the weights, and those big initial gains start tapering off. It’s frustrating as hell and can really mess with your motivation if you’re not prepared for it.
The Danger of Ego Lifting
Trying to slap an extra 5 pounds on the bar every single week is just asking for trouble. Not only is it unrealistic, but you’re putting yourself at major risk for injury.
Pushing too hard and too fast can lead to strains, sprains, and all sorts of issues that could put you out of commission for weeks or even months. It’s important to find that sweet spot with your progression. More weight isn’t always better. Sometimes you have to listen to what your body is telling you.
Enter Microloading
This is where microloading comes into play. Microloading involves making teeny, tiny increases in weight. We’re talking about adding just half a pound or so. These small jumps allow you to keep progressing without shocking your body or risking injury.
Unlike the usual “slap a 5lb plate on each side” approach, microloading gives your muscles a chance to adapt gradually. It’s an absolute game-changer for overcoming plateaus and continuing to make gains safely.
Fractional Weight Plates: Your New Best Friend
So how do you microload? That’s where fractional weight plates come in. These bad boys are small weight plates that come in weights like 0.5, 1, 1.25, and 2.5 lbs.
Unlike regular plates that jump by 5 or 10 lbs at a time, fractional weight plates let you make those incremental weight increases that help push past plateaus. They’re perfect for lifters of all levels who are looking to get stronger.
Why Microloading with Fractional Weight Plates is a Game-Changer
Tiny Increments = Safer Gains
Using fractional weight plates seriously reduces your risk of getting hurt. It gives your body time to adapt to the new loads, instead of shocking your muscles and joints. This gradual approach is key for preventing overtraining and injury, especially if you’re someone who builds strength at a slower rate or is more prone to issues.
They Work With Dumbbells
Making 5lb jumps with dumbbells is just tough. Microloading makes those dumbbell increases way more manageable. Adding just 1lb to each side at a time is way less intimidating than instantly jumping to the next heavy pair.
And yes, they make fractional weight plates for dumbells!
Great for Strengthening Injured Areas
If you’re rehabbing or have a previous injury, maintaining low rep ranges with controlled weight is important. Microloading with fractional weight plates allows you to build up strength gradually in those sensitive areas without overdoing it.
Even Jacked Dudes Can Benefit
Even the most jacked lifters can struggle to keep grinding out gains. Microloading gives them a way to keep pushing forward through plateaus without risking injury.
Kids & Seniors
Safe, steady progression is everything for these groups. Fractional weight plates ensure they can build strength without sacrificing form or putting joints at risk.
Injury-Prone People
If you’re someone with a history of getting hurt, micro-loading allows controlled increases that are ideal if you have a history of injury. You can focus on proper strengthening without undue strain.
How to Incorporate Microloading
Getting started with fractional weight plates is simple. Just start adding the smallest weight possible to your current working weights. If your bench is plateauing at 175 lbs, for example, try tossing a 0.5lb plate on each side for your next session. Those tiny increases can make a massive difference in helping you keep making progress over time.
Track your weights in a workout journal or app to monitor progress over time. Consistency is key with this approach, so make sure to incrementally increase those loads session after session.
Final Thoughts
Microloading with fractional weight plates offers a great way to safely navigate strength plateaus. By incorporating small, manageable weight increases, you can keep seeing steady gains without pushing your body past its limits.
If you’re ready to try it, these fractional weight plates are a solid option. Let me know how microloading works for you in the comments!
FAQs
What exactly are fractional weight plates?
They’re small weight plates ranging from 0.5lbs to 2.5lbs that allow you to make tiny increases in weight.
Can I use them with any equipment?
Fractional weight plates work with barbells, dumbbells, and most machines.
How do they help with plateaus?
The small weight increases allow your body to keep adapting gradually when you’d otherwise stall out.
Who benefits most from fractional weight plates?
They’re great for advanced lifters, beginners, kids, older adults, and those rehabbing from injuries.
How do I start using them?
Start by adding just the smallest plate to your current working weights, then keep inching the weight up.
Where can I get fractional weight plates?
Most sporting goods stores and online retailers sell them. This set is a solid option
