What the purpose of fractional plates
We’re sure you’re aware of what fractional plates are; a series of small interchangeable plates which can be used to customise your exercising experience. The main use of fractional plates are for powerlifting and/or Olympic weightlifting movements.
Why changing intensities are important
These plates can prove very handy if you are starting out or if you wish to increase your workload. The main benefits of them are that they allow the user to progressively increase their load so they can safely overload their weights in a workout.
Overloading is a principle of training whereby an exercise becomes more challenging by adding more weight, increasing frequency, or increasing number of repetitions in your training regime. For the example of fractional bumper plates this would be by adding more weight to the end of your Olympic barbell. Adding increments over time prevents your body from plateauing which is a common experience if you get too comfortable using weights.
When an individual experiences a plateau, it means that they’re comfortable working at their current rate, this inhibits an increase in muscle growth and strength and can prolong the training process without the desired results.
Different Types
Typically, fractional plates can be any plates that allows micro changes in weight. They can be made from a few different materials such as cast iron, steel, and rubber. The most common form of fractional plates is made from steel, and they offer great durability.
The UKSF fractional plates are made from polyurethane which offers a solid outer coating. this dampens the sound of the steel clashing and can protect the barbell sleeves from dents and allows great grip to the bar and reduces movement whilst performing lifts. They also offer great protection from surfaces should you drop the barbell from completing a lift.
How you can use them
The most common way to use fractional bumper plates are at the end of barbells to increase weight loads for powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting movements. You can also use these plates in isolation for an array of different movements, for example bicep curls, shoulder presses and tricep extensions.
