• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Modest Man

  • .
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • About
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Free Guide
Home / Blog / Fitness

Micro Gainz Review: Fractional Plates for Weightlifting

Published on December 12, 2019 by Robert Ordway · Fitness, Product Reviews May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

In this review, we take a look at fractional weight plates for barbell and dumbbell weightlifting, developed by Micro Gainz.

Micro Gainz micro weight

When one starts barbell training as a novice, the weight often goes up each lift by five to ten pounds, especially when it comes to the squat and deadlift. Other basic barbell movements such as the press and bench press will slow down much quicker.

There becomes a point when you can no longer add five pounds to the bar a week. What do you do next? You buy Micro Gainz.

You May Also Like…

Are you enjoying this article? You might want to read this one next:

One Strong Herd Review: The Backbone Non-slip Bench Press Mat

Don’t worry, it opens in a new window 😉

By increasing the weight by less than five pounds, you will have more programming options available to make the changes needed to get stronger. If you take a quick look online (say Amazon), there are few companies making such a product in America.

Micro Gainz are manufactured, coated and boxed all in the USA. To learn more about Mike Reed and hear his story of how Micro Gainz was started, check out Episode 240 of the Barbell Logic podcast.

The barbell set comes with eight plates in four sizes: .25, .50, .75 and 1.00 lb. They are black and include a nice bag to carry them in. For those interested in metric, they can make a set in kilograms as well.

Micro Gainz micro plates are calibrated plates in that they are accurate within +/- 5 grams of their stated weight.

Because of this accuracy, they can be used and have been using in weightlifting competitions.  These include the 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation World Championships and the US Stronglifting Federation Championships.

Micro GainzWhile barbell plates are nothing unique, Micro Gainz created its own exclusive dumbbell microplates. They are available in .50, 1, & 1.25lb size and I was able to do a test run with the 1.25 plates. Because of the lack of stabilization a barbell provides, it’s even harder to increase the weight on dumbbells.

Given how expensive dumbbells are, most gyms are only willing to go up in five-pound increments. These microplates make all the world of difference when striving to reach the next level with your curls, triceps extensions, incline press and the like.

Weights with Micro Gainz

As a client of Barbell Logic Online Coaching (BLOC), I’m nearing the end of Novice Linear Progression and Micro Gainz have been instrumental in helping me squeeze out every bit of strength before having to make changes to the programming.

At the end of the day, the main two variables in lifting are volume (reps) and intensity (weight).

While my gym does have microplates on-site, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve traveled for work or vacation only to walk into a gym that doesn’t have such increments. With the little bag, these guys will travel easy and will take up little space in your luggage.

If you’re serious about taking your lifting to the next level, definitely check out Micro Gainz.

As loyal readers of TMM, Mike has offered 10% if you use the code MODEST at checkout.

Fitness, Product Reviews Micro Gainz, Micro Gainz Review, weightlifting

Related Posts

Robert-Ordway-Pioneer-featured
Pioneer Powerlifting Review: Belt and Wrist Wraps
One Strong Herd Review: The Backbone Non-slip Bench Press Mat
Strength training gear and clothes for men
Weight Lifting Gear and Clothes (12 Essential Pieces)
Dominion Strength Training Review (Weightlifting Belt and Dip Belt)

About Robert Ordway

Robert Ordway got his start in menswear in 2009 at Brooks Brothers and J.Crew. He sits on the board of the Custom Tailors and Designers Association in NYC, became a Certified Custom Clothier in 2015 and owns Rusted Oak, an image consulting company.

Background: Growing up in small town outside of Gary, Indiana, Robert's plans to enlist in the Navy changed when he received the Eli Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, a full scholarship to an collage in Indiana.

He earned a BSBA in Finance and MS in International Commerce & Policy from Valparaiso before getting into politics. Along the way, Robert became a believer in the power of appearance and a menswear enthusiast. These days, he works on Capital Hill and moonlights as a custom clothier, helping DC's most influencer men look the part.

Expertise: A former menswear boutique owner and Certified Custom Clothier, Robert is an expert in men's tailoring and formalwear. He has extensive experience evaluating and reviewing digital-first direct-to-consumer apparel and accessory brands.

Robert is also a TedX speaker, cyclist and power lifter, and he might just be the best dressed man on Capital Hill.

More Articles by This Author

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download). No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Reader Interactions

Ask Me Anything Cancel reply

Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

Primary Sidebar

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download).

No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Top 5 Favorites for Fall & Winter 2022

  1. Thursday Boots Captain – still the best Goodyear-welted boot under $200 (full review here) 🥾
  2. Matte for Men SPF Lotion – because you should be using moisturizer with SPF
  3. Darn Tough Wool Socks – possibly the best boot socks you can buy 🧦
  4. Hamilton Khaki Mechanical – perfect everyday mechanical watch under $500 (Amazon/Jomashop)
  5. Flint & Tinder Waxed Jacket – great fit, perfect weight for fall 👍🏼

Trending Articles

Men over 40 style

How to Dress Well In Your 40s and 50s (and Beyond)

Fashion brands for short men

Where to Buy Clothes for Short Men (2022 Guide)

Seiko 5 SNK805

31 Great Watches For Small Wrists (Updated for 2023)

Best Business Casual Shoes for Men

Top 8 Best Business Casual Shoes for Men (2023 Guide)

Business casual outfits

The Complete Guide to Business Casual Style for Men

Topics

  • Clothing & Style
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Fitness
  • Product Reviews
  • Dating & Confidence
  • Grooming
  • Men of Modest Height
  • Income Reports

Footer

The Modest Man logo

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Home • Blog • Resources • Contact • Advertise

 

Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure • Terms & Conditions

 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Copyright © 2023 The Modest Man (Registered Trademark)