# Microplates? **URL:** \ **Category:** Training Q&A \[Moderated\]\ **Created:** [August 18, 2020, 5:33pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/microplates/9308 "2020-08-18T17:33:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/uploads/barbellmedicine/original/1X/a9aa161293ed123d4215980b7a7444708f28309a.jpeg) [@system](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2020, 5:33pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/microplates/9308/1 "2020-08-18T17:33:22Z")
I’m doing the Beginner Template and my bench/press are pretty weak to the point where adding 5lbs each week isn’t possible without changing the RPE. Would you recommend getting fractional plates to increase by say 2.5lbs? Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Austin\_Baraki](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/austin_baraki/32/1095_2.png) [@Austin\_Baraki](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Austin_Baraki)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 2:14am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/microplates/9308/2 "2020-08-19T02:14:33Z")
That is certainly an option! On the other hand, you are not absolutely required to add 5 lbs every week; rather, you can train with the loads necessary to hit the target RPE and increment load when you’re able. Some people have the idea that you have to _force_ more weight on the bar _in order to_ generate adaptation. We tend to disagree with this. Rather, we think load can be incremented (at the same relative effort) once the necessary adaptations have occurred. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/uploads/barbellmedicine/original/1X/a9aa161293ed123d4215980b7a7444708f28309a.jpeg) [@system](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 3:42am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/microplates/9308/3 "2020-08-19T03:42:54Z")
Thanks for the answer Doc! Yeah, that does make sense, but I still always just find that, sometimes, on my bench or press I could get it on the proper RPE with just a 2.5lbs increase but not with a 5lbs increase. I think I’ll still buy some, but thanks for the insight!