How often do you use wraps/belts/sleeves, etc?

[Big Dave Smith]

Wraps, belts, sleeves... Do you use them? When? Why?


I asked this because I'm considering knee wraps. I've never used them. I very rarely wear a belt, but have been lately for squats.

Am I putting myself at risk by not using much support?

I use lifting straps for all pulling movements, but my belt sat in the closet for most of 09.

What's everybody else doing?

 

[Wingnut32]

I use straps on back exercises when my grip isn't enough. I never use wraps or a belt or anything else.

 

[Dionysusedge]

I use straps on back exercises when my grip isn't enough. I never use wraps or a belt or anything else.

I use straps for back work as well. Its not due to a lack of grip strength.

My problem is that my forearms get too pumped.

 

[DOHCrazy]

I use light sleeves for squatting. I think you'll find tight wraps do more harm than good. I would look into either the Heavy EliteFTS sleeves or the ATP sleeves. They keep the knee warm and are comfortable enough to wear in between sets.

I save the wraps for PR attempts.

 

[Darb77]

I would get ya some APT convict knee sleeves....you can get single ply or double ply. They give some good support and keep your joints nice and warm. I would only use wraps if you were going for like 1 or 2 rep maxes or something similar.

 

[Flex2019]

I've started using knee wraps on my heaviest sets of squats due to patellar tendon pain. Straps for back work. And occasionally a belt for squats and deadlifts. When I first started I never used anything but as I got stronger I noticed that the added support from a belt or wraps helps me focus my efforts on the bodyparts I'm trying to work.

 

[UglyDucklingSyndrome]

I have always avoided belts and gloves because I thought they would hinder forearm growth or whatever. I used straps for shrugs when I did them only because of the amount of weight I used. I bought my first belt after having my second horrible back injury. My spine shifted over my right leg when I was doing upright rows. After years of basically abusing my body by throwing around heavy weight it gave out. I will NEVER lift without my belt on certain movements anymore. You may want to consider a belt and/or anything else that can keep you healthy. Good luck

 

[Kcm3000]

i use straps on my heaviest trap sets. and the occasional back set. but mostly chalk now.

i use the lifting belt on heavy squats only.

i used knee wraps a couple times when i was lifting with "powerlifters". they caused my knees to hurt for days after working out. they deff. make you more powerful but i dont like the trade off.

 

[BabyBeast05]

I use ATP convict knee sleeves (single ply) for my heavy quad stuff

Versa grip pros on my heavy pulls

Belt only on heavy squats, deadlifts or standing rows

 

[mental1]

I personally use wrist wraps on heavy back days. I had a couple of bicep issues and was forced to use wraps after that. I also use a belt on heavy squat movements and deadlift movements. I tend to believe keeping my belt tight on certain movements---makes me more conscious of my waist and keeps it smaller too.

 

[mental1]

.

 

[B DOG]

Personally, anything that will help prevent injury, I use it. I wear a belt almost all the time. Even if it's not needed for the exercise itself, we're always picking the weights up from someplace low at some weird angle and usually doing a little twisting. Now I have dead lifted 385 for reps, bet blew out my back and needed surgery lifting up one end of a 100lb picknick table. Knee sleeves, wrist and elbow wraps.....I use them constantly. I have never seen it hamper my movement or slow down any size or strenth gains.

 

[Vinman66]

I use wrist wraps for heavy bench presses, 1 to 3 rep range...straps for rows, pull-downs, shrugs. I neglect to wear a belt even though I have one in my gym bag, should wear it for squats/hack squats. On occasion, I will wear an elbow sleeve when working my triceps.

I would like to try the straps with the hook attached, my hands get tired at times even with standard straps and I've stopped sets for that reason instead of muscle exhaustion...

 

[jrs]

only on your heaviest sets

otherwise you're becoming dependent on the assistance. muscular imbalances can easily occur

also, abs and lower back become tighter, thicker, stronger, and more muscular if you don't use a belt on squats or deadlifts save for said heaviest sets

 

[amp1]

i use knee wraps for heavy squats only and wrist wraps for heavy bench days and a belt always when lifting

 

[SmallTownIron]

Knee Sleeves: Only if I am feeling a little tight in the knees, gives a little more support and comfort.

Knee Wraps: Only when I want max on Squats, which is never. I like feeling the muscle being hit to it full potential.

Wrist Straps: Back Day

Wrist Wraps: Almost always have these on, dont want something stupid to happen and hurt the wrist.

 

[Big Dave Smith]

I don't understand why people DON'T use lifting straps or versa grips for back workouts. I even try to get my normal, average joe clients to get versa grips. Unless you're a powerlifter, I just don't see how having a weak link can HELP you. If your forearms don't give out before your back does, you either have the strongest forearms in the universe OR your back isn't at full potential. I also have no business doing any forearm work at all.

I tried APT knee sleeves a few years back, but after a few weeks they stretched the heck out and didn't offer much. I've borrowed knee wraps, but HOLY SHIT they felt tight and they hurt my skin and legs to the point where my lift was sacrificed.

I've belted my last 2-3 squat workouts, and it felt good. I only belt up for overhead presses... but doubt I'll be going heavy enough to warrant the belt due to my pec surgery Dec. 7th.


So these knee sleeves come in single and double ply? Mine must have been singles. Is that my best bet?

 

[dragonfire101]

How are those Versa grips? I was thinking of getting a pair. Lot easier the straps? Is the pro model best. I was thinking using them for things like heavy dumbbell rows and pull-downs. How are they for deads?

 

[Kcm3000]

How are those Versa grips? I was thinking of getting a pair. Lot easier the straps? Is the pro model best. I was thinking using them for things like heavy dumbbell rows and pull-downs. How are they for deads?

they are great. comfy and fantastic grip.

 

[ronnie0072]

Belt:
Always leg day
Back day when I am doing "bent over" movements

Straps:
Back day only