Protective gear(while lifting;)

[fisther69]

I have been using the Gym Reapers wrist wraps on chest workouts. definitely helps with stabilization especially with dumbbells! I also use this upper arm padded strap to compress the tendons some when the tennis elbow acts up a little.

Oh! I forgot..I also use a wrist wrap sometimes but I use it below the right knee to keep the tendon pain away

 

[Virtuous]

I train almost exclusively with no gear. I’ll use straps at times for back, but a lot of the work I do is mixed-grip deadlifts, or cable work with rubber handles so there’s no need.

Of course, I’ll throw the straps in for volume barbell rows, etc.

When I compete in powerlifting, I may throw on a belt/knee sleeves/wrist wraps, but tbh I did my last meet completely without gear on and still won .

…I DID get looked at like I was an alien for deadlifting without a belt, but screw it. My back is strong, and the competition was such that I knew I’d win without really putting in 100% effort.

 

[KillerStack]

IME and IMO a belt isn't necessarily needed for back health, I only use it to possibly get more poundage on maxes, not to protect the back. However, I now wish I had used one all the time, might have prevented my stomach herniation. I haven't gotten around to getting getting a 2-3 inch wide deadlift belt, instead of the standard 4'