“The Essential Guide to Gym Gear: When to Use Belts, Sleeves, Wraps, and More”
Our Opinion
As the staff of the parent game, we have seen our fair share of lifters utilizing various types of equipment to enhance their performance in the gym. From belts to sleeves to wraps, there are a plethora of options available to help you lift heavier weights and protect your body from injury. But when should you actually use these tools? That’s where we come in with our guide to lifting equipment 101.
Let’s start with belts. Belts are typically used when performing heavy compound lifts like squats and deadlifts. They provide support to your lower back and core, allowing you to lift more weight safely. However, it’s important not to become reliant on a belt for every lift, as this can weaken your core muscles over time. Use a belt when you’re going for a new PR or when you’re feeling fatigued, but aim to strengthen your core without one as well.
Next up, sleeves. Sleeves are typically worn on the knees or elbows and provide compression and support to these joints. They can help prevent injuries and reduce joint pain during lifts like squats and bench presses. Wear sleeves when you’re experiencing joint pain or when you want added stability during your lifts.
Now let’s talk wraps. Wraps are typically used on the wrists or knees and provide support to these joints. They can help prevent injuries and reduce pain during lifts like overhead presses and squats. Wear wraps when you’re recovering from an injury or when you need extra support during heavy lifts.
Of course, there are countless other types of lifting equipment out there, from straps to gloves to lifting shoes. The key is to use them strategically and not rely on them too heavily. Remember, the best way to improve your lifting performance is through strength training and proper form. Use equipment as a supplement, not a crutch.
So there you have it, our guide to lifting equipment 101. Use belts, sleeves, wraps, and other equipment wisely to enhance your performance in the gym. And remember, nothing beats hard work and dedication when it comes to reaching your fitness goals.💪🏻
Subscribe to this video creator we featured on Youtube
Products We Currently Love on Amazon
- CUSHIONS WRISTS FOR HEAVY LIFTS: Neotek wrist pads made of soft and supportive material helps reduce pressure and friction on the wrists, minimizing discomfort and potential irritation
- STRONGER WRAP & GRIP: Optimal 21.5" strap length allows for a secure and easily adjustable wrap
- INCREASES SURFACE CONTACT & IMPROVES GRIP: Wider 1.5" strap helps enhance and secure grip
- NEXT LEVEL GRIP SUPPORT TO LIFT MORE WEIGHT - Our Gymreapers weight lifting straps provide neoprene padding to support your wrists and hands as you shrug, deadlift, or complete a heavy back day. Order them now and try them risk free. You’ll represent a brand that stands for something and takes no excuses. These highly durable, long “no slip” straps enhance any workout no matter the lift or routine.
- BUILT TO LAST THROUGH THE TOUGHEST TRAINING SESSIONS - There are many iterations of lifting straps with cheap quality, stitching, and frabic. You paid good money for your membership and supplements why not treat your weightlifting accessories the same. Gymreapers straps are a gym bag necessity built to last through the toughest training sessions whether you’re recovering from an injury or breaking a new PR. We’ve increase the length of our gym straps to increase support and grip ability.
- BEST GYM WEIGHT LIFTING WRIST WRAPS (SET OF 2) - Our deadlift straps are endorsed by world record holding powerlifters, IFBB pro athletes, and world known trainers who use the pair of straps to eliminate grip strength fatigue and target muscle groups like your back, traps, and other muscles that are affect by pulling movements. Lift painlessly with the comfort and mobility of our fully adjustable lifting straps.
- 𝐆𝐘𝐌 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐒: Color: Black. Sign – Beast Mode. Made from high-quality Cotton. Perfect gym lift straps for working out.
- 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐏 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇: Crafted from high-density webbing with double walking lines, these deadlift straps ensure a superior grip that won't let you down. Our straps with the non-slip support padding not only protect your wrists, but also guarantee a hold, even when your hands are sweaty. Experience confidence in every lift.
- 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋: Our deadlift straps will let you handle heavier weights. Wrap our lifting straps around the bar, take your training to new heights. Ideal for use with barbells, dumbbells and kettlebells, these straps are your key to unlocking maximum gains in the gym and lower your grip fatigue.
- Upgraded Weightlifting Wrist Strap: Our lifting wrist straps are made of double layers soft leather which is high quality and ergonomically designed to fit your hands and provide better grip. Adding extra padding around the D-shaped metal ring clasp keep your wrist from being squeezed and feel painful. Weightlifting strap with high-density hook and loop can be easily worn on the wrist, and take off and put on freely by yourself. Widened neoprene pad makes you feel comfortable.
- Enhanced Grip: Professional leather deadlift straps can protect your hands from not only preventing calluses, but also peeling off existing calluses on your hands. Lifting straps take the pressure off your wrists and hands and help you lift heavier weights. More importantly, it improves your ability to exercise larger muscle groups.
- Perfect Size Weightlifting Wrist Straps: Leather of our gym wrist hooks straps is 8.46 inches long and can fit different size palms. Leather with double layers of sewing design thickness of 0.19 inches, not only soft but also safe and comfortable. The neoprene padding is 7.48 inches long, 2.56 inches wide and 0.2 inches thick to better protect the wrist from injury. The adjustable high-density hook and loop length is 16.7 inches and fits wrist circumferences of 6.3 inches to 8 inches.
- Pull Lifting Wrist Straps: Designed for weightlifting, these durable, slip-resistant straps wrap easily around the wrist for effortless application and removal, enhancing any workout routine
- Upgraded Grips Band: Our premium lifting wrist straps offer superior quality and ergonomic comfort, ensuring a snug fit for enhanced grip. These straps help you exert more force, effectively targeting larger muscle groups during workouts
- Elevate Your Gym Sessions: Our weight lifting straps support your wrists and hands during shrugs, deadlifts, and heavy back days. Designed to maximize gains and endurance, they enhance your strength training, pull-ups, and rows
- HIGH QUALITY:The weight lifting straps, made by high-density webbing, ensures sufficient force can be supported, double walking lines increase durability, they'll never rip, tear, or fall apart like other weight lifting strap made of cheap cotton
- UNIQUE DESIGN:The gym wrist straps has a 4MM resistance pad to protect the wrist from injury, and the weight straps has non-slip silicone that can prevent the device from slipping
- WIDELY APPLICABLE: Lifting Straps Grips Band is an indispensable fitness accessory for the gym. The weightlifting straps men may be used on many fitness appliances like weightlifting, barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells etc
- SECURE & FOCUSED TRAINING - Our FITGRIFF lifting straps are the silent training partner for working out, deadlifting, heavy rowing, lat pulldowns, and pull-ups. Designed to distribute weight and reduce forearm fatigue, they keep your attention on muscle activation, not your grip.
- ENGINEERED FOR ENDURANCE & COMFORT - Woven from dense pure cotton, these straps ensure durability and safety, complemented by neoprene wrist padding to prevent skin irritation and discomfort during the most intense workouts.
- TAILORED SIZING FOR EVERY ATHLETE - Our lifting straps are available in two size options, designed to accommodate wrists from the most robust to the extra small ones. This ensures a perfect fit for every athlete, male or female, eliminating the concern of slipping or adjusting during a lift.
- Focused Muscle Training:VEICK lifting straps are your reliable companion for workouts, deadlifts, heavy rowing, lat pulldowns, and pull-ups. Designed to effectively distribute weight and reduce forearm fatigue, they allow you to fully concentrate on muscle activation without worrying about grip strength.
- Durable and Robust:This weight lifting straps is made from high-density webbing to ensure it can withstand significant force, and the double stitching greatly enhances its durability.
- Comfortable Sponge Padding:The fitness wrist straps are equipped with sponge wrist padding to prevent skin irritation and discomfort during the most intense workouts.
- ✍GRIP ASSISTANCE TO RAISE HEAVIER WEIGHT – Try them risk-free today and take no excuses as BEAST RAGE weight lifting straps offer neoprene padding to protect your wrists and hands when you deadlift or perform a heavy back day. Strong, lengthy "no slip" straps improve any workout lifts.
- ☘ ADVANCED WEIGHT LIFTING STRAPS – For heavy lifts, customary straps and padding cushion the wrists to relieve pressure on the hands and grip during deadlifts. Rows and snatches with kettlebells, bumper plates, barbells, and dumbbells can help you increase your gains in the gym while strengthening your grip.
- 🏆 PROFESSIONAL LIFTING WRIST STRAPS THAT ARE COMFY – Many seasoned athletes opt to work out with these high-quality lifting straps because they provide maximum comfort, support, and won't scrape into your wrists.
- Keep arms/hands free -The Shoulder Dolly recognized the need for your arms to be unconstrained. The need for stabilization, opening doors, and overall balance is all attained.
- Safely lift and move - Ergonomically designed to promote and facilitate proper lifting techniques. Built with heavy-duty materials, the ShoulderDolly can lift up to 800 lbs
- Reduce back pain - Back pain and strain is avoided by ensuring proper lifting techniques and utilizing the body's strongest muscles, the legs and torso. Significantly reduces strain on arms and hands.
- Our lifting slings and straps Made of qualified polyester, which was widely used for lifting in civil engineering. Nylon web stretches more, helps avoid shock loading, 6,500 lbs Vertical, 5,200 lbs Choker, 13,000 lbs Basket Load Capacity, lifting straps for construction
- Durable webbing and Sturdy stitches, dexterous for utility situation. Abrasion resistant, corrosion resistance
- 2 inches width, perfect grip size. With this straps you can lift your furniture, TV, beds, sofa, refrigerator and so on easily. don't hurt your arm, hand, back, body.
- 5mm Neoprene pads secure the lifting strap in the proper position while providing maximum cushioning during lifting.
- 11.5" strap is made from heavy duty nylon and "Dura-Grip" rubber for added strength. When using the strap, the rubber side must always face the bar.
- Heavy duty stitching strengthens the strap and increases durability.
- 𝐔𝐍𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋: Overcome grip fatigue and lift heavier with DMoose Wrist Hooks for Weightlifting. Designed for serious strength athletes, our Gym Grips provide unparalleled support, allowing you to focus on perfect form and maximize your lifts. Made with premium materials for durability, these gym straps or deadlift straps with hooks ensure a secure hold on the bar & reducing strain on your wrists and enhancing your overall lifting performance.
- 𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈-𝐒𝐋𝐈𝐏 𝐑𝐔𝐁𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐏: The Pull Up Grips are made of high-quality anti-slip rubber coating provides a secure, slip-free grip. This feature of workout straps ensures that your weights stay firmly in place, enhancing your lifting performance and safety. With the DMoose Weightlifting Hooks, you can lift heavier and perform more reps without worrying about the weights slipping out of your grip.
- 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐑 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘: The DMoose Weight Lifting Straps with Gym Hooks offers thick neoprene padded wrist support for ultimate comfort and reduced strain during intense lifting sessions. Zinc-coated buckles prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting reliability. Focus on maximizing your lifting potential without worrying about discomfort or wear and tear.
- EASILY MOVE LARGE AND HARD-TO-HANDLE FURNITURE, APPLIANCES AND MATTRESSES QUICKLY AND SAFELY: Includes 2 adjustable lifting straps. Their ergonomic design employs leverage. In fact, using them makes the items you carry seem up to 66% lighter! Plus, this super-helpful tool also encourages proper body mechanics. Worthy of mention too is that Forearm Forklift Lifting Straps are the first moving tool ever to be OSHA accepted to reduce back injuries due to heavy and repetitive lifting.
- EASY TO USE: Crisscross lifting straps under item to provide 8 points of contact support for balance and stability when moving. Lifting straps make it easier to maneuver up and down stairs and turn corners than floor dollies.
- ADJUSTABLE: Each polypropylene strap is made of durable 3” wide webbing for comfort and strength. Straps are 9 feet 4 inches long with 3 arm hole loops at each end, providing 12 preset position combinations for up to 48 inches of length options to easily carry MED through XXL items. For oversized or bulky items add Forearm Forklift 42" long strap extension EXT (sold separately).
- Professional Design: The COFIT wrist straps are specifically designed to offer a comfortable barrier for your palm, providing practical hand protection during exercise. The weightlifting strap aims to significantly enhance safety by reducing wrist compression and pain, thereby lowering the risk of injuries.
- Protects Your Hands and Wrists: The weightlifting strap shields your hands from the impact of blisters and calluses during movement. The widened padding wraps around a larger wrist area, helping protect wrists from pressure and preventing skin compression. It can alleviate pressure on the wrists and hands, ensuring a reduction in post-exercise soreness. Importantly, it enhances your ability to work larger muscle groups during your workout.
- Enhances Grip Strength: Unlike regular materials, the leather used is more durable and has a longer lifespan. It is more durable than cotton and provides better slip resistance than rubber. The leather becomes softer over time, ensuring excellent grip strength and greater durability compared to cotton materials used in other wraps. The leather weightlifting strap absorbs sweat, solving the problem of slipping due to sweaty hands and allowing you to focus on your workout.
- IPF APPROVED COMPETITION GRADE, HEAVY DUTY - Built by athletes for athletes, Gymreapers, weight lifting wrist wraps are IPF Approved and were tested by world champion powerlifters, IFBB pro athletes, and world renowned fitness trainers. Our wraps are perfect for strength training, powerlifting, bodybuilding, cross training or specific exercises like bench press, shoulder press, clean and jerk, and other push movements.
- IMPROVED LIFTING SUPPORT & STABILITY - Whether you're justing getting into working out or are a seasoned weight lifter these wrist wraps are for you. Our proprietary elastic will provide unparalleled levels of support to immobilize your wrist as needed. Wrap them around as tight or loose as needed for your desired level of restriction without cutting of circulation or causing pain from stiff, rough edges.
- TRUE TO SIZE 18" LIFTING WRIST WRAPS - Unlike other poorly made wrist wraps on the market that are cheap and flimsy, Gymreapers wrist wraps are true to length. This means you can get the highest level of tightness and support compared to shorter wraps. However, the length is not too long and will be allowed in competition if you are looking for the best wrist wraps for squat, bench, and deadlift.
- Motion protection,damage reduction.
- Elastic sleeve thumb ring stabilize wrist pressure.
- Elastic bandage fabric comfortable skin-friendly breathable.
- TOUGH, DURABLE LIFTING STRAPS - Whatever your goal, when you're training and needing a stronger grip around the barbell, our thick cotton strength straps are the most durable strongman and powerlifting Figure 8 straps on the market today.
- BUILT FOR TRAINING GRIP IMPROVEMENT - With the unique figure 8 strap improvements we've produced a pair of straps that can work with deadlift bars, barbells, axle bars, and farmer's carry bars for better grip strength.
- MULTIPLE SIZE OPTIONS FOR BETTER FIT - Based around the dimensions of your wrist (Refer to the size chart in the image gallery), we've produced three sizes that are made for men and women in any sport ranging from strongman, powerlifting, bodybuilding, cross training, and other power sports.
- 100% Cotton
- HIGH-QUALITY: Crafted with high-density webbing, LOCONHA's wrist straps for weightlifting ensure sufficient force can be supported, perfect for your intense workout sessions. Double walking lines increase the durability of these lifting straps.
- UNIQUE DESIGN: LOCONHA's wrist straps have a unique design with a 6mm resistance pad that provides wrist protection during heavy lifting. Your safety is our priority.
- The single best weightlifting straps you can buy - versatile, effective and super strong
- The runaway No. 1 choice on the professional strongman circuit for more than a decade—proven at World's Strongest Man year after year
- Named "Most Durable" weightlifting straps by BarBend