Weightlifting is an activity that involves—you guessed it—lifting weights. It is a form of strength training that uses a variety of exercises to target different muscle groups, which can be done with free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, or with machines and resistance bands. However, weightlifting equipment is not limited to these because wrist wraps are also an option.
Wrist wraps support the wrists during weightlifting exercises by limiting wrist extension and provide extra stability, comfort, and protection to the wrists to help prevent injury. Conversely, they can improve grip strength and provide additional support when performing exercises like benches, shoulder presses, and squats. While wearing them is easy enough, the tricky part is utilizing them to your advantage because they come in various sizes, lengths, and materials. Knowing the size and the type of wrap you need is vital, but you must also consider the kind of exercise and the amount of weight lifted.
A Quick Video on Using Your Wrist Wraps:
With this in mind, we will guide you on how to use wrist wraps correctly in this article. The steps are as follows:
#1 - Find the Belt Loop
Take the wrist wrap and locate the belt loop on one of the ends. Hold the wrap on the tab end and insert the tab through the belt loop, creating a hole to insert your wrist. Think of this as how a belt works on your waist. We recommend having the belt loop on the inside of the wrist. This first step is crucial because it ensures the wrap stays in place while lifting.
#2 - Cover the Wrist Joint
Position the wrist wrap so that you are covering the wrist joint. This can be from a minim of 3/4" to much more, depending on your preference, but it is a MUST that you cover the wrist wrap for them to work as intended. This will ensure that the wrist wrap is placed in the proper position.
#3 - Wrap the Material
Take the tab end with the Villain Wrist Wrap logo and wrap it around your wrists, ensuring you cover the wrist joint. Make sure the Velcro-free side is facing your skin. Once you are done wrapping, the Velcro part should be on the outside.
#4 - Finish the Wrap and Repeat
Wrist wraps should be tight enough to stabilize your joints but not so tight that it blocks blood flow or numbness into your fingers. Secure the wrap with Velcro after wrapping it around your wrist until it feels comfortable. Repeat the same process on the other hand.
Considerations When Getting Wrist Wraps
Not all wrist wraps are created equal. For this reason, you must carefully weigh your options by considering certain factors, such as:
Material
There are two primary materials most wrist wraps are made from. These are:
Cotton
Cotton wrist wraps (cloth style) are the most common type. They are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Cotton wraps are usually more affordable than other materials and are easy to care for. They also provide a good amount of support and stability for the wrists. These are perfect for those who want a thinner wrist wrap or engage in CrossFit-like workouts. These will allow you some movement in your wrist and will allow you to quickly loosen them between different exercises when time is of the essence.
Velcro
If you need something more heavy-duty, velcro wrist wraps provide extra support and stability. They are adjustable and can be tightened or loosened depending on your needs. Velcro wraps are also easy to care for and are usually more expensive than cotton wraps. These are perfect for heavy lifts, powerlifters, strongman athletes, bodybuilders, and every weightlifters.
Size
TuffWraps wrist wraps are available in sizes 16", 24", and 30". The length you choose will depend on your individual needs. The 16" wrist wraps are ideal for most people and are a great option to start with. The longer wraps are better for more extreme activities like powerlifting or going after that personal record. We have noticed many people think they need a 30" when a 16" wrist wrap is sufficient for their training. It is also worth noting that wrist wraps are stretchy and can be adjusted to your desired tightness.
The Exercise You Will Do
The wrist wraps you will use affects how you will perform your exercise. Wrist wraps can help provide extra stability and support during weightlifting exercises like bench presses, pull-ups, and other upper-body exercises. They can also help with push-ups and planks to support your wrists.
Conclusion
Wrist wraps are excellent investments that can go a long way in improving your weightlifting and upper-body exercises. While finding the right ones will be tricky, all it takes is time and research to find the perfect pair for your fitness needs. With suitable wrist wraps, you can increase your performance, reduce the risk of injury, and take your workout to the next level.
If you are looking for weightlifting wrist wraps, TuffWraps has what you need! We offer various selections to help you be more efficient in your workout routines for affordable prices. Call us at (561) 220-1901 to place your order!
