Wrist Wraps, Lifting Straps, and Weightlifting Gloves: A Complete Guide to Gym Support Gear
Wrist wraps, lifting straps, and weightlifting gloves each serve specific purposes in strength training. Understanding when to use them can significantly impact your training effectiveness and safety.
Wrist Wraps
Wrist wraps are durable bands that provide external support to your wrist joint during heavy lifts. They're most beneficial for:
- Pressing movements (bench press, overhead press)
- Heavy loads where wrist stability is crucial
- High-rep sets requiring consistent wrist positioning
- Athletes with previous wrist injuries
Don't use wraps for pulling exercises or throughout entire workouts, as this can lead to dependency and reduced natural wrist strength.
Lifting Straps
These wrap around your wrist and the bar to enhance grip security. Use straps when:
- Performing heavy deadlifts or rows
- Grip strength becomes the limiting factor
- Training at near-maximal intensities
- Doing high-rep pulling movements
Remember to maintain regular grip training without straps to develop natural strength.
Weightlifting Gloves
Gloves protect hands and provide comfort but can reduce bar feel. Consider them if:
- You're new to lifting and developing calluses
- You have sensitive skin or conditions
- Using machines or doing high-volume dumbbell work
Competitive lifters typically avoid gloves as they can decrease grip efficiency by increasing bar diameter.
Lifting Grips
Alternative grip tools include:
Lifting Hooks:
- Best for complete grip relief
- Useful for rack pulls and heavy shrugs
- Beneficial during injury recovery
EZ Grips:
- Increase muscle activation in hands and forearms
- Reduce joint strain
- Ideal for pull-ups and arm-focused training
When choosing support gear:
- Identify your specific limitation
- Use tools strategically, not constantly
- Focus on building foundational strength first
- Select gear that enhances safety and technique
- Avoid becoming dependent on any single tool
The right equipment can enhance your training, but should never replace proper form and natural strength development.