Lifting requires a lot of sudden and powerful movements. You can try going slow, but ultimately the best way to lift is with a speedy application of force. Unsurprisingly, this puts strain on the joints. Especially the knees. And it’s not something that ever truly goes away.
As you improve you want to push yourself, fighting to lift more. What once caused joint ache is now a breeze, and you’ve moved onto something bigger and better - but still a strain.
Without proper care, a knee problem can soon become prohibitive. The legs are a vital part of any lift, and when a knee can’t be used without pain, it’s not possible to lift. Olympic weightlifting is rough on the body, there’s no way around this.
The best way to avoid injury is by not pushing yourself too far, and giving the body support. To gain strength every part of the body needs to work together. By using knee sleeves, you can stop an injury before it stops you. Knee sleeves provide support and compression, so you have a stable base for lifting.
Our guide can help you choose the right knee sleeve for you, so you can achieve your goals in no time at all.
OUR TOP PICK
The patented support build of these Rehband knee sleeves is what really sets them apart from the crowd.
The three-piece v-shaped construction offers support around the knee area, while providing a fit that is open to movement. The design has all the benefits of traditional knee sleeves - compression, support, and warmth. On top of that, it’s flexible.
These knee sleeves are slightly looser than some premium knee supports. In Olympic weightlifting, this is actually an advantage. The looser shape gives room for greater mobility, meaning your movement isn’t hampered by an overly compressed knee.
When moving in and out of squats, this is massively useful. Rehbands don’t bunch up or fall down either, so you can enjoy the range of movement without having to deal with a sleeve that keeps slipping.
They’re also on the shorter size for a sleeve, which is again a mobility advantage.
The Rehbands are a very popular knee sleeve for Olympic weightlifters, and it’s easy to see why. There has been real care taken with the design to ensure it works at a high standard. These are ideal for those who have previously suffered an injury and want that extra protection.
Even if your main concern is injury prevention, these sleeves offer the support needed by providing increased muscle control to avoid wasted energy.
These are the best out there for Olympic weightlifters. They offer the dual benefits of durability and mobility.
Pros
- Three-piece construction - Weightlifters and athletes were consulted when building this patented supportive design.
- Shorter length - For an Olympic weightlifter, this provides a great deal of flexibility.
- Neoprene with a pique top layer - Made from a durable material for a long-lasting product.
- Competition approved.
Cons
- 1 per pack - The sleeves are sold in single units, so they are a more expensive and less convenient purchase.
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