Weightlifting is a popular and challenging form of exercise that can help you build muscle, increase strength, and improve your overall fitness level. However, it’s also an activity that stresses your joints, mainly your wrists.
That’s why many weightlifters choose to use wrist supports to protect their joints and help them lift heavier weights safely.
But is using a weightlifting wrist support necessary? This article will look at the benefits of using wrist supports for weightlifting and some potential downsides.
We’ll also explore the different types of wrist supports available, how to choose the right one, and the best way to use them.
How does the wrist get affected during weightlifting? What are the risks of not having wrist support? You’ll get all your answers below.
How the Wrist is Affected During Weightlifting
During weightlifting, your wrists are subjected to much stress and strain. The wrist joint is a complex structure of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
When you lift weights, the wrist joint is put under a lot of pressure, leading to pain, discomfort, and even injury.
The Risks of Not Using Wrist Support
If you don’t use wrist support during weightlifting, you risk developing wrist injuries such as sprains, strains, and even fractures.
To prevent these injuries, using wrist support when lifting weights is crucial. A wrist support can help stabilize the wrist joint, reduce the stress on the joint, and prevent injury. Several types of wrist support are available, including wrist wraps, wrist straps, and wrist guards.
Wrist wraps are typically used for exercises that require a lot of wrist movement, such as bench presses, overhead presses, and squats. They come in different lengths and widths; some even have adjustable straps to provide a customized fit.
Wrist Straps
Wrist wraps are a popular type of wrist support used by weightlifters. They are made of resilient material, such as nylon, and are designed to be wrapped around the wrist to provide support and stability.
Wrist wraps are typically used for exercises that hinge on stable wrist movements, such as bench presses, overhead presses, and squats. They are obtainable in various lengths and widths; some even have adjustable straps to provide a customized fit.
Weightlifting Gloves
Weightlifting gloves are another type of wrist support that weightlifters use. They are usually crafted from a breathable material, such as leather or synthetic fabric, and are manufactured to protect your hands and wrists from calluses and blisters.
Some weightlifting gloves also have wrist support built-in, which can help prevent injuries. Weightlifting gloves are typically used for pull-ups, rows, and bench presses.
Choosing the Right Wrist Support
How do you determine the perfect pair for you? Think about the following points to make the best choice.
Considerations for Choosing Wrist Support
When choosing wrist support for weightlifting, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the type of lifting you will be doing.
If you are doing heavy lifting, then you may need a wrist support that is thicker and more supportive. If you lift lighter, a thinner, more flexible wrist support may be sufficient.
Another consideration is the material of the wrist support. Some materials are more breathable than others. This is important if you are sweating during your workout. Additionally, some are more durable than others, which can be vital if you use the wrist support for a long time.
Fitting and Adjusting Wrist Support
Once you have chosen the proper wrist support, it is vital to ensure it fits properly. A wrist support that is too loose will not provide the necessary support, while a wrist support that is too tight can be uncomfortable and restrict your movement.
To ensure a perfect fit, estimate your wrist size and choose a wrist support that corresponds to your size. Most wrist supports are adjustable, so you can make slight adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. Adjust the wrist support before each workout to ensure it fits perfectly and not too tight.
Choosing the proper wrist support for weightlifting is essential to prevent injury and provide support during your workout. Consider the form of lifting you will be doing and the material of the wrist support. Measure your wrist and adjust the wrist support for a comfortable fit.
When to Use Wrist Support
When do you use it? There are some considerations you should consider, as addressed below.
Wrist support can be beneficial if you have a history of wrist injuries or are recovering from a recent injury. Wrist wraps can help protect your wrists from further injury and provide extra support during recovery. They can also help ameliorate pain and discomfort associated with wrist injuries.
Medical Conditions
If you have an underlying health challenge that affects your wrists, such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist support can help alleviate symptoms. Wrist wraps can provide compression and support to your wrists, which can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with these conditions.
Conclusion
A wrist support can benefit weightlifting, especially when lifting heavy weights or performing exercises that strain the wrists. However, it is not necessary for all lifters and should be used only when needed.
When choosing wrist support, consider the type of exercise you will perform and the support level you require. For example, if you are doing heavy bench presses, consider using wrist wraps that provide extra support and stability.
It is important to note that relying too much on wrist support can weaken the wrist muscles and lead to long-term problems. Therefore, using wrist support when necessary and incorporating exercises that strengthen the wrist muscles are recommended.
Wrist support is not necessary for all weightlifting exercises, but it can be helpful for specific movements that put a lot of stress on the wrists, such as overhead presses and front squats.
If you experience wrist pain or discomfort during these exercises, using wrist wraps or straps can help alleviate the strain on your joints and allow you to move more comfortably.
What are the benefits of using wrist support?
Using wrist support can help prevent injury and improve your overall performance during weightlifting exercises. By providing additional stability to your wrists, you can lift heavier weights and perform more repetitions without experiencing discomfort or pain.
A wrist support can also help prevent strains and sprains, which can occur when you lift weights with improper form or technique.
How do I choose the proper wrist support?
When choosing wrist support, you must consider the type of exercise you will be performing and your personal preferences. Wrist wraps are ideal for heavy lifting or high repetitions, while wrist straps are better suited for activities that require a firm grip, such as deadlifts and rows.
