Browsing: Weight training accessories

WEIGHT-TRAINING ACCESSORIES

It is important to know when to use and when not to use weight-training accessories such as wraps, straps, and weight belts. Generally, refrain from using accessories during high-volume, low-intensity training. Wrist wraps can be utilized when heavy weights are used in the following exercises: bench press, dumbbell press, squats, barbell and dumbbell curls, and any heavy Olympic lifting exercise, such as the power clean and snatch and the clean and jerk. Knee wraps can be used for heavy squats, deadlifts, and very heavy leg presses. Weight belts can increase intrathoracic pressure to help stabilize the spinal column during heavily axially loaded exercises such as the squat, deadlift, and overhead press. People should not develop the habit of wearing a weight belt tightly at all times, as this does not allow the core abdominal muscles to be exercised appropriately during general training.