Want to learn how to use hand wraps for weightlifting?
It’s a challenging proposition to lift a heavy barbell without professional-grade hand wraps.
While it’s okay to do so as a beginner, you may start to find it difficult as the weight goes up. This is why several intermediate weightlifters prefer making use of high-quality hand wraps.
The difference in strength and grip can be tremendous.
If you want to start making proper gains, it’s time to think about investing in the right hand wraps and learning how to use them.
This guide will offer key information on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to using hand wraps.
Tips on How To Use Hand Wraps for Weightlifting
1. Keep Them Securely in Place
It’s important to make sure the hand wraps are securely in place.
This means they shouldn’t be slipping up/down nor should they pull as soon as a bit of pressure is exerted. This happens when you think the hand wraps are in place but there’s a bit of “give” in them.
You have to be careful while setting up new hand wraps. It takes a bit of time to break them in and this is important to think about.
You want to test the hand wraps a bit to see how they work. This includes using them with a lighter barbell. Once you get the hang of things, it’s easier to know whether or not the hand wraps are going to slip as soon as you go to lift.
Each pair of hand wraps will be different and that’s normal. Simply learn how to use the ones in your possession by spending time working on your technique. Remember, your technique is going to change with the inclusion of new equipment. The same applies to hand wraps.
Some people start to assume they can ignore their technique because the hand wraps are there to save them. This is a huge mistake and is one of the main reasons people end up getting hurt!
Don’t assume anything and lift the weight as if you don’t have hand wraps on.
2. Warm-Up without the Hand Wraps
We recommend taking time to practice with lighter weights.
This means heading over to the gym, picking a weight that’s half of your 1-rep max, and pumping out a set. This will allow you to see if there are any issues associated with the new hand wraps.
Of course, this should be a habit that becomes instilled in you right away. Don’t assume things are going to get better with time. This is a mistake modern lifters make and they regret it after getting injured.
You should always go through a warm-up set with the hand wraps. This allows you to adjust and re-learn the movement with hand wraps in place. Sometimes, people think they’re used to the hand wraps but still get injured. This is because each session is a brand-new experience and has to be respected by the lifter.
Think about how you’re lifting and make sure to go through with a warm-up session. This is the only way you are going to feel confident while lifting.
Learn how to use hand wraps for weight lifting is all about practice. You need to take your time and learn what works best for you. This is what the best hand wraps for weightlifting bring to the table.
3. Avoid Using for Higher Repetitions
You have to avoid using hand wraps for higher repetitions.
It’s never a good idea for a lifter to normalize the use of hand wraps. Yes, they’re good for heavier lifts but that doesn’t mean they’re a mandatory part of your setup.
It’s better to train the body to handle heavier weights without using hand wraps. The only time it’s okay to use hand wraps is when the weight is incredibly heavy and it’s hard to grip the barbell.
If you’re able to crank out 15 repetitions per set, it’s time to put away the hand wraps.
It’s smarter to save them for later on when they’ll be needed.
4. Check for Potential Pain
Do you have pain during the lifting movement?
Using hand wraps is all about making adjustments and listening to your body. Remember, the entire premise behind this equipment is to make you feel secure while lifting the weight.
There should never be a point when lifting the barbell hurts because of your new hand wraps.
If they are causing pain, make sure they’re worn properly. You want to learn how to put them on before putting them to use. Don’t continue pushing through the pain thinking it’ll go away. This is how you end up injured for long periods.
Focus on the pain and make adjustments. This is the only way forward.
5. Tie the Wraps Above Your Palms
This is a common mistake and should be avoided at all costs.
You should never tie the hand wraps below the wrist. This means they shouldn’t cross over onto your palms because the wraps are going to impede your ability to move.
This is what causes injuries!
You have to be careful and make sure the hand wraps remain above the palms. They shouldn’t even make contact with the palms. It’s important for them to cover the wrist joint and forearm areas.
This is something you have to think about while putting on the hand wraps. Otherwise, there will come a time where things don’t work out properly and the weight slips out of your hand.
The entire reasoning behind putting on hand wraps is to feel secure throughout the movement. If you aren’t using them properly then there’s an added risk of getting hurt.
Stay careful while setting up the hand wraps and make it a priority to look at your hands before walking towards the barbell. If you make it a habit, the chances of incorrectly wearing them go down.
Our Recommended Hand Wraps: Rip Toned Wrist Wraps
Key Features:
- Pair of Handwraps
- Durable Cotton Straps
- Neoprene-based Protective Material
- Lightweight
The Rip Toned Wrist Wraps are an exceptional solution to have at your disposal. They’re easy to wear, comfortable, and secure throughout the lifting motion.
Having something as unique as this in your hands can make a difference. Due to the cotton straps and neoprene material, everything shapes up well when it’s time to lift a heavier barbell.
Don’t rely on your bare hands to get the job done!
We recommend going with the best handwraps for heavy lifting because the quality is going to shine through from day one.
Final Thoughts
This is how to use hand wraps for weightlifting.
The process is going to take a bit of time to get used to but the results will be worthwhile. It’s all about taking your time, learning the art of using hard wraps, and then pushing heavier weights.
If you are unable to make adjustments then it’s best to take a step back and re-focus. This is how you’re going to get more out of your weightlifting sessions. Several people assume it’s easy to lift weights when that is not the case. You have to be smarter than that.
Start by learning how to use hand wraps for weightlifting and then slowly incorporate them into your routine.
