Common Questions When Choosing Wrist Wraps

Are you overwhelmed with the amount of wrist support options out there? Between powerlifting, bodybuilding, CrossFit, gymnastics, and weightlifting there seems to be an endless amount of lifting accessories.

Some of the most popular supportive gear choices for any type of fitness include lifting straps, lever belts, strength (CrossFit) straps, and wrist wraps.

Wrist wraps are fairly straightforward but are one of the most asked about pieces of gear. Wrist wraps can be confusing to put on (especially for novice lifters) but are a big help when it comes to wrist support and building strength.

The purpose of wrist wraps is to provide support and stabilization to the wrist while ensuring proper wrist placement beneath the bar.

They are particularly helpful during heavy or maximum effort (greater than 50 percent of your one maximum repetition) pressing and overhead workouts. 

Although wrist wraps are made to help with stability and support, they should not be used as a crutch or as a brace to help with sprained or injured wrists. For example, strength wrist wraps are popular in CrossFit with moves like clean and jerk, but under heavy loads, the wrist can be stressed causing hypertension and injury.

Aside from risk-related questions, there are a few other key questions people ask about regarding wrist wraps. Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to wrist wraps. 

Should I wear wrist wraps all the time? 

You’ve probably seen people wearing all sorts of gear at the gym, whether it seems to help or not. For example, you wouldn’t wear a lifting belt during an arm day, would you?

The same concept applies to wrist wraps. You should only wear wrist wraps in movements that require support on at least 50% of your one-rep maximum (basically your heaviest reps). Wrist wraps offer great support, but if overused they can create dependency and weaknesses in your wrist joints.  

How do I wear wrist wraps?

Using wrist wraps properly is very important if you want proper support. No matter the type of wrist wrap, whether it’s for powerlifting or CrossFit, where you position the wrap matters.

Aligning the wrist wrap material slightly above the wrist crease will help provide proper stability while preventing unnecessary wrist extension.   

For a quick overview on how to put on and use weightlifting wrist wraps, check out the clip below. You'll find that wearing wrist wraps properly gives you optimal support during heavy lifting and pushing movements. 

What kind of wrist wraps should I wear? 

This question has several possible answers depending on the type of training you do. As you know, there are a few different types of wrist wraps with varying levels of support.

For example, bodybuilders and powerlifters use supportive wrist wraps for bench press and pushing movements. The high-grade durable material makes them the most common type of wrist wrap.

The strength wrist wraps are ideal for CrossFit and used in moves like the snatch, clean and jerk, and thrusters because they provide the wrist with a better range of motion. These wrist wraps are preferred because they allow the wrist to be flexible enough to complete such complex moves, without being too bulky.   

Do I need wrist support in CrossFit or Gymnastics? 

If your WOD is particularly involved and has a mix of movements that require support, then yes you should wear strength wrist wraps. They can be easily adjusted or removed as you transition from one movement to another.

However, if your mission is to strengthen your wrist joints and you’re performing moves like pull ups, pushups, or handstands, then you might not benefit from wearing strength wrist wraps. 

The reason that strength wrist wraps aren’t necessary with those movements is that you aren’t compromising the wrist joints, unlike with gymnastic movements. If you do experience pain with those movements, then it might be a sign of bigger problems.

Alternatives include skipping the move and wearing a brace, or consulting with a doctor for the correct treatment. It’s very important to note that any type of wrist wrap is not meant to fix specific mobility or flexibility issues.  

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Can I wash my wrist wraps? 

The number of people that don’t wash their gear is overwhelming. Hard workouts (in general) produce sweat and the gym is one of the most attractive places for bacteria to grow. Although equipment and flooring may be cleaned, the sweat absorbed by your wrist wraps can accumulate and start to smell over time.

That’s why we highly recommend washing your wrist wraps as often as you need to. The quality material of the wrist wraps won’t be compromised if you hand wash them with a soap/detergent solution and let them air dry. 

Where can I buy quality wrist wraps? 

Before you buy wrist wraps, you should always evaluate the quality and longevity of them. How do you know if the wrist wraps you want are worth it?

Take a look at the reviews of past purchasers, review the product specifications and size dimensions, and check them out in action via social media. Durable wrist wraps will be talked about anywhere you look and are often used by world-class athletes, trainers, fitness professionals, and Olympians.

For anyone interested in buying premium wrist wraps with strong stitching, construction, and material Gymreapers offers various wrist wraps in many colors.

Our wrist wraps have recently been voted as the best overall wrist wraps by Barbend.com, a leading independent website. Whether you’re looking for support in powerlifting or CrossFit, these wrist wraps are made to last. Check out the collection from the Gymreapers store.