Using Wrist Wraps for Training

Today, there are very many accessories to enhance sports fitness in athletes. Some of the accessories that you will find in any functional fitness athlete arsenal are wraps, belts, knee sleeves, lifting shoes and straps. These accessories aid in reducing sports injuries, and assists in the technique and output of the athlete.

A wrist wrap is essential to many athletes since it provides support to their wrist joints during maximum or heavy effort lifts in overhead and pressing movement lifts. One should also know how to correctly use them whenever they are working near or at maximum loads. Some tips to using the wrist wraps include;

a)     Warming up without the wrist wraps. Do not be dependent on them since this tends to limit the development of strength in the wrist extensors and flexors. Wrist wraps should only be used when you are working at or near maximum loads. Most of the strongest athletes in the gyms rarely wear any wrist wraps.

b)    Avoid tying the wrist wrap too low. It should cover the wrist joint enough to support and protect against excessive extension of the wrist. Do not let your wrist wrap sit below the wrist joint as it reduces its efficiency by turning it to a forearm bracelet that gives limited support. Knowing how to wrap a wrist is essential to the accessory's support and effectiveness. Just ask any boxer.

c)     Using the right kind of wrist wrap. There are two main types of wrist wraps in the market today; cotton wraps and Velcro bound wraps. One should know the best wrist wrap that will suit you best according to the type of movement one is performing.

d)    Avoid hiding flexibility and mobility or injury issues using wrist wraps. Wrist wraps will not make one more flexible. It's important to void using wrist wraps to hide discomfort or pain on your wrists. For any persistent pain or discomforts on your wrist seek the assistance of a sports medicine expert.

e)     While many gymnastic workouts do not require a wrist wrap (as opposed to a gymnast's hand-wraps - for example, on parallel bars), the use of which depends greatly on the type of exercise. Wrist wraps are usually advisable to use when during training for a competition and on certain events. Most athletes require something on the wrist so as to protect the skin when they are performing high repetitions of muscle ups. As an athlete be very wise when it comes to using the wrist wrap and choose which workout require it and which do not.  Always consult your qualified coach.

After successfully using the wrist wrap one should remember to always clean it every once in a while. Like many training outfits, wrist wraps also become dirty and sweat filled after each workout.  Who likes smelling wrists, anyway? Using wrist wraps for training can play a key role in your overall fitness goals. Just remember to replace old, worn out wrist wraps as you train.  

Remember to live life to its Fullest

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.