3 Weightlifting Accessories That You Must Have

Author: Ranny Watson

There are many accessories that you use every day to improve your athletic performance, especially in weightlifting. But which ones are really worth having and why we need them? For your answer - here is are three main accessories with their usage.

1 Weightlifting Shoes

In addition to being very rigid and stable and providing you with a solid base to safely squat, weightlifting shoes have a high heel. This heel allows the shins to be tilted forward so that the back can remain straight, vertically, during the squat. This effect is particularly valuable for weightlifters with fairly rigid calves because they will be forced to lean too far forward while squatting. The rigid design of these shoes also helps to align the ankle and foot so that it is easier to keep the knees in proper alignment.

Therefore, weightlifting shoes are characterized by a sturdy base and a high heel and often crossed straps for more stability. In addition, you can find some variants of these shoes, especially in terms of the heel height and the platform in which it is made. Besides, some weightlifters prefer wooden heels that absorb more vibrations.

2 The Knee Bands

When lifting very heavyweights, the knee bands are ideal for protecting this important and fragile joint of the human body. But that doesn't mean that this accessory will make you stronger. In fact, knee bands are recommended because they allow increasing the lifting capacity and the speed with which the lift is performed. They also protect the knee from dislocation by relieving the pressure on its tendons.

Unless you are a competitive powerlifter or very strong knee sleeves (knee pads) are a better alternative to knee bands. These sleeves hold and warm the knee, which helps lubricate the joint with synovial fluid, without affecting the mechanics of the movement.

The bad news is that knee bands tend to alter the natural mechanics of the squat by restricting movement around the joint. It shifts the load toward the hip, causing greater knee flexion and thereby compromising the integrity of the joint. Scientific research indicates that although knee bands are frequently worn to protect the knee joint, they can increase friction between the kneecap and cartilage. Because these bands compress the knee in the femur, increasing the risk of injury and pathologies such as arthritis.

3 Weight Lifting Belt

The " weight belt " is frequently used in many sports when heavyweights have to be lifted like CrossFit, weightlifting, powerlifting, fitness, etc. The benefit of a best weight lifting belt is that it increases intra-abdominal pressure, causing the abdominal cavity to exert internal compression on the spinal column to stabilize it. In addition, the muscles of the lower back also press externally on the spine.

All this means that, during the lift, both the core and the spine have much more stability. The result is that the athlete will be able to lift higher loads at ease. Be it a man’s or women’s leather weightlifting belt, both are highly effective for powerlifting.

When To Wear The Lifting Belt?

The weightlifting belt is designed to help lift heavy loads, but occasionally. You should always know the technique of the exercise and have the core strong enough to be able to do it without a belt. The recommended times to use it are:

  • When you want to improve Personal Record.

  • In competition, as long as the regulations allow it.

  • You should not use the belt during your normal training since you would be harming yourself.

The fanaticism of some people for lifting more and more weight usually causes an abusive use of the weight lifting belt, which entails the following disadvantages:

Weaken the middle zone: Using a belt doesn’t allow you to make efforts from your lower back. If you get used to lifting weights with your belt, in the end, these areas will not train properly.

They increase the risk of injury: Having these weakened areas and lifting heavy loads potentially increases the chance of injury, especially in the lower back.

It hurts the technique: Part of the technique of an Olympic lift is to control the stability of the middle zone. If you always use a lumbar belt for weights, you will not develop the correct technique.

Stay tuned for more posts on how to tone your body back in shape!