Nordic Lifting Compression Knee Sleeves For Weightlifting

If you’ve spent any time in the gym, you’ve likely seen plenty of weightlifters wearing knee wraps. You may have even wondered if you should be wearing them. Some believe knee wraps can improve performance, but unless you’re training for competition, you probably don’t need them for that purpose. In fact, even if you’re training, you may want to leave them off for part of your workout to let your knee joint do some of the work.

There is another popular use for knee wraps: preventing injury. Whether you’re lifting in the gym or taking a CrossFit class, the strain on your knees can cause damage over time. Some runners even wear wraps to protect their knees. But for weightlifters, knee wraps are only beneficial for those who are going to the extreme. They protect and support you as you take on a power lift.

Knee sleeves, on the other hand, can help with injury prevention and support during a workout. A knee sleeve slips onto the knee, rather than wrapping around it, and compresses the joints, stabilizing them. Experts believe this compression can keep your joints warm while you’re putting strain on them and also boost blood flow, which helps your knees get the nutrients they need to recover and repair.

Another benefit that wearers get from knee sleeves is something called proprioception, which is defined as the “perception or awareness of the position and movement of the body.” If you pay attention to how the brace impacts your movements, you can improve your form over time.

It’s important not to mistake knee sleeves or knee wraps for knee braces. A knee brace is used after suffering an injury and can provide the support you need to prevent further damage. You’ll need help from a medical professional if you plan to keep putting stress on your knee after an injury. If you have issues with your knees, consult your doctor before continuing, whether you do so with support or not.

• If you’re looking for injury prevention, knee sleeves will be a better option than wraps. You should check with your doctor before starting any new fitness program.
• Knee sleeves go on easier than wraps since you merely have to slide them on rather than wrapping them and securing them in place. However, you will need to check the size charts before ordering and measure the circumference of your knee.
• If you opt for a wrap, pay attention to how it secures in place. Many use Velcro, which can slip and detach if you don’t have one with a good strip of Velcro.
• The thickness of the material itself is also important. You may prefer a more breathable fabric, but if you opt for that type of material, make sure it will give you the support you need.
• One great thing about knee sleeves is that they keep your knees warm. This doesn’t mean they’re engineered to ensure you can comfortably work out in a cold room. When your muscles are warmed, they remain nimbler during your lifting sessions, which experts believe lowers injury risk.
• If you compete, check to make sure the wraps or sleeves you choose are approved for use during competition. You may choose to only wear them during workouts as you prepare, in which case this won’t be an issue.
• Some knee wraps and sleeves are geared more toward the needs of men than women. For female powerlifters, look for a set that is designed for both men and women.
• Some wraps and sleeves come with money-back guarantees. This can come in handy if you aren’t sure which one to buy.
• Lifting isn’t the only application for knee wraps. Some athletes use them to keep the knees stabilized during squats. If you decide to use them for that, though, make sure you do some squats without them in place to keep stability in your knee joint.