5 Weightlifting Accessories
Whether you’re just doing strength training or are a professional body builder, there are accessories designed to make your lifting safer and more effective. Not everyone uses every accessory available, but it’s a good idea to be familiar with what’s out there so you can choose what you need.
- Weight gloves. One of the most common weightlifting accessories is a pair of gloves that allow you to grip the weights securely without friction. These will prevent your hands from blistering. Some gloves are marketed specially for weight lifting, but any pair of work gloves that gives you a firm grip on the weights will do.
- Weightlifting boots. Weightlifting boots or shoes are designed to keep your ankles stable and support your entire body throughout your lifts. Most of these boots will lace up to the ankles to provide support to that joint, which is particularly vulnerable if you do deadlifting. Weightlifting boots also help you maintain your balance.
- Weight belts. You know those belt-like contraptions people who do heavy lifting jobs wear? Weightlifters need the same. They provide support to the lower back during lifting and prevent injury. These can be bought at military surplus stores, department stores with sports sections and athletic stores.
- Wrist and knee straps. These straps wrap around your wrists or knees to support and protect those joints. Some are nearly as hard as a physical therapy wrap, while others are softer and made of special materials designed to support in comfort.
- Lifting hooks. Lifting hooks attach to wrist straps and hook under barbells as you lift them. These reduces the stress to your wrist and hands and also helps you handle the bar the correct way to avoid injury.
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