Weight Lifting Accessories

[PoweredUp]

I think it would be helpful if we could add a Weight Lifting Accessories information forum to the Fitness, Bodybuilding, and Sports section of the site. There are all kinds of things that beginner to intermediate lifters need to know about regarding various lifting apparatus. Like when is it appropriate to start using knee wraps or power shoes versus just going to the gym in your standard t-shirt and shorts? At what point do you need to begin incporporating weight belts or those horrific looking power suits? What are the pros and cons of certain accessories like straps and hooks for pulling exercises? How beneficial are wrist bands? What are some of the better brands and which ones are a total waste of money?

Again, I just thought this could be a very useful section for those of us who have yet to reach super elite status...

 

[Scotsman]

Tell you what. Let's get a list started here than I'll make an official sticky. I gotta run out for a while but when I get back I'll post up some info and we'll get it going.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[PoweredUp]

Tell you what. Let's get a list started here than I'll make an official sticky. I gotta run out for a while but when I get back I'll post up some info and we'll get it going.

Cheers,
Scotsman

Awesome! Here are a few things that I think would be good to detail for people:

Weight Belts
Knee Wraps
Lifting Shoes
Power Suits
Wrist Bands/Straps
Lifting Hooks

And I'm not sure if you work this into the same sticky, but I would also like to find out more about accessories for the weights themselves like chains and bands. My gym doesn't have either of those so I'm behind the 8-ball on those things...

 

[AEKDB]

Chalk!!!

Oly shoes

 

[Scotsman]

Anything else you guys want info on.

I'm going to do this later today.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[FriendlyCanadian]

I squat huge numbers in my bare feet..

I don't see how these shoes will help me..

I am curious about wrist wraps though..

 

[GUARDIAN]

I am mixed about straps. If you start off your lifting career without them your grip & forearm size will thank u later. My grip strength is now finally catching up and I am kicking myself for relying on them all these years. I put lifting hooks in this same category. If u r looking to shock a muscle group by going super heavy then bust them out but for everyday I say no.

I use wrist wraps from inzer when I bench heavy (rare now) or close grip bench.

You should continue to work on your core by doing abs & lower back. Only power lifters or those who lift extremely heavy weights appear to benefit from the use of weightlifting belts. I use mine sparingly for squats, deadlifts, bench press, and overhead press. My training partner recently got a hernia and he never wears a belt. It gives me piece of mind to have that pressure applied to my abdomen. I don't think it should be used for your lower back. If your lower back is in pain or really sore when u dont use a belt that is a sign of bad lifting form imo.

I use knee wraps more by feel. When my knees start to feel unstable though my legs can rep easily with the weight I start to use them.

I dont use any of the rest.

 

[Big_BK]

wrist wraps - when going heavy on stuff that hurts your wrist for added support. generally you aren't training grip if the weights are so heavy you need the support

Knee wraps - heavy squats these are a must if you are walking out of a rack!

straps - for heavy lifting where grip is not a focus

chalk - a given

Belt - for going heavy or support if your back is worn out

chain or dipping belt - obvious one as well

Below are a few i would still recommend to gym go-ers but are more so for people with either problems already like bad joints or want the extra support and are older unless you are a powerlifter or strongman these probably won't be needed.

rehband elbow and knee sleeves - keeps your joints VERY warm and eleviates joint pain from constant heavy lifting, i love mine! Some other popular ones are the calf sleeves to keep shin splints away. also gives a little extra support.

weightlifting shoes - very important to have a solid base if your running around with hundred of pounds attached to you in some way. my cross trainer k-swiss shoes are slightly slanted forward and you would not notice this until you have a 600lb yoke on your back and its pushing you forward! Also makes sure you have proper form so your joints don't get hammered moving in a position they are not mean to move at easily.

tacky - need it for the stones and goo gone to get the shit off

ammonia capsules - good incase your seeing stars after a heavy set or want to fire yourself up for a big lift, cheap as well.

all i can think of right now, ill add more later if i think of any.

 

[djeclipse]

Chalk!!!

Oly shoes

End of list

 

[chaos13]

if you are going to use lifting straps. try to only use them on your last few sets. don't use them at the start of your workout, like alot of ppl do.

 

[djeclipse]

if you are going to use lifting straps. try to only use them on your last few sets. don't use them at the start of your workout, like alot of ppl do.

Good point, using straps all the time for every lift will really hinder your fore arm/ grip strength.

When ever you can try not to use them, if doing something like dead lift use chalk and reverse grip so your grip still gets trained.

It's sad watching those guys using them for every set they do even curls, lol

 

[Big_BK]

if you are going to use lifting straps. try to only use them on your last few sets. don't use them at the start of your workout, like alot of ppl do.

True, alot of people "abuse" straps. You will be surprised how quick your grip comes up! I really only use them on wide grip chins as i can do many more with straps and being a strongman i train my grip almost every day. They should really be used sparingly.

 

[AEKDB]

The hook grip always works once your thumbs become numb to the pain.

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

i think for some guys their accessory should be deoderant! the BO is gross @ my gym.

 

[GUARDIAN]

i think for some guys their accessory should be deoderant! the BO is gross @ my gym.

a little to close to the sweaters eh? lol

 

[FriendlyCanadian]

i think for some guys their accessory should be deoderant! the BO is gross @ my gym.

and I think some women should not spend 3 hours getting ready and coming to lift with a starbucks!

because I tend to shower AFTER I go to the gym not before. ;p

I do use deoderant though.

 

[Powerbuilder333]

Anyone mention baby powder for deadlifts?
Plus ammonia caps for deads and squats.

 

[Scotsman]

Anyone mention baby powder for deadlifts?
Plus ammonia caps for deads and squats.

Good call I'll add those in.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[Big_BK]

wrist wraps - when going heavy on stuff that hurts your wrist for added support. generally you aren't training grip if the weights are so heavy you need the support

Knee wraps - heavy squats these are a must if you are walking out of a rack!

straps - for heavy lifting where grip is not a focus

chalk - a given

Belt - for going heavy or support if your back is worn out

chain or dipping belt - obvious one as well

Below are a few i would still recommend to gym go-ers but are more so for people with either problems already like bad joints or want the extra support and are older unless you are a powerlifter or strongman these probably won't be needed.

rehband elbow and knee sleeves - keeps your joints VERY warm and eleviates joint pain from constant heavy lifting, i love mine! Some other popular ones are the calf sleeves to keep shin splints away. also gives a little extra support.

weightlifting shoes - very important to have a solid base if your running around with hundred of pounds attached to you in some way. my cross trainer k-swiss shoes are slightly slanted forward and you would not notice this until you have a 600lb yoke on your back and its pushing you forward! Also makes sure you have proper form so your joints don't get hammered moving in a position they are not mean to move at easily.

tacky - need it for the stones and goo gone to get the shit off

ammonia capsules - good incase your seeing stars after a heavy set or want to fire yourself up for a big lift, cheap as well.

all i can think of right now, ill add more later if i think of any.

beat ya to it PB

 

[silver_shadow]

bands
chains
dips belt

 

[Scotsman]

bands
chains
dips belt

I'll get these in too when I have a bit more time, probably tomorrow or Sunday.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[djeclipse]

I thought this was a beginner/ intermediate guide. do we really need ammonia capsules "equipment'?


That's more like a Pre/ Post W/O shake. Or energy drink, not actual equipment.

 

[Powerbuilder333]

I thought this was a beginner/ intermediate guide. do we really need ammonia capsules "equipment'?


That's more like a Pre/ Post W/O shake. Or energy drink, not actual equipment.

I definetly needs to be pointed out that ammonia caps are not to be swallowed. They're NOT nutritional supplements - lol.
Yes you beat me to it Big_BK.
Power on.

 

[djeclipse]

I definetly needs to be pointed out that ammonia caps are not to be swallowed. They're NOT nutritional supplements - lol.
Yes you beat me to it Big_BK.
Power on.

lol, Sorry, I didn't mean to say they are the same thing as a protien shake, they are to be sniffeed, not eaten, lol

But as far as equipment goes, they're not really for the beginner at the gym (they can't be good for you when used a lot), and they're not physical equipment.

 

[Scotsman]

Alright I had some stuff to take care of the last few days so I'm going to go update the list now.

Cheers,
Scotsman