Hey guys I know this is a really general and not specific question but me and my mate were thinking of doing a Powerlifting meet next year.
We thought it’d be funner to do a non IPF meet so like with deadlift bars and stuff. The only thing is neither of us have used knee wraps or know much about them. It’s the only thing that makes us hesitate in signing up for a meet in the fun federations
What do you guys think? Any tips or considerations when it’s comes to training and competing in wraps? Or is it pretty much just like training raw with sleeves?
It definitely feels different than knee sleeves and it will take some getting used to but it’s not rocket science. Just do a few heavy sets in wraps each week to get used to it. You might be better off starting with a lighter set of wraps as well, like Inzer Grippers or the blue Slingshots. Once you get comfortable with those you can try a stronger pair.
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To add you don’t need to use them. You can just compete in sleeves. I hate them they always cause me knee pain after. Did give me 15-25lbs to my total.
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Another thing to consider, if this is your first meet then you would probably be better off without the wraps. Knee wraps add a considerable amount of stress and that’s the last thing you need in an unfamiliar situation. If you have some experienced training partners or a coach who can help you out then it’s a different story, but your first meet is more of a learning experience than anything.
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Agreed with above. Do your first meet or two in sleeves, get a feel for the day, the judging, the event. Then in your next off season play with some wraps on some heavy days, if you use them 6 or 8 time and don’t like them stick with sleeves, if not try several types of wraps. Most guys will let you barrow some to try for a set or two. Have fun is the main thing!
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I like wraps. They keep my knees safe and stable with heavy loads. I really don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t use them over sleeves. They keep the knee much more stable. If you wrap them super super tight to where you’re getting help out of the bottom then it’ll take some time to get used to them. I’ve had one session where I actually got spring out of the bottom because I had someone wrap my knees for me. The wrap job was extremely painful. For me, that’s too much and that’s why I wrap my own. I use Overkill’s wraps and LOVE them.
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Thanks for the help guys. Will borrow some wraps from a friend and see how they go.
My squat looks much better with wraps. If you wrap to the outside, they will help you keep your knees out.
I recommend starting off light, and working up over time. They will be more painful then you thought they would be if you have a powerlifter wrap you first go.
Also, if you pull the wraps through a certain way they can make your knee look higher, and give you the appearance of more depth. If you are right on the line, it might be enough to get white lights.