what weight should you start thinking about knee wraps for squats?

[bottleneckblooz]

I don't use that much weight for squats right now, only about 3 plates, but I guess as I move closer to the 400lb mark I should maybe start thinking about getting knee wraps. Just wonder if any of you guys use them and at what weight you started using them.

[AlbertaBeef]

In a lot of cases I think they offer a false sense of security and put unnecessary pressure on your patela. In my situation I use wraps at around 300 only because my knees are in bad shape from years of being a flooring installer. I am currently searching for a good source for quality sleeves that just fit tightly over the knee.

[IronRobi]

I wrap 'em up at 3 plates per side on the squat, and anything above 9 plates per side on the leg press. My knees are messed up too from sports as a kid.

[bottleneckblooz]

So then would you say not to use them if you don't have any existing knee problems, or don't feel any knee pain when using heavy weights?

[bottleneckblooz]

I guess I always thought that I'd prefer not to use them, but when I see vids of guys going really heavy most of the time they are using wraps.

[Ritch]

Actually in Dorian`s dungeon video with Mark Dugale he advises against them. I would go with this advice especially if I had no knee problems.

[spankmonkey]

Don't use knee wraps or weight belt. If you have no pre-exsisting stability issues you should stay away from wraps and other supporting devices, IMO. I have had knee injuries and fought back without surgery and built strength back up with patience and lifting with my head and not my ego. Curently I sqaut 455 for 10-12 reps x 2 sets and leg press 1080 for 10-12 x 2 and a burn out set of 900 for 20 + reps.

[tex]

for knee sleeves go to prowriststraps.com......all my gear is from apt....and i looooooove it......

[Mr.Freeze]

Actually in Dorian`s dungeon video with Mark Dugale he advises against them. I would go with this advice especially if I had no knee problems.

yup thats right.

[AlbertaBeef]

for knee sleeves go to prowriststraps.com......all my gear is from apt....and i looooooove it......

That's what I was fishin' for
Thanks tex

[cedric]

if anyone wants knee or wrist wraps. i have a pair each of the zrvpro's from prowriststraps.com in their packaging.

[Ritch]

I don`t really see wrist wraps the same as knee wraps. For some reason I see knee wraps as cheating because they spring you up... Plus they take so long to put on. Wrist wraps when pressing heavy just give me a nice feeling of comfort but was using them when my wrists were sore, not anymore. Threw them out because they stank. Actually for a while when ever I would put my wrist or hands near my face I would look around like who ****ing stinks here... Imagine this went on for weeks me thinking someone elso was stinking up the place when it was me.

[4031]

Don't use knee wraps or weight belt. If you have no pre-exsisting stability issues you should stay away from wraps and other supporting devices, IMO. I have had knee injuries and fought back without surgery and built strength back up with patience and lifting with my head and not my ego. Curently I sqaut 455 for 10-12 reps x 2 sets and leg press 1080 for 10-12 x 2 and a burn out set of 900 for 20 + reps.


Good for you bro!! i totally agree with you on weight belts and knee wraps, they do nothing but make you weaker.

[tiramisu]

I'm unconvinced one way or another. When doing 1RM PR's and weight that leaves your knees or back at risk I'm thinking a belt and knee wraps aren't a terrible idea. Same thing if you are doing 20 Rep breathing Squats, I can see it very easy to get sloppy if you are being that intense. So far I haven't needed either but ice is my best friend and I can see moving to knee wraps and a belt if a cycle up to 3 rep sets or try the 20 reps and milk.

[IronRobi]

Good for you bro!! i totally agree with you on weight belts and knee wraps, they do nothing but make you weaker.

Does this mean bench shirts make you weaker as well? They have the same effect as knee wraps. Some of the strongest men in the world use bench shirts, weight belts and knee wraps. They should be looked at as a tool to assist you in your lift but not relied upon.

[Houstonbc]

different people use these "tools" for different reasons...injuries, safety etc

[4031]

Does this mean bench shirts make you weaker as well? They have the same effect as knee wraps. Some of the strongest men in the world use bench shirts, weight belts and knee wraps. They should be looked at as a tool to assist you in your lift but not relied upon.


they dont make you weaker, but you wont be able to train the muscles as well......eg. using a weight belt takes stress off the lumber part of the spine and places it on the thoracic part of the spine. you see some old guys who train with a belt on all the time and they go to pick up a 10lb plate without a belt off of the floor and hurt their backs

[Redz]

In my last cycle I was squating 560 without and knee supports or back support. the only thing I use is a pad on the bar so i dont cripple my neck.

[L3]

i use a belt for anything over 3 plates squat, but then again im always worried i'll end up shitting out my guts

[4031]

i use a belt for anything over 3 plates squat, but then again im always worried i'll end up shitting out my guts

you will strengthen your core muscles if you dont use a belt

[4031]

In my last cycle I was squating 560 without and knee supports or back support. the only thing I use is a pad on the bar so i dont cripple my neck.

Hey bro, using a pad on the bar displaces the bar further away from your body and changes your center of gravity, causing you to bend forward even more when you squat and puts more stress on your lower back.just a tip for you

[Ritch]

aren`t maxi pads for pussies? Just kidding that`s alot of weight and more than I`ve ever doen. Respect to you sir.

[Rhinobolt10]

Lets not turn this into a gear vs raw debate.... it's retarded. Raw is good, equipped is good. Do what you want to do.
Anyhew as far as what weight to use knee wraps... it definitely depends... if you're squatting 600 pounds... you probably don't need them for 400.
technically you can use them for any weight, any time... if you're squatting 315 and weigh 315, whatever... but if you're trying 315 and you weight 150, different story.
So... a few things on knee wraps... they're going to give you a lot of support, and a lot of POP, I get between 50-80lbs out of my knee wraps depending on how tight I make them.
If you were going to try for 400, it would look something like this : general warm up, 315, belt on. 365 belt and knee wraps on 3/4 tight. 405 belt and knee wraps full tightness.

[Brooke]

If you are a power lifter go ahead and use them. If you are bodybuilder stay away from them. Let your muscles do the work not the wraps. If you are a bodybuilder and think you need them, you are much better to cut the weight instead.