Weight Lifting Accessories

Weight lifting is a great exercise that builds strength, and even self confidence, but do you need accessories to accomplish this?

Belts

Weight lifting, especially heavy lifting, requires strong leg, back, and abdominal muscles.  In order to protect those muscles you may want to invest in a weight lifting belt.  These are belts worn while lifting weights overhead and also while lifting in an upright position.  Belts are designed to reduce the strain placed on the back muscles during these lifts.  They are made in a variety of materials and sizes.  Not only are professional lifters using these now, recreational lifters are also starting to use them as well.  Belts work by compressing the abdominal cavity to reduce the amount of stress placed on the lower back during lifting.  The tightness of the belt is also important.  Weight lifting belts should not be worn extremely tight because they can cause a rise in blood pressure.  Belts also make the lifter more aware of the position of their back, which can lead to better posture in lifting, and better performance.

Bar Pad

Bar pad eases pressure on shoulders during squats and lunges to enable lifting of heavier weights. Bar pads wrap around the bar and protects the lifter´s neck and shoulders. Typically bar pads fit around all standard and Olympic bars.

Lifting Straps

Straps supplement and enhance grip without compromising feel for the bar, enabling heavier lifting with less fatigue.

Lifting Chalk

Apply to hands for a secure grip when lifting without gloves to help prevent bar from slipping during lifts, and under knee wraps for extra hold. Keeps hands dry for a secure grip.

Gloves

Weight lifting gloves can also be beneficial.  Using gloves can help with grip, pressure which causes sore hands, and calluses.  Some things to look for in a pair of weight lifting gloves are:

* Material – Leather and neoprene gloves allow for better grip, and hold up longer than nylon gloves.

* Fit – Gloves should fit tightly enough to give you a good grip, but not so tight that they cut off circulation.

* Wrist wraps – Gloves with wrist wraps give added support when lifting, and can help to prevent certain injuries.

* Fingerless – Using fingerless gloves helps to prevent the build up of sweat.

Although accessories are not mandatory for all forms of weight lifting, if you are considering heavy lifting you should be sure to take all of the necessary precautions.

Author: Philip Martinez of the <a href="http://www.extremehomeworkout.com/">Shaun T Insanity Workout Store</a>, its the number one site to <a href="http://www.extremehomeworkout.com/insanity-with-shaun-t.html">Get Insanity</a>.

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