Powerlifting is a sport in which weightlifters perform barbell exercises in three disciplines: traction, squats and bench press. It is also called triathlon, since the standards are implemented in all of the named exercises. And since the load on the joints in this case is very high, bandages for powerlifting were invented. They are able to remove part of the load from the joints and distribute it to the muscles.
Destinations
Bandages can perform several functions for athletes:
- Protection against injuries. As already mentioned, protecting joints is a priority for an athlete. Basically, these dressings are used for squats and are called knee-high bandages for powerlifting.
- The increase in power indicators. When using bandages, the athlete can lift the weight 10-15 kg more than his maximum.
- Emotional outburst. If you tightly wrap knee bandages for powerlifting, then slight pain will be noted. This will cause anger in the athlete. The result - he can either increase the number of repetitions, or lift more weight.
Principle of operation
Consider the action of this item of clothing for each destination:
- The knees are wrapped in order to fix the joint and eliminate excessive stress on it. This eliminates the risk of injuries both during training and in competitions.
- An athlete with bandaged knees can crouch with more weight than he did before without uniforms. This is due to the fact that at the end point of the exercise, that is, when a person sits with a barbell below, the bandages create the effect of a spring and help the powerlifter stand up. Thus, the maximum weight will increase on average by 10-15 kg.
- When dressing, the skin in the knee area is rubbed, and pain appears. Due to this, a person can concentrate on lifting the barbell. He also becomes angry, and therefore is able to show the best result.
As you can see, powerlifting bandages are a universal and mandatory uniform for those who do not want to have problems with joints.
Dressing method
To ensure maximum benefit and effectiveness of this item, you must tightly put bandages on your knees. At the first lessons, you can do this not so tight and hard. However, over time, it is worth increasing the bandage tension.
Knee joints should also be wound with a straight leg. The patella should be free - this will help to fix it tightly. If you put bandages on the knees for powerlifting on a bent leg, then when it is straightened, the bandage will relax and cease to act properly.
There are many different techniques for winding bandages. It is worth trying everything to choose the best option, which will not bring discomfort.
- The first way is to fix the initial position of the bandage in one place with 2-3 turns. Then you need to go down, making a turn on half of the previous skein. Having reached the bottom point, you also need to fix the bandage with two turns, and then rise up.
- The second method is to apply the dressing with straight lines up and intersecting ones down. This option is perfect for beginners.
- The third method is similar to the second, but the dressing is carried out without crossing lines - all turns are straight.
How to choose
You should know how to choose the right outfit so that it performs its tasks as efficiently as possible. According to customer reviews, powerlifting bandages need to be purchased from hard material. Such a fabric will have strong shock-absorbing properties and will help the athlete lift the barbell with a lot of weight.
Soft dressings also have their advantages. So, with similar knee-high bandages you can sit in full amplitude, which will allow you to better work out the muscles.
Titan and Inzer are among the best manufacturers.
There are fakes even in sporting goods stores. Therefore, you should choose reliable points of sale, as well as check the purchase immediately after purchase. It is necessary to rely on the following factors:
- The sides of the material should be smooth and not wavy. If the bandage is bristling, then this indicates that it is not elastic.
- The ends should be well stitched. The falling of threads from any part of the dressing is not allowed.
- Both bandages should have the same elasticity. Otherwise, it can cause problems when playing sports. Therefore, at the slightest difference in ductility, another product should be selected.
- The bandage averages 2 meters.
Also, instead of special uniforms, you can use ordinary elastic bandages from the pharmacy. But you should choose those whose length will be no more than two meters. This replacement will not play a significant role in efficiency, if you select the right material for dressings.
Assist device
There is special equipment called a powerlifting bandage machine. It is designed for tightly wrapping dressings. So the bandage rests on the protected joint in the right way. This equipment saves time and energy, since no effort is required to wrap the knee tightly.
You can buy a machine in specialized stores or on the Internet. The average price is 2000 rubles.
Conclusion
As you can see, powerlifting bandages are an important component of an athlete’s safety. Bandages will protect the joints from unnecessary stress, and will also help increase strength. It is very important to choose the right uniform so that it brings maximum benefit. That is why you should carefully check the bandage material before purchasing.