Professional athletes give everything they have to their sport. They make big sacrifices to be the best in their field or category.
Intense training schedules and pressure to perform can test even the toughest athletes, who need all the help they can get. It’s no surprise they often have an accessory they absolutely can’t do without.
Below we tackle which accessories are gym bag essentials for competitive lifters and aspiring Olympians, from belts to weightlifting grips.
You wouldn’t run a 10k in clunky hiking boots, and you shouldn’t lift weights in a pair of worn-out sneakers. Your body adapts to the stress you put on it. If your feet and ankles don’t have the right support when you lift, they’ll compensate in ways that can be damaging.
Weightlifting shoes are specially designed for lifting heavy weights. They provide stability and balance, allowing you to maintain proper posture and squat more deeply under the bar. The rigid soles and raised heel maximize stability and help you catch the weight on the back of your foot during jerk movements.
Choosing the right shoe depends on many factors, including your height and build. Taller athletes with longer legs may need a larger raised heel. Without question, every serious lifter needs a pair of quality weightlifting shoes.
A good grip is everything in weightlifting. One slip-up could mean the difference between the clean execution of an Olympic lift and losing control of the bar. Don’t leave it to chance. Invest in a quality pair of weightlifting grips, like Versa Gripps.
“Versa Gripps are one-of-a-kind. Everyone should treat their body with the best tool possible and Versa Gripps are the answer. I never train without them.”- Iris Kyle, 10x Ms. Olympia Champion
Versa Gripps are like hooks, straps, and gloves in one. They’re designed with proprietary non-slip material and a quick-release feature that helps you lift safely. It’s why they’re trusted by pro athletes and Olympians around the world—like two-time Mr. Olympia champion Breon Ansley.
While grips, hooks, and straps aren’t typically allowed in competition, using them during training can make weightlifting more comfortable and help prevent injuries.
You’ll often see Olympic lifters with taped wrists. Athletic tape can help stabilize the joints and prevent exaggerated movements and overextension during heavy overhead lifts. Excessive use of tape on the wrist can weaken the connective tissues, so you shouldn’t over-rely on it. But when it comes to competition, stable wrists are critical.
Athletes also tape their thumbs to reduce friction during lifts. The more weight you lift, the greater the pressure on your hands and fingers. Tape can help prevent calluses from tearing if your hands have taken a beating from intense training sessions.
Rotational injuries are less common among weightlifters, but lifting heavy loads still puts an immense amount of vertical pressure on the knees. Using sleeves can help stabilize your knees when doing moves like squats and deadlifts. Sleeves also encourage blood flow to the kneecaps. They’re especially helpful if you have a history of knee problems or injuries.
As with all gear, it pays to invest in a quality product. Look for knee sleeves that are both flexible and supportive. A combination of spandex and nylon is best. If you need extra support, opt for sleeves with built-in knee (patellar) pads.
Weightlifting belts are allowed in competitions up to a certain width. By increasing intra-abdominal pressure, a lifting belt activates your core muscles. A tight core helps stabilize your spine as you lift heavy loads. It’s why many competitive weightlifters and Olympians swear by lifting belts.
There are several different belt styles. Olympic belts are wider in the back and are made of more flexible materials, while powerlifting belts are thinner and stiffer. When shopping for a belt, consider your needs and goals when choosing the best design.
Versa Gripps are one of the top accessories for Olympic weightlifting, used by athletes all over the world. They’re the only grip you’ll ever need for your Olympic weightlifting routine. Here’s what sets them apart:
Versa Gripps are among the must-have gym accessories for serious lifters and Olympians. Find out why top athletes rely on Versa Gripps, then find your perfect pair.
