Your bench stalls. Overhead press feels sketchy. Wrists start screaming before your triceps even kick in. Sound familiar?
Itโs not your muscles, itโs your joints. And if your wrists are folding under pressure, itโs time to strap in withย wrist wraps, not lifting straps.
Letโs break down how they work, who should use them, and how to wrap them right, so you stop wasting strength on shaky wrists.
Why Wrist Wraps Even Matter
Wrist wraps do one thing, and they do it well: they keep your wrist locked in tight under heavy pressing.
That means:
- Less pain, less wobble
- More power transfer into the bar
- No energy wasted on stabilizing what should already be solid
If youโre pushing serious weight, or even want to, your wrists need backup.
Lifting Straps vs Wrist Wraps
Letโs not get this twisted.
- Wrist wraps = joint support. You use them for bench press, overhead press, dips. Any big push.
- Lifting straps = grip support. You use those for deadlifts, rows, pull-ups.
If gripโs your issue, look elsewhere. But if your wrists feel like rubber mid-set? Wrap up.
Looking for wraps built like tanks? These are ready: Gripzilla Lifting Wrist Wraps.
How to Use Wrist Wraps (Step-by-Step)
No guesswork. Just wrap and press.
- Slide your thumb through the loop (optional because some lifters skip it once wrapped).
- Wrap around the wrist, not the palm. You want coverage just below the wrist joint, with a little overlap above.
- Tighten to support, not suffocate. Youโre bracing, not cutting circulation.
- Secure with the Velcro. Youโre locked and ready.
You should feel like your wrist canโt bend, even if it wanted to.
When to Wear Wrist Wraps (and When to Leave Them Off)
Use wrist wraps for:
- Heavy bench sets
- Overhead press
- Dips
- Any pushing movement where your wrist folds or aches
But skip them for:
- Light warmups
- Isolation work (like curls or lateral raises)
- Grip-based lifts (deadlifts, rows)
The goal? Support when needed, not dependency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrapping over the palm = lost grip and zero wrist control.
- Too loose = no support.
- Too tight = numb fingers.
- Wearing them for everything = weak wrists long-term.
Wrap with purpose, or donโt wrap at all.
Final Rep: Who Should Use Wrist Wraps?
If youโre pushing weight that makes your wrists feel like theyโre folding in half, wrap up.
Itโs not about looking hardcore. Itโs about lifting with full power and keeping your joints safe for the long run.
And if you want wraps that can take a beating? These donโt flinch:
