Find out what accessories you need to lift championship weights in the power bench. We will also look at ways to use bandages in powerlifting. Now all international powerlifting organizations have officially allowed athletes to use special accessories. They are used during competitions and training sessions. These include special shoes, a belt, leotards, wristbands, knee braces, and a shirt for the bench press. By using accessories in powerlifting, athletes have significantly reduced the risk of injury. Let's take a closer look at all the powerlifting accessories used.
Accessory # 1: Wristbands
Designed to reduce the risk of injury and pain in the wrists. Outwardly, the wristbands resemble bandages that are smaller. According to the rules, the length of the bandage for the wristband is 0.5 meters.
Most often, the same bandages are used as wristbands as for knee joints. When using this accessory, it is very important to tighten the bandage tightly, but this should not be done very tightly, as it can cut off the blood flow in the hands.
Accessory # 2: Leotard
At first glance, a powerlifter leotard looks like a suit used in weightlifting. But upon closer inspection, it is very easy to find the main differences. Firstly, the leotard material is very tough, and, secondly, the seams are much stronger.
The main purpose of this accessory is to protect the back and spinal column from injury. Also, unlike a weightlifting suit, the leotard protects the groin area. This is necessary because powerlifters have their legs wide apart and the groin is heavily loaded.
In addition, the leotard fits tightly on the hips, back and pelvic region, which reduces the mobility of the hip joint and protects it from possible injuries.
Accessory # 3: T-shirt (shirt)
The shirt is designed to protect the athlete when performing the bench press position. It can reduce the risk of chest and shoulder injuries. It resembles a regular T-shirt, but is made of durable material, just like the leotard.
The jersey fits the entire body of the athlete very tightly. When the sports equipment is lowered down, the jersey takes on some of the load. In the reverse motion, the fabric contracts and helps the athlete perform the bench press by removing the projectile from the chest.
Accessory # 4: Weightlifting shoes
These are special shoes used by powerlifters and weightlifters. The main difference between weightlifting shoes and ordinary shoes is the material from which they are made and the type of lacing. For the production of weightlifting shoes, only natural hard leather is used, and lacing is carried out along the entire length.
In addition, the rigidity of the sole is significantly increased, on which the heel is two centimeters high. This shoe is great for doing squats. The leg in the weightlifting is rigidly fixed and does not slip to the side. Thanks to the presence of a heel, it is much easier for a powerlifter to maintain balance. First of all, weightlifting shoes are designed to protect the ankle from injury.
Accessory # 5: Belt
The belt is a multi-layer belt made of leather and resembles weightlifting. Most often it is wider at the front and back than at the sides. The belt is ten centimeters wide.
The weightlifting belt is wider at the front and narrower at the back. Thanks to a redesign and a wider back, the back of powerlifters is more secure. By and large, you can use a regular weightlifting belt, since its width in front is of greatest importance.
If you turn the belt over with the wide part back, then this will greatly complicate the performance of squats. In addition, the extended front part makes it possible to better hold the abdominal muscles, which allows you to reduce the pressure of the body. Those athletes who are going to buy a belt need to know that there are two types of fasteners: automatic and manual. An accessory with an automatic fastener costs a little less and often has a more attractive look. But he has one negative point: during squatting, the fastener can spontaneously open. For this reason, most athletes prefer to use a hand-fastened belt, which is more reliable.
Accessory 6: Bandages (bandages for knee joints)
Bandages are usually called knee bandages, which can reduce the load on the knees and protect them from injury. In addition, squats are somewhat easier with them. This is a very useful accessory in powerlifting and should not be ignored even during training sessions.
This is especially true when working with large weights. Wrap the bandages tightly and reduce the risk of injury depends on this. However, as with wristbands, it is important not to overdo it or block the blood flow in your legs.
These are all the accessories used in powerlifting. In competitions, their use is mandatory, but in training it all depends on the desire of the athlete. However, during training, the likelihood of injury can be even higher than during competition. For this reason, when you perform movements with large working weights, some types of equipment should not be neglected.
The same wristbands, bandages and a belt will be very useful during a training session. The reason for the introduction of permission for the use of this equipment by powerlifters is due to the large number of injuries. To win tournaments, athletes have to lift heavy weights and the load on the joints and spine is simply colossal. With powerlifting accessories, these risks are somewhat reduced.
Of course, they cannot completely eliminate the likelihood of damage, but they can completely reduce the risk. Try to use some of the accessories during your training. No one needs injuries and equipment will help you keep your health.
For more information on powerlifting equipment, see this video:
