There’s no shortage of benefits strength training can bring to your fitness regimen. From metabolism boosts to improved heart health to, of course, stronger muscles, the appeal is hard to beat. But strength training doesn’t just mean “picking things up and putting things down.” There are sub-disciplines that can be a treat to take part in … if you have the right gear.
The equipment you carry in your gym bag should accentuate your experience with your chosen discipline. If you have aspirations of competing, it helps to have approved equipment at the ready. And yet, figuring out which gear to bring to your Olympic Weightlifting workout versus your CrossFit WOD can be tricky given the plethora of options out there. That’s where we come in.
Below, we break down some of the most popular strength training disciplines, outlining the best accessories for each. Sure, some items span all categories like proper footwear and capable workout shorts, but we’ve focused this guide on accessories more specific to each modality. While some are regulated by governing bodies like the International Weightlifting Federation and International Powerlifting Federation, others are simply standouts we’ve picked up over our years in fitness and lifting weights. All will serve you well on whichever strength path you choose.
William R. Sallaz
Olympic Weightlifting
In terms of competitive strength sports, Olympic Weightlifting is among the most fluid, with movements calling for you to thrust, catch, stabilize and press heavy weights in a controlled, efficient manner. As such, your workout gear should supply a nice blend of stability and mobility. The two most popular pieces of equipment for Olympic Weightlifting enthusiasts are weightlifting belts and weightlifting shoes. They can help you establish a strong base and proper setup for the two recognized movements — the snatch and clean and jerk. While there are no true regulations on footwear, belts must be no wider than 12cm per the IWF’s rules and regulations.
In addition to belts and footwear, it’s common to see Olympic Weightlifting athletes take to the podium with wrist wraps, which are also approved for competition. These straps are intended to provide joint support and prevent excessive wrist bending during the two lifts, rather than stabilizing the hinge entirely like you’d expect in other disciplines.
Other accessories like knee sleeves and lifting straps can also be helpful in training scenarios but aren’t necessarily must-haves for the competitive stage. Here are a handful of items that can make for a damn fine Olympic Weightlifting setup.
Amazon
BEST UPGRADE WEIGHTLIFTING BELT
2Pood Weightlifting Belt
There’s a reason this lifting belt is the official choice of USA Weightlifting. A uniform 4-inch diameter creates optimal bracing support, and the nylon makeup provides a nice dose of mobility ideal for more fluid lifts. Plus, the 2Pood Weightlifting Belt is available in a variety of colorways, perfect for giving your training sessions additional zest.
The shorter length of these straps allows for easy bailing during failed lifts, and the cotton material keeps grips comfortable when looking to catch a barbell at, say, the bottom of a snatch. Triple stitching adds a measure of durability, which is great for keeping your gear intact session after session.
The more aggressive heel-to-toe drop of the Legacy Lifter IIIs sets them apart from other weightlifting shoes. This more intense approach sets your ankles at a better angle for deep-seated catches, and the added Pump Technology can be perfect for fine-tuning that lockdown fit. That classic aesthetic is sure to set off any on-platform ensemble, too.
These sleeves are equal parts of stable and flexible, with loads of energy return to help you out of the hole, so much so that some question their legality. Correct measurements are critical — the brand doesn’t accept returns based on incorrect sizing — but if you’re serious about supporting your knees in Olympic training, look no further.
Powerlifting is all about moving as much weight as you can from A to B in as smooth a static plane as possible. The “Big Three” lifts — bench press, back squat and deadlift — require the utmost strength and output, so your gear choices should focus on stability and energy return. Your equipment can seriously impact performance, which is why there are more regulations regarding lifting accessories in the IPF than the IWF.
For budding powerlifters, a good place to start is at the hinges — your wrists and knees. Be sure to shore up these joints with worthwhile wrist and knee wraps, respectively. A belt can also be an excellent addition, providing proper bracing during intense lifts. Lifting straps are great for training, taking the strain off your grip and hands outside of competition, as you work up to your platform-ready PRs.
Speaking of competition, if you are curious about sanctioned events and want to ensure your equipment meets the proper standards, the IPF makes it easy with its detailed list of approved personal apparel and equipment. Be sure to reference this document if you think your training will lead to sanctioned lifts in the future (or if you just want to work out with the kind of gear the pros wear).
Amazon
Inzer Gripper Wrist Wraps
While Inzer has multiple wrist wrap profiles approved by the IPF, these are the bands we recommend for budding powerlifters thanks to the internal rubber that helps eliminate fabric slippage during wear. That tackiness is only enhanced with each wrap around the wrist, further promoting stability during heavier reps.
A proprietary track design in these knee wraps creates a secure wrapping experience trusted by novice and veteran powerlifters alike. We also appreciate the different flexibilities that cater to training-specific or competition-specific environments. The springy, rigid profile may be overkill for some, but if you want to hit new heights, it pays to have the best gear in the game.
We prefer leather lifting belts for powerlifting due to the heightened rigidity and support. The levered locking mechanism here allows for easy on and off, and there’s no fussing with finding that ideal cinch thanks to the quick latch setup. Once that leather molds to your frame, you’re left with a silhouette that’s primed for PR-besting lifts time in and time out.
If you’re looking for a grippy set of straps that keep you locked into the bar, these cheapies are a great solution. The cotton fabric easily tacks onto the barbell’s knurling while still leaving room to bail if necessary. Plus, the NeoTek pad creates a well-cushioned wrap across the wrist and maintains a comfortable setup once the weight transitions into the fingers during heavy pulls.
A typical CrossFit WOD can have a lot of layers to it, with high-intensity lifts strewn throughout as you race from circuit to circuit. To help you get the most out of each workout, you want gear that allows for boosted stabilization and support as well as some mobility to work through the more fluid sessions. It helps if it’s easy to get in and out of, since you’re working against the clock in certain WODs and don’t have loads of time to, say, undo your weightlifting belt or wrap and unwrap your knees.
One heightened area of focus for CrossFit athletes is the hands, since they’re used in nearly every exercise from carries to holds, presses, pulls and more. It’s common to see enthusiasts with a pair of hand grips or workout gloves in their bag when hitting the Box, as these small accessories can do wonders for improving grip and saving your palms from calluses and skin rips.
Amazon
BEST WEIGHTLIFTING BELT FOR CROSSFIT
Element 26 Self-Locking Weightlifting Belt
The nylon construction of this Self-Locking Weightlifting Belt can be great for keeping your lifts stable yet flexible, so there’s no discomfort as you move through your WOD. The quick-locking latch helps you get in and out on the fly, while hook-and-loop closures can also create a more personalized fit, so there’s no fussing with worn-out holes or latches, either.
Excellent for muscle-ups, swings and more, these Bear KompleX grips can serve as the perfect barrier between your palm and the bar. The Black Diamond synthetic material is also plenty tacky, which eliminates the need for extra chalk. A reinforced neoprene layer sits across the wrist strap as well to further promote comfort during high-intensity training.
For those dynamic and static circuits alike, we recommend these 6mm knee sleeves. The contoured neoprene provides enough compression for some added snap and stability during squats, yet still has some maneuverability that doesn’t limit movement — quite the perk when there’s little time to swap out of your knee sleeves before the next workout rotation.
When considering wrist wraps for your CrossFit sessions, durability is key. These wraps from WOD Nation pack plenty of brawn thanks to the polyester blend and reinforced stitching. Yes, you can experience some rigidity, but the profile is flexible enough to get you through the high-rep, high-intensity exercises associated with the discipline.
Bodybuilding’s all about sculpting the most aesthetic physique possible, and in order to do that, you need to put focus on the muscles themselves rather than lift totals. And if your physique is the final art piece, your lifting accessories are the paint brushes that help you create the desired masterpiece.
Right off the top, lifting straps can help take the strain off your hands during pulling exercises, putting more stress on your muscles without limiting your potential to solely your grip strength. A belt and knee sleeves are also worthwhile additions to prevent injury and improve stabilization, along with a pair of wrist wraps for pressing motions. While it’s unlikely you’ll use these accessories in each gym session, it helps to have them on hand when you’re trying to round out those deltoids or get a little more definition in your lower back.
Amazon
Versa Gripps Pro
The Versa Gripps Pros are great for bodybuilders as there’s no intricate wrapping procedure involved — simply wrap the non-slip, custom-engineered flap once around the bar and pull away toward new PRs. Plus, the raised edge along the material provides an excellent shelf for locking in your grasp, and ditching the weight post-set is simple and intuitive.
Brace for pumped-up leg days with this streamlined belt. The nylon material is rigid enough for support and is ready to work. We also appreciate the quick lock mechanism and the hook-and-loop strap, which makes catching your breath after a monster squat easier. This option comes in a dozen different colorways too.
Iron Bull Strength Wrist Wraps & Lifting Straps Combo
Tough is an understatement with these double-stitched wrist wraps from Iron Bull Strength. The lengthier 20-inch profile allows for multiple passes across your joint, ideal for creating a stable setup for those extra-heavy pressing movements. This kit also comes with a pair of cotton lasso straps, so your push and pull days are covered entirely with just one purchase.
You can’t grow if you don’t put in the work, and thanks to a rigid cylindrical profile, these knee sleeves from fitness mogul Mark Bell are primed for hard-nosed training. There’s plenty of energy return to reap at the bottom of a squat with these level 3 neoprene sleeves, which is great for really torching those muscles while still keeping your hinges safe and secure.
Even if you enjoy weightlifting on less, shall we say, specific level, there are still plenty of accessories to help you get the most out of your workouts. Sure, these picks aren’t necessarily intended for performance benefits, but their presence helps improve stability and safety, so you can keep pressing and pulling the iron in search of a healthier you.
A weightlifting belt leads off the list, as properly using this tool can seriously help you grow and prosper in the squat rack. Lifting straps are another popular option for helping you heft more than your grip might otherwise allow. As you progress, there’s always room for additions, but those items plus knee sleeves and gloves make for excellent starting points.
Amazon
Schiek Sports 2004 Lifting Belt
A contoured weightlifting belt can be a more approachable silhouette as it curves to the natural shape of your body. This 2004 model from Schiek Sports provides excellent fit thanks to a hook-and-loop strapping system, and the 4.75-inch support in the back provides a premium surface for bracing. A two-year warranty ensures you’re well-equipped for plenty of workouts ahead.
These high-quality lasso straps are great for budding lifters. The reinforced stitching helps boost each strap’s durability, and the cotton makeup easily grabs hold of barbell knurling to ensure you’re locked in for success. Learning how to wrap straps across a bar is a good skill to have, especially if you have aspirations of taking your workouts into more specialized territories.
For beginners, starting with a constrictive, rigid knee sleeve can be intimidating. These 3mm options from Rehband can provide the right amount of support and fit without feeling too snug or awkward during movement. We also appreciate the contoured shape of these sleeves that sits flush with the leg for added comfort as you learn and grow in the weight room.
If you think your weight totals don’t justify a pair of lifting straps, yet you still want some added comfort and grip across your palms, consider these winning mitts from Under Armour’s Project Rock collection. An elastic wrist wrap helps stabilize the wrists during presses, and a convenient brushed fleece thumb is ideal for mopping sweat from your brow mid-workout.
