Squats - do you always wrap your knees?

[bigi]

Well, I am 40 no matter how to look at it...

I do squats ~3 times a week / 4-5 sets. Nothing crazy - top weight 200-220.

Question should I wrap my knees for all weights, even the worm ups with the bar or only for the heavy sets?

Does it really matter?

 

[pauldun170]

I'm in the same age range.
I never wrap my knees nor do I use any belt or assistance.

If your knees hurt during squats your routine and your form may be the culprit, especially at the weight you are at.

 

[TallBill]

I'm 30 and have had very minor knee problems (no surgery or anything) and never wrap.

5x5x325 was last weeks set. I've squatted 3x a week before, what kind of reps/sets are you doing?

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

3x a week? Why?

If you're worried about wear and tear squat once about every 4 days. You'll still make gains at least the kind you are concerned about as you aren't some Olympic weightlifter.

 

[smackababy]

Well, I am 40 no matter how to look at it...

If I look at it in dog years, you're not 40!


Seriously though, I never wrap my knees, but I only do one day of heavy set and one day of 'light' squats a week.

 

[blackdogdeek]

I turn 43 in October and I never wrap my knees but I only do squats perhaps once a week and my 1RM is only 300#.

 

[bigi]

3x a week because it is relatively light (I am 235lbs), just to stay in shape

My knees don't hurt, but I've found that once my knees are wrapped it is quite easier to lift.

 

[taq8ojh]

Wrapping your knees when lifting non-extreme weights (such as those you see in powerlifting competitions) is really bad idea, just like using a belt. You're essentially weakening the body, which would otherwise adapt to the load, and it could end up with an injury when using much lower weight, or while doing something completely different (I don't know, like running or something).

I threw away all the gear and am still doing well. Haven't even used a belt for two years.

 

[Maleficus]

I have exploding knees syndrome, as such I always use my TK bands.

 

[Malfeas]

I use Rehband knee sleeves for my work sets, they are pretty good and durable. I used to use TK knee sleeves, but I went through 3 pairs in a year, they tend to tear easily. Rehbands are easier to put on and take off, and last much longer. TK sleeves feel much better though, IMO.

Wearing TK sleeves is like putting your knee is the tightest, hottest, wettest pussy imaginable -> amazing, Rehbands feel like putting your knee in someones hairy armpit -> still hot and sweaty and a little tight, but no where near as good.

 

[smackababy]

Wearing TK sleeves is like putting your knee is the tightest, hottest, wettest pussy imaginable -> amazing, Rehbands feel like putting your knee in someones hairy armpit -> still hot and sweaty and a little tight, but no where near as good.

I can't imagine getting much pleasure from putting my knee in a vagina. =(

 

[taq8ojh]

lmfao, both of you

 

[bigi]

Wrapping your knees when lifting non-extreme weights (such as those you see in powerlifting competitions) is really bad idea, just like using a belt. You're essentially weakening the body, which would otherwise adapt to the load, and it could end up with an injury when using much lower weight, or while doing something completely different (I don't know, like running or something).

I threw away all the gear and am still doing well. Haven't even used a belt for two years.

Nazdar, I guess...

Interesting point. I actually have dropped the idea of using the belt for light sets. I may get out of using the wraps as well. We'll see.

 

[taq8ojh]

Haha
I only use the belt when I am trying for some sort of max (which also happens very rarely), but otherwise I don't see much
point. And ever since I started working on my core a lot, I don't even feel I need it. In my eyes, it gives you false feeling of being safe.

 

[Sluggo]

Put me in the same boat as just about everyone else.

48
315ish 1RM on squats.
never wrap or wear a belt, never have.

 

[Tecnico1931]

every one is different try with and with out if you e you need it after then use them.

 

[classy]

You should wrap when you go heavy. When I go above 275 I wrap. Today I went up to 425 for 3, you damn right, I wrapped.

 

[Zivic]

You should wrap when you go heavy. When I go above 275 I wrap. Today I went up to 425 for 3, you damn right, I wrapped.

above 275 you wrap??? OK, 'maybe' at your set of 425 for 3, but only because I consider anything less than 4 reps a sort of max out day.

If you guys are doing less than 450-500, there is no reason to wrap.

Right now a lot of my workouts are in the 350-415 range (7-10 reps)... no belt no wraps. I will get to about 500 or so in the winter for 5-7 reps... guess what, no belt, no wraps....

wraps are a crutch that are keeping you from getting the full benefit of squats. I bet all those that are wrapping, have no issue going over to the leg extension machine and bust out reps without a second thought.

stats:
34 yrs old
210-215 bodyweight - winter will be 10-15 heavier
5'8"

 

[classy]

above 275 you wrap??? OK, 'maybe' at your set of 425 for 3, but only because I consider anything less than 4 reps a sort of max out day.

If you guys are doing less than 450-500, there is no reason to wrap.

Right now a lot of my workouts are in the 350-415 range (7-10 reps)... no belt no wraps. I will get to about 500 or so in the winter for 5-7 reps... guess what, no belt, no wraps....

wraps are a crutch that are keeping you from getting the full benefit of squats. I bet all those that are wrapping, have no issue going over to the leg extension machine and bust out reps without a second thought.

stats:
34 yrs old
210-215 bodyweight - winter will be 10-15 heavier
5'8"

LOL

I would luv to see the video. No belt or wraps, for reps...................okay

Most 500 lb squatters at least wear a belt and most are even quite a bit bigger than you. Go over to youtube, I bet for every video you find of dudes doing 500, you would be hard pressed to find 1 out of 15 or even 20 who is not using anything. And almost all of them are bigger than you. There are some dudes hitting some big numbers, but most are using gear.

Full benefit of squats? Some of the most impressive men to ever walk this earth, development off the damn richter scale, used wraps, belts, straps, chalk, smelling sauce (lol). Give me a break. See I am not trying to sound impressive and I believe in using things that will help keep you healthy so you lift at 34, 44, 54, 64, 74 and beyond. Trying to be cute or trying sound cool is not in my vocabulary.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

LOL

I would luv to see the video. No belt or wraps, for reps...................okay

Most 500 lb squatters at least wear a belt and are even quite a bit bigger than you. Go over to youtube, I bet for every video you find of dudes doing 500, you would hard pressed to find 1 out 15 or even 20 who is not using anything. And almost all of them are quite a bit bigger than you. There are some dudes hitting some big numbers, but they are using gear.

He's the powerlifting snob around these parts. "You don't lift a certain amount? You must not be a good father." You know, those kind of conclusions that are insane. It doesn't matter what weight you lift, knee wraps are designed for those who are moreso training in the big lifts for powerlifting. For competition, using equipment is sport specific. They're typically mis-used by people who have certain weaknesses or limitations and they use the wraps, belt, or suit for things that need to be otherwise addressed.

 

[classy]

And let me add one tid bit, Z you are an exception to the rule, not the norm. So a person of your caliber can safely challenge those limits without maybe using gear, but the rest of the 95% who go in the gym will get hurt and never ever lift again. That's why the push of that mentality is stupid and dangerous.

 

[Zivic]

LOL

I would luv to see the video. No belt or wraps, for reps...................okay

Most 500 lb squatters at least wear a belt and most are even quite a bit bigger than you. Go over to youtube, I bet for every video you find of dudes doing 500, you would be hard pressed to find 1 out of 15 or even 20 who is not using anything. And almost all of them are bigger than you. There are some dudes hitting some big numbers, but most are using gear.

Full benefit of squats? Some of the most impressive men to ever walk this earth, development off the damn richter scale, used wraps, belts, straps, chalk, smelling sauce (lol). Give me a break. See I am not trying to sound impressive and I believe in using things that will help keep you healthy so you lift at 34, 44, 54, 64, 74 and beyond. Trying to be cute or trying sound cool is not in my vocabulary.

I have used rehband sleeves recently. not in my stronger days though. only problem with my knees is not enough stretching. my tendons get tight and turn my knees in. my chiro can fix it pretty quick, but unless I stretch, I usually have some aching due to it. especially with my work.

not to be a snob, but I look around the gym and not many can do what I do... mainly because they 1.) never try 2.) don't think they can. I am nothing special. I am a merely pointing out wrapping your knees in the 300's is pointless. One fellow I workout with will wrap at 4 plates and I give him sh1t about it. he was repping 465 with me one day with no issues... so not sure if he just forget them that day or what.

 

[Zivic]

He's the powerlifting snob around these parts. "You don't lift a certain amount? You must not be a good father." You know, those kind of conclusions that are insane. It doesn't matter what weight you lift, knee wraps are designed for those who are moreso training in the big lifts for powerlifting. For competition, using equipment is sport specific. They're typically mis-used by people who have certain weaknesses or limitations and they use the wraps, belt, or suit for things that need to be otherwise addressed.

Your second part is it. Its equipment used for your big lifts, not for training with on a regular basis. If you squat 275 @ a bw of 105 then go ahead and wrap.

I encourage anyone here that calls me a snob, arrogant, @sshole, full of sh1t.. Whatever... To contact me if you are ever in the twin cities and we can hit the gym together.

 

[Zivic]

And let me add one tid bit, Z you are an exception to the rule, not the norm. So a person of your caliber can safely challenge those limits without maybe using gear, but the rest of the 95% who go in the gym will get hurt and never ever lift again. That's why the push of that mentality is stupid and dangerous.

I am taking this as a compliment. Thank you.

Here's the thing... Something like 80% of the population doesn't even workout. Out of the 20% that do 80% don't squat... And out of the 20% that do squat, maybe 10% of those actually squat. Not smith machine squats, not 1/4, not 1/2, or 2/3 squats, but actual squats... So call me surprised at the responses here. I doubt the majority of those that respond about wrapping or squats in general actual squat... Regardless of weight. <- that's where my "snobby" attitude comes from

 

[Whisper]

I'll do squats typically twice a week: once for 3x10 box squats at ~225 on what's otherwise my "shoulder day," and once on "leg day" for 5x5 of anywhere from 275 to 295. And yes, squats are my absolute worst exercise weight-wise, particularly considering they're barely (if at all) heavier than my bench.

I never wrap or use a belt, though, especially at those weights, and have never had a problem.