Wrist Wraps vs Wrist Straps

Jan. 17, 2023

Wrist wraps and wrist straps are both used to support the wrists during weightlifting and other strength training exercises. However, they serve slightly different purposes and have different features.

Wrist wraps are typically made of a stretchy material, such as elastic or neoprene, and are worn tightly around the wrists to provide extra support and stability. They are often used to help prevent injury and provide support during heavy lifting.

Wrist straps, on the other hand, are typically made of a heavy-duty fabric, such as nylon, and are worn around the wrist and the barbell or dumbbell. They are used to assist in gripping the weight, and can help prevent fatigue and injury to the hands and wrists.

In summary, wrist wraps are used to provide extra support and stability to the wrists, while wrist straps are used to assist in gripping the weight and to prevent fatigue and injury to the hands and wrists.

We've pointed out all the differences between wrist wraps and wrist straps, their pros and cons, the best time to use them, and whether you need them. Read on to find out our thoughts on Wrist Wraps vs Wrist Straps:

Wrist Wraps

The wrist wraps around the wrist to keep it secure. They provide safety while pressing due to possible hyperextension of the wrist. Their purpose is to keep your wrist neutral. The goal is to prevent the wrist from bending backwards or forwards when lifting weights by taking the elastic material of the wrap and stretching it around the wrist to create a cast-like structure.

When Are Wrist Wraps Used?

They can be used for exercises such as:

Bench press: Wrist wraps can help to keep the wrists in a neutral position during the bench press, which can help to reduce stress on the tendons and ligaments.

Overhead press: Wrist wraps can help to provide extra support to the wrists during overhead press, which can help to prevent injury and allow you to lift more weight.

Advantages of Wrist wraps

ㆍReduced stress on tendons and ligaments

ㆍCheap price.

ㆍLong lasting. 

ㆍEase to use

ㆍIncreased workout volume

ㆍIncreased muscle activation

Disdvantages of Wrist Wraps

ㆍThey may be uncomfortable at first because of the tightness around your arm.

ㆍLimited muscle activation: Using wrist wraps may limit muscle activation in the hand and wrist muscles, which can affect muscle growth and strength.

ㆍCotton wrist wraps don't provide enough support if not used properly. 

Wrist Straps

Wrist straps are a type of fitness equipment that is worn around the wrist and the barbell or dumbbell during weightlifting and other strength training exercises. They are typically made of a heavy-duty fabric, such as nylon, and have a loop that is wrapped around the barbell or dumbbell and a strap that wraps around the wrist.

The purpose of wrist straps is to assist in gripping the weight, especially for exercises that require a lot of grip strength such as deadlifts, rows, pull-ups. It helps to reduce the stress on the hand and wrist muscles and can help prevent fatigue and injury. They are particularly useful for people who have weak hand grip and for those who want to focus on lifting heavy weights.

Why Use the Wrist Straps

Here are a few reasons why you might use wrist straps:

Weak grip strength: If you have weak hand grip, wrist straps can help you lift heavier weights and perform exercises that would otherwise be difficult.

Heavy lifting: If you're focusing on lifting heavy weights, wrist straps can help you grip the weight more easily and effectively, allowing you to lift more weight with less strain on your hands and wrists.

Preventing injury: Wrist straps can help to prevent injury by providing support and stability to the wrists during heavy lifting.

Improving form: Wrist straps can help improve form by allowing you to focus on the muscles you are trying to work, rather than struggling to grip the weight.

Increased workout volume: By using wrist straps, you can increase the volume of your workout by allowing you to perform more reps or sets with heavier weights, this will help to increase muscle size and strength.

Wrist straps advantages

Wrist straps have several advantages when it comes to weightlifting and other strength training exercises. Here are a few examples:

ㆍIncreased grip strength

ㆍHeavy lifting.

ㆍPreventing injury. 

ㆍImproving form

ㆍIncreased workout volume

ㆍIncreased muscle activation

ㆍEase of use

ㆍVersatility

Wrist Strap disadvantages

ㆍReduced proprioception: Wrist straps can reduce proprioception, which is the ability to sense the position and movement of the body. This can affect balance and coordination.

ㆍRisk of overuse injury: Overuse of wrist straps can lead to overuse injuries such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

ㆍReduced grip strength: Overreliance on wrist straps can lead to reduced grip strength, as the muscles in the hands and wrists are not being fully engaged during exercises. 

ㆍNot suitable for all exercises: Wrist straps are most beneficial for exercises that work the back and upper body, they are not suitable for exercises that specifically target the hand and wrist muscles.

At last

The difference between wrist wraps and wrist straps is that wrist straps increase the gripping ability, and wrist wraps stabilize the wrist joint when under load. It is important to use wrist wraps with caution and not to rely on them too much. It is also important to focus on developing wrist strength by using exercises such as wrist extensions and flexions, and not to use them for all exercises.