Hand wraps are an essential element when sparing and boxing, as they help protect the bones and tendons in the hand. Hand wraps support the wrist and thumb, providing more stability when punching while also helping to maintain the alignment of the joints. In addition, the benefit of hand wraps is that they compress the bones and soft tissues in the hand, allowing you to hit with force while lessening the impact of contact. Wrap your hands before working to lessen the possibility of sprains and fractures and protect the fifth metacarpal, an extremely vulnerable area for boxers. Hand wraps are wrapped around the wrist, palm, and base of the thumb and can be wrapped in whatever method you find most comfortable and effective. Once your hands are wrapped properly, boxing gloves may then be placed over them.
What to Look for
The conventional model of hand wrap is a cotton herringbone wrap, also known as Mexican style due to the material often being manufactured in Mexico. These wraps are washable and designed for re-use. Mexican hand wraps can come in non-elastic or elastic form, contouring to the hand once in place with the addition of a Velcro closure. These hand wraps make an excellent choice for gym workouts. Look for a 120-inch length if you have small hands and 180 inches if you have medium or large hands. Other types of hand wraps include a gauze style, which is generally used by professionals who combine them with sports tape. These hand wraps are disposable and not practical for novice boxers or if you are doing a daily workout in the gym because they require another person to put them on for you. Hand wraps have a top and bottom and are usually marked with the words "this side down." Gel hand wraps are another alternative, providing extra cushioning for sensitive hands. Make sure when wrapping your hands you create a snug fit without cutting off circulation. Most hand wraps are available in varying colors and if they are not the disposable kind, can be machine washed and hung up to dry. To avoid tangling with other clothing, you can buy a hand wrap wash bag or use a nylon bag to separate them in the washing machine.
Common Pitfalls
Make sure you buy the correct length. If hand wraps are too long they can be bulky in your gloves because you have to wrap them too many times around your hands. Buy several hand wraps if you work out more than once or twice a week and wash them after each use. If you buy colored hand wraps, don't wash them with white clothes as the color on these often runs. Once they are dry, roll your hand wraps up so that they are ready for their next use.
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