Knee wraps are long lengths of dynamic, stretchy material that are worn around the knees for support when performing leg exercises like squats, leg presses or leg extensions. These wraps, simply put, transfer some of the workload from the leg muscles to the wraps themselves. Knee wraps come in various lengths, typically around 2 or 2.5 meters, and are made from a variety of materials. So, how do you shop for them?
What to Look for
The first thing to consider with any exercise tool like knee wraps is the level of your training and the purpose for the product. When it comes to knee wraps, determine what level of activity you'll need them for. For extreme circumstances like competitive powerlifting or very heavy, low-rep weightlifting, you'll want to look at the rubber strand designed products, or those products with their own synthetic proprietary materials. For lower-rep, lighter weight training, sleeves (slipped up over the knee like a brace instead of wrapped) are a good place to start.
Common Pitfalls
The most common mistake in purchasing knee wraps occurs when someone who doesn't need wraps buys and uses them anyway. Unless you are a competitive or well-advanced athlete--or, perhaps, if you are in rehabilitation for an injury and were told by a doctor to wear wraps--knee support can actually hinder a regular person's progress. Wraps remove workload from the muscles around the knee, which for an average athlete is counterproductive. We non-competitive fitness enthusiasts perform leg exercises specifically to work the leg muscles, and a knee wrap will only garner us less benefit for our effort.
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