Your Ally in Strength Training: Wrist Wraps for CrossFit

Weightlifting and Olympic lifts such as the clean, jerk, snatch (and all their variations)... are among the main movements included in CrossFit workouts.

In these types of movements where a lot of tension is generated from the hands to the threads it is advisable to use some protection to avoid possible injuries.

Besides having to use grips or gloves to protect your hands, it is advisable to protect your wrists with wrist wraps.

Additionally, wrist wraps will not only help with protection but, if you choose them well, you may even be able to raise your personal records.

As you know, the wrist is one of the most fragile parts of the arm and suffers most during training. If you lift heavy or are just starting and want to prevent possible injuries, you should add wrist wraps to your kit.

But... When should I put on wrist wraps? For what types of WODs? Can my wrists become weaker? When should I train without them? What types of wrist wraps exist? How can I know when to use one or another? Are fabric ones better or flexible ones?

All these questions are the ones we will answer in this essential guide for any CrossFit athlete or functional training practitioner.

What are wrist wraps for CrossFit?

What are wrist wraps for?

Wrist wraps are an essential element to prevent injuries. There are many types made from different materials: from patented textiles from the industrial footwear sector to nylon.

Many people are aware of hand protection due to calluses, but as you progress and lift heavier weights, wrist pain can appear.

They are necessary to avoid pain and protect the area in fast movements with high weights that require a lot of tension. An injury means being out of the box for a while, something nobody wants.

Reasons to use wrist wraps in CrossFit

• You will avoid possible wrist injuries.
• You will reduce pain during and after your training.
• You will increase your personal records in weightlifting exercises.
• Greater comfort when lifting heavy weights.
• Increases performance and improves grip.
• External protection in kettlebell overhead.

When should I use wrist wraps?

It is not always advisable to use them. First you should develop grip strength. Use them when you increase intensity (more weight, more repetitions) to maintain stability and avoid fatigue.

Ideally: warm up without them and put them on for sets with demanding weights. Using them always can lead to a loss of strength and limit the endurance of the flexors and extensors.

Which wrist wraps do I choose for CrossFit?

There are 2 main types: nylon and fabric. The choice depends on:

• Proper placement.
• The fit and tightening intensity.
• The adjustment method.

Flexible Nylon wrist wraps

Made with flexible materials, they provide medium support and adapt to movement.

1. Greater durability due to their high-quality nylon.
2. Ideal for WODs with many repetitions and medium weights.
3. Velcro closure for quick adjustment.

Rigid fabric wrist wraps (Velites Core)

Made with high-resistance fabrics from the footwear industry. Unlike cotton, they do not loosen during the WOD thanks to their double weave that grips on itself.

• High support even with maximal weights.
• Fine and quick pressure adjustment.
• Recommended for heavy weights and pure strength exercises.

How to adjust fabric wrist wraps (4 Steps)

1. Hook the loop over the thumb and pass it around the wrist while stretching.
2. Wrap the wrist and pull the strap.
3. Secure the strap by tucking it under itself.
4. Rotate the wrist wrap to adjust final pressure.

When to use each type?

To choose, consider weight and repetitions. Here is a quick guide:

Examples:

• Weightlifting (High Weight/Low Reps): Core wrist wraps.
• Gymnastics (Medium Weight/Medium Reps): Flexible wrist wrap or none.

WOD	Recommendation
KING KONG: Medium/high weights and few reps.	Flexible Nylon wrist wrap
100 THRUSTERS: High weight and medium reps.	Core wrist wrap

Using grips and wrist wraps at the same time

Yes, you can! First put on the wrist wrap and then the grip on top; in fact our grips already include wrist wraps as a gift.