Below are 5 items all lifters should pick up before getting into lifting. None of these items are too expensive and all of them will help you learn how to lift and avoid injury while doing so.
Please Note: I am listing products that are good but not the best out there. I think it would be foolish to drop a crazy amount of money on something you are just getting into. Later on I will post a list of equipment for more experienced lifters that will include some more higher end items.
#1
BELT
Everyone should have a belt of their own. Our 2 clubs keep a few on hand but with all the different styles and sizes I just can dedicate enough space to hang a belt that fits everyone's needs. This is a MUST HAVE for all lifters. Even our school program has belts but they're not great and for a 1 time investment you can own your own belt that fits perfectly.
#2
DEADLIFT WRAPS
If you are doing our program than you better be ready to deadlift often and heavy. Typically, I only allow wraps near the end of a routine when the grip is giving out but the back is still strong. Standard Deadlift progression for a workout is first Double Overhand - Then Mixed Grip - then end with Double Overhand with Wraps.
Don't get too hooked on using wraps too often but anytime you are going for something BIG these come in handy.
#3
Sneakers
Your level of commitment and maturity in the weight room really stands out here. While you can train in any type of athletic sneaker you will find that Running Shoes and Basketball Shoes are terrible for compound lifts. They aren't flat enough and are too squishy. Once you are squatting over 200lbs the weight of the bar is pressing into your sneakers too much making your ankles cave in.
Solution: Keep Chucks in your bag. They're not too expensive and will last for a full high school career and probably longer. I think I'm up to year 8 with my current pair and they still feel brand new.
#4
Foam Roller and other rehab tools
These you should keep at home but use often. Between your sport and your lifting there is no way that your body won't start falling apart. Some of our athletes are training 15 or more hours a week. The best way to avoid injury while continuing to get better each week is to self-rehab. This blog features a few post regarding items I suggest buying but this is the most basic.
#5
Knee Sleeves
Sleeves are the least seen item with our athletes but something I am always pushing the kids to get. Protect your knees early and learn how to properly use these. For my own lifts, I prefer sleeves over wraps but every lifter is different. For athletes, I rarely suggest wraps because the average kid just isn't going to understand how to use them properly. Sleeves are easy and hard to mess up with. Definitely buy them!
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