When it comes to building muscle, a little pain is a good thing. As your muscles get worn down from working out, they rebuild stronger than they were before. But there’s good kind of breaking down and a bad kind. Muscle soreness is a sign of hard work. Joint soreness? That’s the bad kind of hurt. Sure, it’s nothing new for regular athletes and fitness enthusiasts, but it can cause problems with your routine. More importantly, it can be reduced.
One of the key ways to reduce joint pain while lifting or doing other activities is taking care of yourself. Properly warming up is key, as is allowing adequate time for different parts of your body to recover. And if you’re lifting weights, especially powerlifting, good form is crucial in preventing injury. But even athletes who use proper form and drink plenty of water can experience joint pain. That’s where knee sleeves come in.
Compression knee sleeves for weight lifting can go a long way in fortifying and providing support to your knees while lifting. In addition to providing structured support, compression shorts can potentially improve blood flow. Knee sleeves are especially great for squats, but they work for other exercises, too. Some people use them for cardio. They can potentially help with any sports that can be hard on the knees like running. These are the knee sleeves for weightlifting to get.
1. POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve
These compression sleeves are a great option for a variety of workouts, and they come in several sizes to suit men and women. They feature a unique textured pattern and come in a variety of colors. The textured design isn’t just for looks, though — they help apply differing compression to different parts of the joint. The ends of the sleeves feature a silicone gel that grips the skin to prevent slippage.
Pros: Applies different amounts of pressure to different parts of the knee. Silicone gel grips the thigh and calf for a secure fit. Breathable material.
Cons: Some may prefer more intense compression.
2. Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves
These sleeves are made out of a flexible neoprene material that provides effective compression and support without limiting motion. The upper seam of the sleeves features a grippy silicone lining that prevents the sleeves from slipping or rolling over. The sleeves are black, but they’re available with contrast stitching for a more eye-catching look.
Pros: Thick neoprene material provides support, grippy silicone lining to hold it in place.
Cons: Somewhat expensive.
3. ProFitness Knee Sleeve Squat Support
These sleeves are made out of a thick neoprene material that provides support, while potentially helping to reduce pain. These sleeves were specifically designed with weight lifting, powerlifting and cross-training in mind. The neoprene sleeves also have contrast stitching for reinforcement at points that can get strained.
Pros: Sturdy, thick neoprene material. Available in three colors.
Cons: May be too tight for some.