Summary Lifting supports, such as wrist wraps, lifting belts, and knee sleeves, are commonly used for strength training and heavy lifting, but their role in cardio workouts may not be as clear. This guide explores whether lifting supports are beneficial during cardio exercises and how they can support your workout routine for maximum comfort and injury prevention. Description When to Use Lifting Supports During Cardio Knee Sleeves for High-Impact Cardio If you're doing high-impact cardio activities such as running, jumping, or HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), knee sleeves can provide compression and support to protect your knees from strain. The compression from knee sleeves helps improve circulation and reduce joint stress, which can be beneficial during repetitive movements. Wrist Wraps for Cardio With Weights During cardio exercises that involve weights (such as kettlebell swings, battle ropes, or medicine ball throws), wrist wraps can provide additional wrist stability. These wraps ensure your wrists are supported while lifting, helping prevent injuries during dynamic movements. Lifting Belts for Core Stability in Cardio While lifting belts are not usually necessary for typical cardio activities, they can be beneficial during certain forms of cardio that involve heavy lifting or core engagement, like sled pushes or heavy rope climbs. The belt helps support your lower back and maintain good posture while engaging in intense, core-heavy cardio exercises. Compression Sleeves for Arm and Elbow Support Cardio activities that involve repetitive arm movement, such as rowing, cycling, or swimming, may benefit from elbow compression sleeves. These sleeves help reduce muscle fatigue and increase circulation, preventing elbow strain and enhancing endurance. When Not to Use Lifting Supports Low-Impact Cardio For low-impact cardio activities like walking or light cycling, lifting supports are generally unnecessary unless you're dealing with a previous injury. These exercises don’t typically place significant stress on your joints, so using lifting supports in these cases may hinder mobility without providing any added benefit. Excessive Support Can Limit Mobility Some lifting supports, such as thick lifting belts or very tight knee wraps, may restrict your movement and make certain cardio exercises uncomfortable. It’s important to choose supports that offer sufficient flexibility and range of motion for cardio-based activities. Key Considerations Your Activity Type If your cardio workout includes weightlifting components (such as circuit training), lifting supports like wrist wraps or lifting belts may offer benefits for injury prevention and muscle stabilization. For purely cardiovascular exercises without resistance training, the need for lifting supports is minimal unless you have a pre-existing injury or joint issue. Fit and Comfort Choose lifting supports that are lightweight, breathable, and adjustable to ensure comfort during extended cardio sessions. Tight or bulky supports can become uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time. Injury Prevention If you're recovering from an injury or have a history of joint pain, wearing lifting supports during cardio can help reduce the risk of re-injury or strain.
