There are some exercise physiologists, personal trainers and coaches who firmly believe that wrist support for weight lifting is a necessity that is crucial for injury prevention.  Still others feel just the opposite that using the “crutch” of weight lifting gloves with wrist support actually can lead to the atrophy of hand and wrist muscles or slow development. So who’s right?

Wrist Tendinitis

Usually someone looking for weight lifting gloves with wrist support has experienced some catalyst to warrant the search.  Often times a common wrist injury like Wrist Tendinitis is is the motivation.  Tendons are the thick “cords” of soft tissue that connect the muscle to the bone.  Inflammation and irritation can occur resulting in pain and tenderness of the area.  Wrist Tendinitis is commonly a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI),  and can be addressed by modifying the movement, correcting improper form, and / or providing adequate wrist support (i.e. wrist support gloves for working out).

Weight Lifting Gloves with Wrist Support

Pros:

These gloves are usually heavy duty in construction.  They’re not simply just a workout glove with an added strap of fabric or elastic, but they are designed differently than most half finger workout gloves.  The goal is to provide the user with additional wrist support for when lifting heavy weights.  For the average gymrat however, this type of equipment or glove isn’t necessary.  While you may think that you’re being a beast in the weight room and pounding out monster sets, you’re likely only working at about 70% of your actual capacity. ( see How Do I Calculate One Rep Max).  For those of you who are power lifters, you will definitely see a benefit from the added support and stabilization that gloves with wrist support can offer.

Cons:

There’s a lot of extra material on these gloves which makes them hotter to wear and they also tend to inhibit movement.  In other words, they’re just plain bulky. Again, unless you’re really lifting at the frequency (repetition) and level (max) of a hardcore bodybuilder… you just don’t need these.

It’s more likely that the wrist pain you’re experiencing is from lack of grip and forearm strength than it is poor wrist mobility.

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