Put on wrist wraps as follows: hook the loop over your thumb, wrap the wrap tightly around your wrist (half above and half below the wrist joint), fasten the hook-and-loop closure, and remove the loop from your thumb. The wrap should feel tight but not cause numbness. Putting on wrist wraps correctly takes a few seconds and immediately provides more wrist support.
Why you should put on your wrist wraps correctly
Wrist wraps protect your wrists during heavy pressing and overhead movements. But they only work if you put them in the right position with the right amount of tension. Putting on wrist wraps incorrectly — too loosely, too high on the forearm, or directly over the joint — eliminates most of the support. That is why it is worth learning how to do it properly once.
Putting on wrist wraps in 5 steps
- Secure the thumb loop: slide the loop over your thumb so the wrap stays in place while wrapping.
- Determine the position: position the top of the wrap at the level of your wrist joint.
- Wrap tightly: wrap the wrap around your wrist with firm tension, half above and half below the joint.
- Fasten: press the hook-and-loop closure firmly into place.
- Remove the loop: take off the thumb loop so your thumb can move freely.
See which wrist wraps suit you and learn what to look for when buying wrist wraps.
How tight should wrist wraps be?
When putting on wrist wraps, the rule is: tight enough to feel supported, but not so tight that your fingers tingle or turn white. Wrap them tighter for your heaviest sets; between sets, loosen them to restore blood flow. This way, you maintain both support and comfort.
Conclusion: putting on wrist wraps
Putting on wrist wraps is simple once you know the pattern: thumb loop, wrap tightly around the joint, fasten, and remove the loop. Pay particular attention to positioning it halfway over the wrist joint and to the right tension. If you put on your wrist wraps this way, you’ll get maximum wrist support during bench presses, overhead presses, and other heavy movements - exactly what wrist wraps are designed for.
Frequently asked questions about putting on wrist wraps
How do you put on wrist wraps correctly?
First hook the loop around your thumb so the wrap stays in place. Then wrap it tightly around your wrist, with half above and half below your wrist joint, and fasten the Velcro securely. Remove the thumb loop afterward. This ensures that the wrist wraps support the joint precisely and don’t slip during your set.
How tight should wrist wraps be?
Wrist wraps should be tight enough for you to feel clear support, but not so tight that your fingers start tingling or turn white. For maximum-effort sets, wrap them a little tighter, and for lighter sets, a little looser. Loosen the wraps between sets so your blood flow can recover and your wrists remain comfortable throughout your workout.
Where on your wrist should you put wrist wraps?
Position the wrap so that half of it sits above and half below your wrist joint. If you place it too high on your forearm, it won’t support the joint; placing it directly on the joint can restrict movement. Centering the wrap over the joint gives your wrist the stability you need for heavy pressing and overhead exercises.
Should you leave your wrist wraps on between sets?
It’s best not to. Tightly fastened wrist wraps restrict blood flow, so loosen them between sets and wrap them again just before your next set. This gives you maximum support while lifting and keeps your wrists and hands comfortable. For light exercises in between, you usually don’t need the wraps at all.
