5 Weightlifting Workout Essentials (And 3 Occasional Items) You Cannot Do Without 

Weightlifting or strength training is a great way to build muscle mass. It’s also an effective way to enter a metabolic state where you burn calories even while resting. 

The New York Times even published an article on how one’s workout routine is incomplete without strength training sessions. On average, two 15 to 20-minute sessions are required weekly for improved health. 

Are you new to this physical activity? If yes, then you need to know the entire list of essentials and occasional items needed for successful training sessions. In this article, we will discuss all such items in detail. 

Everyday Essentials You Need for Strength Training 

Statista found that 22.4% of men in the US participated in some form of physical exercise in 2023. The following everyday essentials are needed for those commencing with strength or resistance training. 

Gym Shorts 

We hope you were not planning to begin your strength training sessions in regular trousers. Men’s gym shorts are standard for all physical training sessions but any shorts won’t do. 

You need a pair that is made using durable and lightweight fabric. It’s best if the shorts can pass the Standard 100 label. According to ASRV, this label is certified for having passed safety tests for the presence of harmful substances. 

Furthermore, if the shorts are treated with a durable water repellent, they will be water-resistant. Also, look for a pair that comes equipped with quick-dry dispersion capabilities. After all, your strength training sessions will be sweaty. 

Constrictor Wrist Wraps 

When you are bench pressing, you cannot rely on your basic gym attire. You will also need constrictor wrist wraps to maintain your wrists in a straight neutral position. 

Since you’re also starting, these are a must. Your wrists are likely not used to the pressure they will feel while lifting weights. Those with weak wrists may experience intense pain if not for the added support of wrist wraps. 

Tube Socks 

The compound exercise of deadlifting, as beneficial as it may be, can become disastrous for your legs. It is known to scrape the shin and the injury can sometimes be serious. 

Now, this may be due to other reasons like incorrect setup or inefficient pull. However, you need to use proper safety measures, and in this case, it would involve using a pair of tube socks. They will act as shin guards, especially the 25-inch knee-high socks. 

Weightlifting Shoes 

We would not recommend going for weightlifting sessions in your regular shoes. You should consider investing in a pair of weightlifting shoes, and there are a few reasons for it – 

• Such shoes have an incompressible sole designed for maximum force transmission during lifts. Think of it this way – would you want to squat on a mattress or a hard floor? The latter will provide a more efficient lift. Your regular running shoes will act as a mattress. 
• Weightlifting shoes also have an elevated heel which also leads to an efficient lift. 
• Finally, these shoes have a metatarsal strap for added stability. In other words, your legs will not move around inside the shoe while you’re lifting weights. 

Knee Sleeves 

Another item you must carry along for every weightlifting session is knee sleeves. They are particularly useful for squatting, keeping your joints warm and safe as you heft 250 pounds on your back. 

Keep in mind that the sleeves should not be so tight that they cut off circulation to your legs. On the other hand, they should not be too loose either. The purpose is to have them act as an aid to the lifting process, and not just as knee support. 

Occasional Items That Help You Stay Outfitted and Equipped 

Before we jump into the occasional items you may need for your strength training sessions, let’s clarify why a t-shirt is not there on the list above. This is one garment where you are free to just put on any old cotton-poly variety. 

Can you choose a performance t-shirt that wicks moisture? Absolutely, but that’s not a requirement. It all depends on your level of comfort and liking. Now, let’s dive into the three occasional must-haves. 

Slingshot Hammy Bands 

One risk associated with regular squats is that of adductor tendonitis. This condition leads to pain and discomfort in the groin area. You may experience a sense of tightness there that makes it difficult to get down to much depth. 

For most new strength trainers, this problem may arise, even if it’s not chronic. During those days, you will require a slingshot hammy band. It can help reverse the problem and the compression helps reduce any discomfort associated with squatting. 

Slingshot Elbow Cuff 

This is something you may need while bench-pressing now and then. Much like the risk associated with squatting, bench-pressing may lead to bicep tendonitis. It is a dull ache that often develops in the inner elbow. 

Like the above problem, bicep tendonitis may not be a continuous but rather an occasional flare-up. When your elbow gets a bit cranky, put on a slingshot elbow cuff. The compression from the cuff will help reduce the pain. 

Lifting Straps 

You will not have to lift the same weight perpetually. As your deadlifts get heavier, you may require what is known as lifting straps. They are usually used for weight sets of 400 pounds or more. 

You can lift that much weight without worrying about losing your grip. These straps are available in all kinds of materials, including leather, cotton, and belt webbing. Try out each kind and see which one seems the most comfortable. 

With the essentials we just discussed, we wish you the very best on your strength training journey. On a final note, focus on increasing the volume of your workout. Studies have found that this is key to growth, both in terms of size and strength gains. In short, simply increasing the time of each session won’t fetch you the desired results.