Varied Not Random #38: Lifting Shoes, Belts, Knee Sleeves, etc. - Necessary or not?

[@bethdoran7704]

As an older woman (63) I am a regular user of grips for the pull-up bar. My skin just doesn’t seem to ever get tough enough but my grip is good enough to hold on…so I always use them. Just one more opinion in the thousands you will probably get. Enjoy your talks. Very basic and useful.

[@rhondawilson8665]

I agree with almost everything, but an added benefit of my knee sleeves is to muffle all the crunching sounds from my arthritis.

[@shainahayutin9463]

Thoughts on all the robot devices people wear on their wrists these days? Whoop, garmin, fitbits, apple etc. Would love to hear the rabbit hole on pros and cons of creating better body awareness regarding sleep, training etc.

[@JasonBoring]

Awesome conversation! Clearly you're both pretty minimalist but I'm wondering about a show continuing on this theme that maybe focuses on recovery devices and protocols. I'm thinking voodoo floss, tens devices, cold immersion, sauna etc.

[@emwalsh8]

Came here to post this same comment: what recovery tools does one "need"? And what do you use that is helpful? What items are high value to price ratio. Example: personally I think a lacrosse ball is super high value ratio.

[@johnday9975]

@@emwalsh8 Right on with the lax ball suggestion...and what about toe-spacers, haha? Those things look bizarre.

[@Ktmcg2289]

Good listen. I think like all I started as the "crossfit hero" fully decked out for each WoD. Over time I've whittled it down to gymnastic grips, wrist "socks", and a belt. I've used them less often over time.

[@ericheup8346]

Grip conversion on pull-up bar is so valuable. Thank you for that.

[@jasonmateer5462]

For me (male, 51, 184lbs) I'll only use 'kit' when it's very high rep (grips or chalk), pushing limits/thresholds (85%+, belt on deadlift and back squat only, maybe C&J heavy pulls if I'm doubting my back) or for oly lifting classes (shoes, a bit of chalk). I have used 'kit' when coming back from injury (wrist/knee), and gradually weaning off completely as the injury recovers. So for 95+% of my standard CrossFit (not oly) training, I don't use any 'kit' but I do think it has it's place from time to time. I'm really enjoying these in depth discussions by the way so many thanks for that.

[@thordiskarlsdottir3602]

Thank you guys for this information. I agree totally with you. The most I learned from you though in this video is that I need to work on my grip strength and technique!

[@bradvanwynsberghe1548]

Thanks guys. Lots of good info. Question on the gymnastics grips. I’ve always watched others that don’t use grips and wish I could get rid of mine. What’s the best ways to take care of your hands to help avoid rips and tears?

[@rosedobbin2121]

Good video...definitely not a CrossFit athlete but this helps me rationalize why it's best to just work on form and mobility. I use tape and grips but I acknowledge that the use of grips on my part is definitely due to having a weak grip.

[@nolancunningham7484]

What about type of cross training shoe? (Not just lifting shoe but generalist for cross training)

[@natedawg4531]

Sup guys! I love this show…always have! Gymnastic grips - added note - most people (myself included) use grips in part to prevent tearing - but also in a larger part, to make up for a weak ass grip! Truth be told, most “generalists” just need to improve grip strength. Also noteworthy and found in the games rulebook for the open, for pull ups, you can only either have tape on a pull up bar, or use of gymnastics grips…but not both. When you combine those two together….you can almost hang on the bar forever - well past your ability to kip out 50 pull ups.

[@DrRichardNorris]

I'm with Boz. I'm 58 and been Crossfitting since 2015 I use no gear, no grips (ripped only 3 times mildly), not even chalk (except when my hands getting sweaty which here in Scotland is rare!). Like the swimmers I coach...not all gear solves mechanics and sometimes is a detriment.

[@antoniomaceo4706]

I guess I'm more minimalist than most. I dont use belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, tape or barely even chalk. I do use grips as they just are hands down a different game to stay on the bar for big sets.

[@worldwideachievers1234]

Great info guys. New subscriber here 👌

[@richardwithee2845]

Can you guys do an episode on gripping the pull up bar? I don't want to use grips, but man do my hands callus and get extremely sore. I shave my calluses and use O'Keefe's working hands religiously, but my hands get destroyed.

[@jeffreyscott1909]

How about a jump rope? i.e. having your own rope. How about running shoes? I would put these in the must have group, but was surprised that these were not on your list.

[@jeffreyscott1909]

If you could only have one pair of shoes, what type would they be? Crossfit? running? weightlifting? If you could have a second pair of shoes what type would they be?

[@joshpettit8516]

Tell me I don’t need my Whoop! That thing sucks!

[@timgibbons890]

I kept waiting for pull up bar wax to be brought up.

[@benital165]

👍👍👍

[@bradanderson3241]

Olympic lifting shoes provide better training value due to better muscle activation. More weight lifted in shoes equals greater training value. Again they activate the muscles needed for the movement to a superior level beyond other shoes. This comes from a sport scientist, weightlifter and biomechanist. I have used them for years practically and studied them in a lab. I use them for barbell movement in CrossFit but use shoes with quality orthotics for everyday WODS. Weight belts prevent the training activation needed to make gains where you need them. Super heavy maxes above 300 lbs it might be warranted but in general training to maximize training response the weight belt should not be used. Lifting straps should not be used ever for oly lifts. Lifting straps should only be used for deadlifts and if you are overloading the non-forearm muscles. Safety concerns associated with weight lifting straps with full motion oly lifts. Current scientific literature DOES not support any efficacy for mouth pieces. Someone is selling something and sells to the ignorance of the masses.

[@ChrisOhMy]

Ethan Hawke should do a CF movie and Adrian can be his "stunt double"

[@bradanderson3241]

Train how you fight. If you are using weightlifting shoes for max you should use weight lifting shoes. If you max in bare feet, you should train in bare feet.