- What is the best elbow braces for weightlifting and gym?
- Video: Elbow joint anatomy
- Types of elbow braces you should know about
- What are the most common elbow injuries in weightlifting and fitness?
- Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best elbow compression sleeves for weightlifting
- Are elbow compression sleeves for training in the gym really effective?
It's not easy to find a space that covers all your needs. To make a good choice, you need to consider a few things first. Compression elbow sleeves for weightlifting, powertlifting and fitness are not just any piece of clothing.
Knowing what a elbow brace is, what it is for, when it is needed, and even what its features are are just a few of the things you need to consider in order to make the perfect choice and get the best possible benefits.
What is the best elbow braces for weightlifting and gym?
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colors: Green, Pink and Black
- Material: Breathable
- Nº of Products: 2 Pieces
- Uses: Rehab and Sport
- Elastic Fabric
- Double Anti-Slip Silicone
- Ergonomic & Adjustable
- Sport Design
- Unisex
Ergonomic
Elastic Fabric
Various Colors
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Colours: 6 Options
- Material: Polyester
- No. of Products: Single
- Type of fastening: Closure with elastic straps and velcro
- Various colours
- Quality Velcro for better fit
- Breathable material
- Stretch fabric
- Very bulky
- Contains only one unit
Sprains will become a thing of the past because the professional strap can be placed on the elbow and adjusted according to your needs. Its velcro fastening prevents slippage, so you will have the possibility to wear this elastic support for as long as you want. Some buyers may be surprised that the product does not come with instructions on how to put the brace on and the internal seams may cause redness on the skin.
Bauerfeind - Unisex sports elbow brace for for Basketball and Kickback Sports with Joint Stability
- Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colours: 3 Options - Black, blue and pink
- Material: Styrene-ethylene copolymer
- No. of Products: Single
- Closure Type: None
- Comfortable thanks to silicone ring
- Quality workmanship
- Sold separately
Overuse in sports can lead to epicondylitis, so don't forget to wear this compressive garment when playing padel, tennis, golf or when recovering from an injury or medical treatment. The anatomical support may diminish over time due to washing and overuse. It may irritate the skin if there are wounds in the area.
- Sizes: S-M-L
- Colours: Black
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: Single
- Type of closure: None
- Suitable for men and women
- For any activity
- Good compression
- Lightweight design
- Small sizes
- Not suitable for washing machine
You can use it to increase sensation in your arm or to improve blood circulation, providing optimal, non-slip support for any task you perform. It doesn't matter if you wear it under your clothes when you go to work or over a garment, as its soft seams and pleasant material will not cause discomfort on your arm. Pay attention to the sizes described because you can choose a size small for you.
- Sizes: S-M-L
- Colours: Black and Red
- Material: Nylon, Neoprene and Polyester
- Number of Products: 2
- Type of closure: None
- Machine washable
- Strong support and breathable material
- Finishes to improve
Thanks to its nylon material, the splint manages to eliminate moisture keeping the skin away from irritation or itching. Its unique invisible seam system ensures that heat does not escape, which helps to stimulate blood circulation. It produces the desired therapeutic effect to reduce inflammation from injuries and treat elbow arthritis. Machine washable, but be careful as it may lose its anti-slip properties.
- Sizes: M-L-XL
- Colours: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of products: Single
- Type of closure: None
- Soothes aches and pains and promotes circulation
- Quality finish
- Soft and comfortable fabric
- Breathable material
- Large sizes
- Not suitable for washing machine
Its different sizes can be worn by men or women on either arm during sports, at work or at night. Don't miss out on one of the best elbow braces for value for money, but bear in mind that as it is not a rigid product it is not recommended for maintaining medical compression in tasks that require overloading the elbow.
- Sizes: S-XL
- Colours: Black and Blue
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of products: Single
- Type of closure: None
- Breathable material
- Quality finish
- Ideal for everyone
- Great support
- Few sizes
- Not suitable for washing machine
Freedom of movement of the elbow and increased sensitivity are important features offered by this sports bandage. You can wear it every day because its durable quality will always provide stability and pressure in strategic places. The compression exerted by its guides may impair blood circulation in some users with minor injuries.
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Colours: Blue
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of products: Single
- Closure type: Elastic straps and velcro closure
- Strong hold
- Strap for better fit
- One size large
The optimal support exerts the necessary pressure to maintain muscle control and obtain range of motion in every daily task. Its universal size can be worn by both men and women on both arms and its adjustable strap prevents slippage. Please note that for some epicondylitis injuries the pressure exerted is insufficient.
- Sizes: XS-S-M-L
- Colours: 6 Options
- Material: Synthetic
- No. of Products: Single
- Type of fastening: Closure with elastic straps and velcro
- Elbow brace
- High support
- Does not specify material
It has a superior closed-cell technology pad with a foam that efficiently protects the joint. It can be used in warm weather and in any sport, especially basketball and volleyball, as its long coverage prevents scrapes in falls. The material it is made of is pleasant to wear, but for some athletes it can be uncomfortable because it slips off the arm.
Video: Elbow joint anatomy
Types of elbow braces you should know about
What are the most common elbow injuries in weightlifting and fitness?
With this in mind, the most common elbow injuries when performing the above exercises are the following:
Tendonitis
This is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the outside of the elbow. It is an injury that occurs with repetitive motion. This can cause significant pain and tenderness in the area that would not allow physical activity until it is completely healed.
Weightlifting is not an activity to be taken lightly, as it can damage the tendons of the elbow if done incorrectly. This happens because additional stress is placed on the muscles and joints. To prevent elbow tendonitis from these exercises, it is important to stretch, warm up and even do aerobics for a few minutes. It is also important to remember that the body has its limits and that strength abilities should always be evaluated.
Tears of the biceps tendon
This is the result of demanding use of the biceps muscle without considering its limits. There are two types of biceps tendon tears: Partial tears and complete tears. The former can be defined as a tear in which the tendon is not completely severed, while a complete tear means a rupture of the tendon into two parts.
Weightlifters and strength coaches sometimes do not pay attention to the body's symptoms, starting with a small tendon tear. The injury usually results in an elbow tear, a distal tear of the biceps tendon, which usually affects middle-aged men. Simply put, when the tendons are torn, strength and mobility of the arm can be lost, resulting in painful actions such as: acute arm discomfort, cramps, bruising, pain and tenderness.
Sprain
This is an overstretching of the tendons or muscles. Depending on the severity, a distinction is made between the first, second and third degree. The latter is considered in case of a complete fracture. Symptoms are characterized by pain that varies in intensity and may even cause discomfort when moving the arm. Swelling may also occur.
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments, which are a band of tissue that connects one bone to another. Elbow ligaments are the bands that connect the bones of the upper and lower arm around the joint. A sprain in this area means that one or more ligaments are strained or torn.
This is one of the most common injuries because when a person performs activities such as lifting weights and does so incorrectly, with sudden movements or by lifting too much weight, the mechanical motion that the arm exerts can cause damage to the ligaments that provide stability to the joints.
Bursitis
This case can be defined and described at the same time as a swelling, usually very painful, caused by inflammation of the bursa that protects the tip of the elbow. The danger is that it becomes infected, which increases the pain and causes redness of the skin and fever.
If infection occurs, rest and drainage of the pus are sometimes required. If the area is not infected, ice packs, compression with elbow braces and elevation are sufficient. In weightlifters and powerlifters, this injury can result from improper lifting movements and even hitting the elbow during exercise, which can cause bleeding or fluid buildup.
Neuritis
This is caused by repetitive damage to the median nerve, which is located behind the inside of the elbow. It can cause pain, tingling, numbness in the fingers and muscle weakness. When these occur, pressure on the nerve should be avoided and any activity (not just sports) that aggravates the injury should be avoided.
When the person performs the movement with the dumbbells or barbells, the arm exerts a force that can cause injury if the arm is not properly prepared. Therefore, the load is fully exposed to avoid blows to the area and prevent further injury, because if it is very serious, surgery may be required to re-route the nerve that runs down the arm to the hand and elbow. In this case, elbow supports provide the necessary compression and support.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best elbow compression sleeves for weightlifting
Before you buy the best elbow brace for fitness or weightlifting, you need to set your priorities and understand that the elbow brace is not for looking good, being more attractive or matching your sportswear, but it is a necessary garment for preventing, protecting and recovering from injuries caused by the force exerted during training.
Weightlifting and bodybuilding require dedication, endurance and physical effort, but also care so that training does not have to be interrupted due to injury:
According to their function
- Elbow braces for pain relief: Elbow sleeves are designed to relieve or even prevent discomfort. If you exercise, have a healthy lifestyle, lift weights or weightlift, you may experience pain as your body adapts to the strain. However, you must be careful to distinguish between discomfort due to fatigue after exercise and discomfort due to overexertion.
- Breathability of elbow braces: if there is one thing that must be evaluated for the garment to work, it is how well the skin breathes to ensure that sweating in this area during exercise is not a problem and that it does not cause discomfort for those who have suffered an injury.
- Elbow supports: a feature that all elbow protectors must offer in the lives of those who practice power sports such as weightlifting is undoubtedly the prevention and protection of the area. This stage is to determine if, when trying on the garment, the person feels safe to perform their daily movements, if the weight is comfortable to wear and, if discomfort is involved, if it also provides adequate compression.
- Elbow braces elasticity: this is an element that must be taken into account, as it allows the exerciser to feel comfortable during the workout and, in addition, to be able to perform all the movements appropriate to the exercise. Those who lead a fitness lifestyle and do strength training need their elbow supports not only for their protection, but also to ensure their safety while stretching.
- Elbow sleeves with compression: this is practically the first thing to evaluate before making the final purchase. Proper support promotes the gradual recovery of the injured area. Compression also essentially ensures the other aspects mentioned, including pain relief, blood circulation, which is beneficial for the injured person, and also helps in prevention. This is also where the material comes into play, because if it is not of high quality, it will not provide the pressure it was designed to provide.
Material
Elbow braces are made of different materials depending on the needs of individuals, their training or the injury caused due to various reasons. A good elbow brace can be made of materials such as neoprene, Velcro, nylon or spandex, which are characterized by their durability and elasticity, strive for good breathability and are also suitable for cleaning and washing the garment.
Those who suffer from neoprene allergies can use cotton, as it is soft to the touch and absorbs the skin to keep moisture away, which is usually the cause of irritation and allergic reactions. When washing the piece, it can be hand or machine washed in cold water, keeping in mind that any material should dry very well to avoid moisture.
Type of support
When we talk about elbow sleeves for fitness and bodybuilding activities, we usually also mention the fastening or the pressure that the garment must exert, since they play an important role as they allow the garment to be held firmly and in the same place, providing a better and stronger compression. In this case we can highlight neoprene, Velcro and elastane.
- Neoprene: This is related to support, as the material provides the wearer with the pressure, elasticity and warmth they need, creating strength and security in movement. It is strong enough to insulate the area from extreme temperatures or protect the skin, and its thickness is usually between 2 and 7 mm.
- Spandex: Another material that refers to the pressure that the garment must exert. It is a synthetic fiber that is characterized by stretch, resistance and tightness. The advantage is that it offers more elasticity and has the advantage of being fast drying, sweat resistant and a durable fabric.
- Velcro: It is an indispensable component when it comes to fastening, because it makes it much more practical. It works as a kind of system that holds together to close. Today, you can find Velcro on everything from bags to sportswear to elbow braces.
Size
As for the size, the person must be very accurate and careful, because too large elbow braces that fall, move or compress the area too much should not be used, as this would not allow the person to perform strength exercises or recover from the injury. Sizes S, M, L and XL are the most commonly used sizes. Depending on the model, one size fits all is also available, but it is important that they fit the area well.
Design
One advantage of elbow braces is that they are available in different colors, but this is not very important, it is more a matter of taste. Fortunately, they come in different sizes and materials, most of them are unisex and thanks to their material they offer some breathability for those who sweat a lot during strength training. It is also worth mentioning that their elastic construction makes them very comfortable for injured people who have to wear them for a long time.
Prices
The cost can vary depending on the brand, model and place of purchase. However, we have conducted a general market survey, evaluating the value of some of the garments mentioned in the article from the lowest to the highest price. This will give you a broader view of the options, depending on functionality and scope.
Are elbow compression sleeves for training in the gym really effective?
Compression elbow sleeves are certainly useful and necessary for those who lead a fitness lifestyle, lift weights and engage in the world of weightlifting, as well as for other activities where strength is the main goal. Anyone engaging in these practices should prioritize prevention. However, if they already have an injury caused by poor exercise, lack of warm-up or an accident, then they should focus on making this piece their best ally in care and recovery.
The benefits of compression therapy leave no doubt that its effectiveness is, first and foremost, a guarantee of safe movement and, therefore, safety from injury if the right guidelines are followed during each training session.
It isimportant to understand that the muscle is not a machine, to learn to listen to its limits and assess its capabilities. With this and elbow braces, everyone has what they need to start or continue their athletic lifestyle.