For many lifters, squats are the cornerstone of leg workouts, targeting key muscle groups like the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. However, heavy squats can cause joint discomfort – specifically to the knees. This is when knee sleeves can come in to offer support, stability, and confidence.

Dive into this article to uncover the science behind knee sleeves and how they can enhance your squat performance, protecting your knees while maximizing gains.

Benefits Of Wearing Knee Sleeves For Squats

1. Joint support: One of the primary benefits of knee sleeves during squats is the support and stability they provide to your knees. The compression from the sleeves helps keep the knee joint aligned, reducing the risk of injuries and improving overall form.
2. Compression for improved blood flow: The compression provided by knee sleeves promotes better blood flow to the knee area. This increased circulation can reduce fatigue during long squatting sessions, allowing you to maintain peak performance throughout your workout.
3. Increased warmth for joint mobility: Knee sleeves also provide warmth to the knee joint, enhancing mobility and flexibility. This is especially beneficial during warm-up sets or when lifting in colder environments, as it helps loosen up the muscles and joints for smoother movement.

These three benefits of knee sleeves lead to the ultimate benefit of increased confidence to lift more weight because of the added support and stability provided!

Who Should Squat In Knee Sleeves?

• Heavy weight lifters: Knee sleeves provide support, stability, warmth, and performance improvements that are beneficial for lifters regularly handling heavier weights.
• Strength athletes: Knee sleeves offer competitive advantages, making them a go-to choice for strength athletes aiming to maximize their lifting potential during competitions.
• Lifters dealing with knee pain: Those who have a history of knee pain will especially benefit from the added support and confidence knee sleeves can provide.

How To Use Knee Sleeves For Squats

To use knee sleeves properly, you need to do three things:

1. Choose the right size: Always check the sizing chart for any knee sleeves you purchase and measure your knees! That way you get the right size that will provide the optimal amount of compression.
2. Wear them correctly: Knee sleeves should be tight enough to provide compression, but not so tight that they cause discomfort and restrict movement. To put them on, fold them in half and then pull them up from the bottom. Make sure they cover your entire kneecap.
3. Use them at the right times: You want to avoid over reliance, so we recommend using them until your last warm-up set or stick to only using them on your heavier sets - this applies to barbell squats and other squat variations. However, if you're training in colder environments then knee sleeves can be used during warm-up sets.

Choosing The Right Knee Sleeves

There are a variety of types of knee sleeves, some made with different materials, at different lengths, and varying in thickness. They'll still provide you with knee support and compression, but some may be better for other forms of training.

So, when choosing the best knee sleeves for squats, consider these three things:

1. Thickness: 5mm knee sleeves are thinner and therefore provide less compression than 7mm knee sleeves. Some might prefer those to get some support and warmth without being too restrictive. 7mm knee sleeves provide better warmth and compression to provide maximum support and stability.
2. Material: Neoprene is the most popular material because of its flexibility, durability, and ability to provide optimal warmth and support to the knee joint. Other materials used are nylon, spandex, and other synthetic blends.
3. Length: There are shorter knee sleeves that cover only the knee joint and others that extend up the thigh or down the calf. The length will just impact the level of compression and support provided.

Where To Buy The Best Knee Sleeves For Squats

At UPPPER, all of our products are tested rigorously to ensure we're providing the best lifting gear in the game - without sacrificing your style. So, we might be a little biased, but our highly-rated Knee Sleeves 2.0 are widely loved and sell out quick for a reason.

UPPPER's 7mm Knee Sleeves 2.0 are made with premium firm neoprene material and reinforced stitching for enhanced durability, flexibility, and compression. So you can excel and push through your squats with ease.

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