FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LIFTING STRAPS

Q: When should I use lifting straps?

A: Use them only when you need to. If there are exercises where your grip is strong enough then don't use them. If your performance is being hindered by an insufficient grip then by all means use your lifting straps.

Q: What exercises are lifting straps typically used on?

A: Lifting straps are usually used on exercises when you are working against gravity or where the weight/resistance is pulling away from you. For example... deadlifts, pull-ups, chin-ups, lat pull downs or shrugs.

Q: How can I strengthen my grip?

A: A few exercises you can perform to target strengthening your grip are: using hand grips do fist or fingertip push-ups, climb ropes, hang from the pull-up bar

Q: Can I wash your straps?

A: Absolutely, wash them in the sink with some mild detergent or in the washing machine on gentle cycle. Air dry is best.

LIFTING BELTS

Q: When should I use my lifting belt? 

A: - Use your Rip Toned belt in exercises when the back is supporting the weight such as squats and deadlifts or where the back has potential to hyperextend like a military press.
-Use your lifting belt when performing exercises close to or at your maximum weight for that particular exercise.
- Use your belt if you are recovering from an injury in your core area and want to help protect from further aggravating your injury.

Q: What exercises are lifting belts typically used on?

A: Lifting belts are usually used on full body weightlifting exercises like deadlifts, squats, overhead press, military press.

Q: Can I wash my Rip Toned lifting belt?

A: Yes, wash it in the sink with some mild detergent. Then let it air dry.

Q: What is the proper way to wear a lifting belt? 

A: Typically you want to wear your lifting belt relatively low on the small of your back with the buckle covering the lower abdominal area. If the belt interferes with the crease of your hips while performing squats or deadlifts then it is a bit too low. One of the most common mistakes is making the belt too tight. A good rule of thumb is once the belt is on you should be able to comfortably slide 4 fingers in between the belt and your abdominal area while relaxed.

Q: How do I properly use my lifting belt?

A: In order to properly use the belt, take a deep breath of air into your belly and hold it through the exercise then exhale forcefully at the end of the movement. This added pressure pushes your abs into the belt stabilizing your spinal region. The increased pressure in your thoracic cavity combined with pressure from your flexed abs help balance and support your spine from the front while the back muscles apply force to support the spine from the backside... this combination provides ideal support, positioning and stability allowing you to lift more weight.

KNEE SLEEVES

Q: I hear all this talk about compression. What is it really and what does it do for my knees?

A: Great question. Compression in a knee sleeve is like giving your knee a nice big hug. The snug fit helps reduce swelling and pain of an injured knee and support and stability during activities where it’s needed. The compression will keep both muscles and joint warm and increase blood flow providing a more effective warm-up and performance during your activities.

Q: What does 7mm neoprene mean?

A: Basically that is the thickness of the neoprene. Typical neoprene knee sleeves will use either 5mm (thinner with less compression) or 7mm (thicker with more compression). Both can be good depending on your application. 7mm is great for aggressive activities like weightlifting whereas sometimes runner prefer a lighter sleeve and will opt for 5mm. Bottom line is it depends on your knees and what you want to accomplish.

Q: Won't my knee sleeve get all sweaty and stinky?

A: If you wear it during most any activity then the answer is "yes". Like our other fitness products these are washable (and to keep your friends happy we recommend you do). Use some mild detergent in a sink or use a delicate cycle in the washing machine. Air dry is preferable.

Q: What applications do you recommend I use my knee sleeve for?

A: The answer to this question can be really long. I will offer some to give you the basic idea. Runners, Basketball, Weightlifters, Martial Arts, Joggers, CrossFit, Athletes, Cyclists, Tough Mudders, Field Sports, Cross Training, Gym Workouts, Hiking/ Trekking, Office workers (sore knees), Jobs requiring walking or strenuous leg strength/use, Frequent stair use, Aiding in reducing pain, swelling and discomfort of knees, Promoting healing in injured knees, Beginner, intermediate or professional athletes, Travelers on plane / long distance travel... WHEW!! Hope that helps.

ELBOW SLEEVES

Q: I hear all this talk about compression. What is it really and what does it do for my elbows?

A: Great question. Compression in an elbow sleeve is like giving your elbow a nice big hug. The snug fit helps reduce swelling and pain of an injured elbow and support and stability during activities where it’s needed. The compression will keep both muscles and joint warm and increase blood flow providing a more effective warm-up and performance during your activities.

Q: What does 5mm neoprene mean?

A: Basically that is the thickness of the neoprene.

Q: Won't my elbow sleeve get all sweaty and stinky?

A: If you wear it during most any activity then the answer is "yes". Like our other fitness products these are washable (and to keep your friends happy we recommend you do). Use some mild detergent in a sink or use a delicate cycle in the washing machine. Air dry is preferable.

Q: What applications do you recommend I use my elbow sleeve for?

A: The answer to this question can be really long. I will offer some to give you the basic idea. Tennis elbow, Golfers elbow, Basketball, Weightlifters, Martial Arts, CrossFit, Athletes, Tough Mudders, Cross Training, Gym Workouts, Jobs requiring frequent lifting, Aiding in reducing pain, swelling and discomfort of elbows, Promoting healing in injured elbows, Beginner, intermediate or professional athletes, Inflammatory problems, hematomas, Tendinitis and pulled muscles... WHEW!! Hope that helps.