Despite the type of boxing you do, wearing hand wraps and tape matters.
They shield you and support to your knuckles and wrist. Usually, they're strips of fabric wrapped around your hands and secured with tape. They go beneath your gloves.
Wrapped and secured properly, they create sure that you're safe as you possibly can to hit without injuring both hands and knuckles. Most people wonder if they actually work. The answer is yes.
The additional support keeps your tendons and bones protected once they take pressure from contact and straight punches by distributing the hit better. They also protect your skin from tearing.
Do You Wear Wrist Wraps Under Boxing Gloves?
Wrist wraps go below boxing gloves. It's a smart idea to wear them whenever you're putting on MMA or boxing gloves for both training and boxing.
They provide maximum support and protection when you're training and boxing. Although they're a few ounces, you can still accommodate wrist wraps underneath your boxing gloves.
In fact, they should always be used under your boxing gloves to keep your hands and wrists protected from possible injuries.
How do I Choose Hand Wraps?
You're supposed to wear hand wraps during every training and boxing match. Also, wear hand wraps inside your gym training, sparring with a partner or training solo.
Aside from supporting and protecting your wrists and knuckles, additionally they boost confidence. Wrist wraps will make sure that you're hitting with full force.
However, choosing the right-hand wraps is difficult, especially for beginners. This is when I kick in. Most boxers use cloth wraps which make a good alternative.
They're reusable, lightweight and come in different sizes. However, keep in mind that you cannot utilize Velcro fastenings if reusing.
However, let's evaluate the common types and choose the correct one for you.
- Tape and gauze
This is a popular choice among professionals. It is extremely common to wrap your hands with gauze after which fasten with different types of tapes such as gaffa tape.
Mastering this technique has a learning curve. However, it's well worth the effort. In the beginning, I suggest that you simply find someone with experience to inform you how it's done.
The main benefit of this type is that it's most protective. It is also lightweight and comes in various sizes. However, they cannot be reused.
- Reusable cloth
Reusable clothes measure between 180 and 210 inches long. The more support and protection you want, the longer the cloth should be.
This way, you'll have additional material to wrap your hands. Wrap clothes come in various colors and lengths from different brands at different prices.
For shadow boxing and solo training, choose shorter lengths. Also, for those who have smaller hands, buy short clothes. Boxers with larger hands should go for longer clothes.
The main advantage of these hand wraps is that they're reusable. They're also very affordable and come in different sizes. However, you can't use velcro fastenings if reusing.
- Elastic bandage
An elastic bandage gives more flexibility than reusable cloth. This means that elastic hand wraps provide good mobility and adjust to your hands as you make moves.
However, don't worry because they don't loosen as you workout or bout. This will depend on your preference which type of hand wrap you will select. Each type is durable.
They're breathable and stretch to sit in your hand shape. However, quite a few users may find it too thick. It all depends on your personal taste and preferences which sort you choose.
Width and length matter when selecting the right-hand wraps in boxing. It's important to determine the right amount of hand wraps you'll need.
I already mentioned that people with bigger hands should purchase longer wraps while those with small ones, should go for shorter wraps.
Width is also important. Two inches is standard for a hand wrap width. However, you will find brands that provide thicker or thinner widths.
Fastening materials is another important feature you should consider when looking for hand wraps. It is important that your hand wraps have durable and simple to use fastening materials.
Most Mexican style and cloth wraps are purchased with the velcro fastening joined. They're durable and simple to use. Velcro fastenings make a practical choice.
You can find many hand wraps with built-in Velcro fastenings, however, if you buy your own cloth without fastenings, it may tear and damage the fabric.
The tape is also a popular fastening. Tapes have strong adhesives and serrated edges. They may be torn by and are long as much as 32 feet.
Another great choice is loop and hook fastenings. They extend the life span of your hand wraps that will save you coins in the long run. They're affordable and efficient.
Conclusion
Boxing gloves are important. However, hand wraps are simply as important for boxing training.
Your wrists and hands are very fragile and since they're your weapons in this harsh sport, it's important to possess a pair of top-notch hand wraps that will provide support and protection.
Any martial artist or boxer who trains on the heavy bag or practices having a sparring partner is supposed to wrap their hands the proper way. This prevents injuries and fractures.
It also protects small bones and boosts confidence. Wearing boxing gloves when competing or training is not enough. You must wear hand wraps beneath the gloves.
They don't protect your wrists and hands from contact as boxing gloves. However, they keep the first in perfect shape and provide wrist support while throwing a punch.
Hand wraps will also keep your fist tight so you may punch with more power and strength.
If you need to avoid pain and injuries, make sure to wrap your hands before every training, sparring having a partner or boxing session.
I haven't mentioned this before, they also absorb your sweat. Which means that you will save yourself time on doing laundry every single day.
Hopefully, my article has answered the questions you have about hand wraps and why they create an important accessory in every boxer's arsenal.
