Joshua Naterman's video: Naterman Knows Lifting Equipment Part 1: Knee Wraps

This is the first part of a 4 part video talking about basic lifting equipment. This video will explain what knee wraps are for, how they can be used to stabilize the knee without "cheating," and how to use them for this purpose. This video will NOT teach you how to get every additional pound of squat out of your knee wraps: That will be explained in a Powerlifting video some time in the future since that use should be considered "cheating" for general fitness purposes. Summary: Knee wraps can help you immensely if you have longstanding knee issues that cannot be corrected even once your form and recruitment patterns are optimized. An example is meniscus damage, a repaired knee that still aches, or osteoarthritis. They are not necessary for general fitness, but do represent an extremely cheap way to protect your knees, especially while learning good form in below-parallel squats. If you are learning to Olympic lift, you should probably pick up a pair and learn to use them, because the added layer of safety is a very good way to ensure that accidents will not damage your knee while you are learning, or when you start being able to really attempt heavy lifts. While lifting equipment CAN be used to "cheat" or add additional weight on a bar, it can also be used to eliminate pain from structural injuries that are a part of life for many people. When used in this way, it actually allows your body to become stronger even when you are NOT using lifting equipment! This video focuses on knee wraps. both because they are the subject of constant debate and because they have been a lifesaver for my right knee. 2.5 years ago, more or less, I tore my lateral meniscus during a box squat. This happened because a previous ankle sprain left my right ankle with reduced rotational ROM, but I never knew because it had never become an issue. When I performed the squat, my leg rotated in the knee since the ankle couldn't rotate, and that snipped the meniscus. 8 months later, having had no pain, I decided to do a set of "deck squats," which chewed the meniscus right up. All of a sudden, my ability to squat was gone... right when I was just getting back under the bar for the first time in years and FINALLY learning good form! After a lot of internal debate, I spent 13 bucks and got a pair of CAP Barbell knee wraps. I also got a pair of Meister velcro knee wraps, just to see the difference, for 20 bucks including shipping. They are basically the same. The velcro is neat, but not necessary. Both are 72" long and 3" wide, and come as a pair. To buy these knee wraps: CAP: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040XR5OC/ MEISTER: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00950ME8M/ I have often spoken out against all forms of lifting equipment in the past, but as it turns out that was the opinion of a younger, dumber me. I am still not in favor of using a weight belt unless you actually compete in a Powerlifting league where you will be using such a belt, and that distinction will be discussed in part 3. There are SOME exceptions, but not many.