Whether you’re buying gifts for Christmas or birthdays, there are plenty of great presents that you can buy for the powerlifters in your life (or for yourself).
This guide will cover seven of the best gifts that are perfect for any powerlifting lover.
1. Weightlifting Shoes
Whether you are doing the hack squat with a dumbbell, a traditional barbell back squat, or a front squat, you can benefit from using weightlifting shoes. They are specially designed shoes that help you to achieve a deeper squat depth, even if you have relatively limited mobility in your lower body joints.
Powerlifters can benefit from two kinds of shoes – those with a raised heel and those with a flat heel. Both options can be very beneficial to increase your stability and mobility while powerlifting.
Shoes with a raised heel are great for those of you with limited ankle mobility. They will increase your range of movement and allow you to lift more weight.
When deadlifting, you should wear weightlifting shoes with a flat sole to maximize your range of movement and make it easier to create a solid base with your feet on the ground. If you really want to treat yourself or your friends, consider getting a pair of both raised heel shoes and flat-soled shoes.
2. Lifting Chalk
Lifting chalk is a no-brainer for powerlifters, and you can never have too much of it. Having chalk on hand for your heavy lifts will help you to achieve new PRs by preventing the bar from slipping out of your hands.
Generally, lifting chalk is an inexpensive gift that is the perfect stocking filler. The most common type of lifting chalk is made using magnesium carbonate.
3. Weightlifting Belt
Every powerlifter needs a great weightlifting belt. It enables you to optimize your squat and deadlift form and keeps you injury-free, even during your heaviest lifts. The main purpose of a weightlifting belt is to provide extra support for your spine so you can push yourself in the gym without risking your safety.
Be sure to get the right belt for yourself or your friend because they come in a range of sizes, thicknesses, and shapes. You should choose a belt that is around 6.5 mm for Olympic weightlifters, 10 mm for powerlifters, and 13 mm for advanced powerlifters.
Avoid getting a cheap belt if you want it to last a long time. Cheap options are often made using poor materials that will peel or snap.
4. Knee Sleeves
Knee sleeves are another great stocking filler or birthday gift for any experienced powerlifter. Beginner powerlifters may not need knee sleeves at first, but they will certainly need them when they start progressing in their lifts.
They support and protect your knees during deadlifts and squats to prevent injuries. They also increase blood supply to the knee joints.
It’s important to get knee sleeves that fit tightly, but not too tightly. In order for them to be effective at their job, they need to stay in place on the knees and provide enough support to stabilize the knees during heavy lifts.
5. Wrist Straps
For those who need a little extra help gripping the bar during heavy lifts, wrist straps are a must. Wrist wraps are the perfect gift for all powerlifters, from beginners to advanced lifters.
Straps also support the wrists to prevent muscle injuries or strain. They can be used during deadlifts, bench presses, and overhead presses. They will prevent the wrists from bending back too far, which could cause injuries and pain.
6. Deadlifting Socks
Deadlifting socks might sound like a silly gift, but they shouldn’t be overlooked! Deadlifting with specially made socks will significantly boost your deadlift performance (or your powerlifting friend’s) by allowing you to create a solid base.
Deadlifting socks have grips on the bottom of the feet that enable you to stabilize yourself more easily as you lift a heavy barbell off the ground. As a result, you’ll be able to lift heavier weights for more reps.
7. Sling Shot
If there’s one gift that you can’t miss out on this Christmas (or birthday), it’s a slingshot.
A slingshot is primarily used to improve your bench press technique and help you to lift more weight. Keep your arms and shoulders in optimal positions while pressing the barbell during your bench press sets.
A slingshot will become especially important if you train regularly because it will prevent your shoulder joints from getting irritated by the repetitive movements required during the bench press.
This is a great tool for powerlifters, whether they are beginner, intermediate, or advanced lifters.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a holiday or a birthday, the above powerlifting gifts will surely make your loved one happy. If you had to choose just one, weightlifting shoes could be enjoyed for years. If you are buying for the lifter who has it all, lifting chalk is a perfect gift since you always need more.
