When it comes to boxing or any striking martial art, hand wraps are an essential piece of equipment. They protect your hands and wrists from injuries, enabling you to train harder and fight longer. But, do you know how to put them on correctly? If not, don’t worry! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to properly wrap your hands.
- Start with the Right Equipment
Hand wraps come in different materials and lengths. Traditional cloth wraps are usually 120 or 180 inches long. The longer wraps are best for more protection and are generally used in boxing, while the shorter ones are suitable for less intensive workouts or smaller hands. Make sure your wraps are clean and free of tears.
- Position Your Hand Correctly
Start by extending your fingers wide. This helps ensure the wrap is not too tight, which can restrict movement and blood flow.
- Begin with the Loop
Slide the loop at the end of the wrap over your thumb. Make sure the wrap unrolls from the inside towards your body, not the outside.
- Wrap the Wrist
Wrap the cloth around your wrist 3-4 times, depending on the size of your hand and the length of the wrap. The wrist wrap should be snug but not too tight. It’s crucial to support the wrist, as it takes a lot of impact during punches.
- Wrap the Hand
Next, wrap around the back of your hand, cross over your palm, and go between your pinky and ring finger. From there, wrap the back of your hand again, cross over your palm, and go between the remaining fingers. Repeat this until all the fingers are covered, then wrap around the back of your hand again.
- Go Back to the Wrist
After covering the fingers, bring the wrap back down to your wrist. Wrap around the wrist a couple more times for extra support.
- Cover the Thumb
From the wrist, bring the wrap up to the base of your thumb, then loop it around the thumb. Bring the wrap back to the wrist and secure it.
- Finish Off at the Wrist
Finally, wrap any remaining material around your wrist. Secure the end with the Velcro at the end of the wrap. Your hand should feel completely secure, but not too tight or restricted.
Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to properly put on wraps like a Pro. Remember, practice makes perfect. So keep wrapping, and before you know it, you’ll be wrapping your hands like a pro!
Remember, hand wraps are just the first line of defense. Always pair them with a quality pair of boxing gloves for maximum protection. Ready to get wrapping? Let’s do it!