Knee wraps

[progressiveman1]

Do your knees get fucking destroyed when the weights are consistently really heavy on squats, deadlift, etc., even with perfect form? What do you know about knee wraps?

[Mark Rippetoe]

They certainly can. If you are a competitive lifter -- or a competitive anything -- you have decided that winning is more important than health. There is usually a price to be paid for this, and it's just as well that we tell you about it now.

Long-term heavy training (constantly challenging 1RM ability) can have a detrimental effect on your skeletal components, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and attitude. If this is not acceptable to you, do not train heavy for many years without interruption.

There, it's out in the open. Don't say you weren't warned.

[progressiveman1]

Do you think knee wraps are a good idea for any level lifter?

[Mark Rippetoe]

I think that knee wraps are ridiculously overused, and unless you need them, don't use them.