Hand wraps are super important for people who do combat sports.
Boxing straps, when paired with your boxing gloves and equipment, provide essential support and protection. They work with your boxing gloves to keep your hands and wrists safe. Plus, they make you perform better and lower the chance of getting hurt.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting or if you’re a pro, hand wraps are something you need for your training and when you’re competing.
Our blog post aims to shed light on how these simple, yet helpful accessories can make a big difference in your training routine. So, if you want to make sure you’re boxing safely.
Keep reading!
Trojan Fitness will guide you through the reasons why boxing straps are a must-have for anyone serious about boxing and combat sports.
Are Hand Wraps Necessary?
The simple and quick response is YES!
You need to wrap your hands. Hence, box straps are important. It doesn’t matter how skilled or experienced you are or how much you’ve trained. If you’re into sports like boxing, MMA, kickboxing, or Muay Thai, wrapping your hands is a must.
It helps lower the chance of getting hurt. You want to lower the risk of injuring your hands and wrists, whether,
- You’re boxing in the gym.
- You’re practising combos on a heavy bag.
- Your trainer is making you hit pads to stay fit.
Injuries bring pain, time away from training, and slower progress. As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure.’
Why You Need Hand Wraps For Boxing: 3 Key Reasons
Hand wraps in boxing are a necessity.
Boxing is not just about strength only. It is also about using the right techniques. The important part of that is having the right boxing equipment. Hand wraps play a big role in this.
- Hand wraps keep your wrist stable and prevent it from bending or twisting when you throw punches.
- Hand wraps absorb the impact and spread the force evenly across your hand and wrist, lowering the chance of getting hurt.
- Hand wraps give an extra layer of protection to your knuckles and other parts of your hand, reducing the risk of cuts, bruises, or other injuries.
How To Strap Hands For Boxing: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Unroll your hand wrap
- Take out the hand wrap you chose.
- Look for the side with a way to secure it, like Velcro, and the other side with a loop.
- If there’s no label, check the adhesive side to make sure you wrap it in the right direction.
2. Put your thumb through the loop
- Stretch your hand with the wrist straight and spread out your fingers.
- Put the loop on the top of your thumb.
- Make sure the wrap lays flat on your hand.
- Keep it snug but not too tight to cut off circulation.
3. Wrap the Wrist
- Wrap your thumb across the back of your wrist 3 or 4 times.
- Keep it flat and even.
- This gives the necessary support to avoid wrist injuries.
4. Wrap the hand
- Next, pull the wrap around the back of your hand, just above your thumb.
- Wrap your palm 3 times ending at the base of the thumb.
5. Cover the Knuckles
- Move up to cover your knuckles.
- Don’t wrap too tight; let your fingers move freely.
6. Between the Middle and Ring Finger
- Bring the wrap between your middle and ring finger.
- Wrap it across the palm and bring it back over the top of the thumb.
7. Additional Knuckle Wrapping
- From this position, wrap around the knuckles once more.
8. Secure the Thumb
- Loop the wrap around the base of your thumb.
- This adds extra protection and makes sure your thumb is safe.
9. Final Loop
- Bring the wrap around your wrist for a final loop.
10. Secure with Fastening
- Finish by securing the fastening, most likely Velcro.
- Test by throwing a few punches to ensure it is secure but not too tight.
Remember!
Think of the wrap as a figure-eight pattern. Create a ribbon-like pattern as you work from the palm between the fingers.
Now you’re ready to protect your hands and wrists for your boxing session!
YouTube Tutorials
We recommend these video guides for beginners to better visualise how to wrap your hands with boxing straps.
Boxing Tips | How To Wrap Your Hands | 180-Inch Wraps
Step-by-Step Guide to Wrap Your Hands | Boxing Basics for Beginners
How Tight Should My Hand Wraps Be?
Your hand wraps need to be snug, but not too tight. Make sure your fingers can move freely, and your hand doesn’t feel numb.
Find the right balance so the wrap gives support without making you uncomfortable.
3 Main Types of Boxing Hand Wraps
Boxing hand wraps come in 3 major types.
- Gel wraps.
- Mexican-style wraps.
- Traditional cotton wraps.
Each kind offers different levels of comfort, flexibility, and support. It’s important to understand the differences between these hand-wrap materials and styles. For example,
- Mexican-style wraps are known for being longer, providing more support to the wrist.
- Gel wraps give extra cushion and protection to your knuckles and wrists during tough training.
- Traditional cotton wraps are widely used because they let your hands breathe and fit the contours of your hand.
How Do I Choose Boxing Straps?
So, what type is right for you?
Choosing the right boxing training equipment along with boxing straps is important. Both for comfort and protection during training. Choose the right type of wrap that suits your training needs best.
Here’s a simple guide on how to make the best choice:
1. Know Your Requirements
Focus on Breathability and Fit: If you want wraps that breathe well and mould to your hands, choose traditional cotton wraps.
Extra Protection: For more padding and protection, go for gel wraps.
For Wrist Support: If you need added wrist stability, consider Mexican-style wraps with longer lengths.
2. Choose the Right Length
Know Your Hand Size: For solo training, go for shorter wraps. If you have larger hands or for sparring, choose longer wraps for better coverage and support.
Experiment for Fit: Try different lengths to find what feels just right for your hands.
3. Fastening Materials
Choose Velcro: Pick wraps with Velcro for an easy and secure fit.
Try Tape: Some wraps use tape for a stronghold, but it may take more time.
Check Hook and Loop: These fastenings can extend the life of wraps, offering a cost-effective option.
This table provides a quick overview of the features of each type of boxing hand wrap. Read it to make an informed decision based on your training needs.
Features | Traditional Cloth Wraps | Gel Wraps | Mexican-Style Wraps |
Reusability | Yes | No | Yes |
Cost | Standard | Higher Cost | Standard |
Breathability | High | Moderate | Moderate |
Custom Fit | Yes | No | No |
Extra Cushioning | Moderate | High | Moderate |
Knuckle & Wrist Protection | Good | Less Than Cloth Wraps | Good |
Length Options | Different Lengths
(180-210 inches) |
Different Lengths | Longer length |
Fastening Options | Velcro | Velcro | Velcro |
Time to Wrap | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
Assistance Needed | No | No | No |
Ease Of Use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ideal for Boxing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Choosing the right one depends on factors like comfort, durability, and the level of protection required during boxing sessions.
Multi-Use Boxing Equipment Everlast
Gloves MMA Style Cross Training Glove
Cost: $49.99
✅ Extra Knuckle padding for protection.
✅ Keep wrists secure with double-wrap closure.
✅ Wipe away sweat easily with the towelling thumb.
✅ One glove for MMA, kettlebells, jump rope, pull-ups, push-ups, and more.
9 Benefits of Using Hand Wraps in Boxing and Kickboxing
Hand wraps do more than you think. They keep you stable, safe, and confident in the ring.
9 Benefits of Hand Wraps |
1. Protects Fragile Bones and Joints
Hand wraps defend your hands and wrists during fights. It spreads the force and prevents injuries like sprains or fractures. |
2. Absorb Impact on Knuckles
Hand wraps act like a cushion and make punches less painful. It keeps your knuckles safe from possible fractures. |
3. Keeps Fists Solid & Strong
Well-wrapped hands mean a solid fist. It lets you throw powerful punches without hurting your hands. |
4. Keep Your Wrist from Twisting
Hand wraps support your wrist, preventing it from bending too much. This helps in avoiding painful injuries. |
5. Helps You Throw Powerful Punches
Hand wraps make sure your wrist is steady. It helps you hit harder and with better precision. |
6. Improves Awareness of Hand Position
Hand wraps make you more aware of where your hands are. It helps you aim better and defend yourself more successfully. |
7. Keeps Your Fists in the Right Shape
Hand wraps help your bones and joints stay in the right position. So, you can punch well without hurting yourself. |
9. No More Sweaty Palms
Hand wraps control sweat, ensuring a good grip. This lets you perform your moves and punches with precision. |
Boxing Hand Wraps Maintenance & Care Tips
A. Wash After Every Session
- Clean your hand wraps after each training session to prevent bacteria and odours.
- Use a washing machine and mild detergent for a quick and easy cleaning process.
- Regular washing helps keep the fabric fresh and extends the lifespan of your boxing gloves.
B. Correct Storage for a Long Life
- After washing, store your hand wraps in a well-ventilated area.
- Hanging them up allows air circulation. This prevents moisture buildup and mildew.
- Use a sports garment bag for organized and hygienic storage, especially when travelling.
- Avoid storing damp wraps in closed gym bags to prevent unpleasant smells and Mold growth.
Make Every Punch You Throw Powerful & Safe
You need boxing straps for your training. They are a basic tool that supports your punch strength. Just like a battery box strap, hand wraps keep your wrist safe during training.
Whether you’re an experienced boxer or just starting. Be sure to use the b box strap in your routine. With each punch, you’ll feel the strength and know you’re taking the right steps to stay safe.
Make every punch strong and safe with the right boxing straps.
Trojan Fitness: Quality Boxing Equipment Near You
Looking for reliable boxing equipment near you? Trojan Fitness has you covered! Explore our range of high-quality gloves, punching bags, and more to improve your training.
Visit our store today and gear up for a powerful workout.
Don’t miss out!
Gear up on the essentials that make a difference in your boxing journey.
I want to find boxing equipment near me]
Boxing Straps FAQ
- Why do boxers wrap their hands?
Boxers wrap their hands to support wrists, stabilize knuckles, and protect against injuries. The wraps absorb punch impact, reducing the risk of bruises or fractures. They also keep the hand bones and tissues safe during boxing or training.
- Do boxers wrap their hands in bandages?
YES! Boxers wrap their hands with special bandages called hand wraps.
These are not like the regular bandages in a first aid kit. Hand wraps are made of cotton, elastic, or a mix of materials. They are made to support and protect the hands and wrists while boxing.
- Did Mike Tyson use hand wraps?
Yes!
Mike Tyson, just like all pro boxers, wrapped his hands for training and fights. Boxers use hand wraps to keep their hands and wrists safe.
- What happens if you don’t wrap your hands for boxing?
Boxing without wrapping your hands can result in different injuries. Punches can break, sprain, or bruise your hands and wrists.
If you don’t use hand wraps for support and protection. There is a much higher chance of harming the bones, tendons, and tissues in your hand.
- Can I use wrist wraps for boxing?
NO!
Wrist wraps mainly help the wrist during weightlifting. Although they offer some support in boxing. They don’t give the complete protection that boxing hand wraps do.
It’s advised to use proper hand wraps for boxing, covering both the wrist and hand.
- Why do my hand wraps hurt?
If your hand wraps hurt, it may be because of these 3 reasons:
- You wrapped them too tight, cutting off blood flow.
- You wrapped them incorrectly, causing uneven pressure.
- The wrapping material could be causing irritation or an allergy.
Make sure to put on the wraps correctly and in a way that feels comfortable.
- Why can’t you stack hand wraps?
Using multiple wraps on one hand or stacking hand wraps can reduce the hand’s ability to move. The padding does not spread evenly. It might get too tight, stopping your blood flow.
Use just one right-sized wrap for each hand. This way, you’ll stay safe and comfy.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or medical advice. We make every effort to ensure the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle. We are not responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided on this website.