Everything you should know about knee sleeves

Knee sleeves are a popular accessory in strength training and fitness used to provide extra support and comfort to the knees during heavy lifts and workouts. They are knee braces that fit around the knee and come in various sizes and thicknesses to fit different body shapes and needs.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what knee sleeves are, how they work, what benefits they can have for your training, and what to consider before you start using them.

What are knee sleeves?

Knee sleeves are typically made of neoprene or similar material and are designed to provide extra support and compression to the knee. They are elastic and fit around the knee like a sock. They can be thick or thin depending on the type of support and comfort you need. They come in different sizes and can be adjusted to fit different body shapes and needs.

How do knee sleeves work?

Knee sleeves work by providing extra support and compression to the knee. When you use knee sleeves, they press on the knee and increase blood flow to the area. This can help reduce pain and inflammation, especially if you have had previous knee injuries or pain.

Knee sleeves can also help stabilize the knee during heavy lifts and movements. By increasing the stability in the knee, they can reduce the risk of injury and increase performance.

When should you use knee sleeves?

Knee sleeves can be useful for anyone who trains heavily or regularly exposes their knees to stress. They may be particularly helpful for people with previous knee injuries or pain. They can also be helpful for athletes who perform movements that require a high degree of knee flexibility and mobility, such as squats or lunges.

Benefits of using knee sleeves

1. Increased stability: Knee sleeves can help stabilize the knee during heavy lifts and movements. This can reduce the risk of injury and increase performance.
2. Pain relief: Knee sleeves can help relieve pain and inflammation in the knees by increasing blood flow and providing extra support to the area.
3. Injury prevention: By stabilizing the knee and reducing the risk of overloading, knee sleeves can help prevent injuries.
4. Increased performance: By increasing stability and reducing the risk of injury, knee sleeves can help increase performance and allow for heavier lifts and more intense training.
5. Reduced fatigue: Knee sleeves can also reduce fatigue in the knees by increasing blood flow and providing extra support. This can help you train longer and more intensely without wearing out your knees.

What to consider before using knee sleeves

Before starting to use knee sleeves, it is important to know what type of support and comfort you need. If you have had knee injuries or pain before, you should consult a doctor or physiotherapist for advice on which type of knee sleeves are best for you.

It is also important to choose the right size and thickness of knee sleeves to get the best possible support and comfort. If they are too loose or too thin, they may not provide enough support, and if they are too tight, they can limit your range of motion and cause discomfort.

Finally, it is important to use knee sleeves correctly and not rely solely on them to avoid injuries. They are a helpful tool that can improve performance and reduce the risk of injury, but it is also important to have the right technique and train safely to avoid injuries.

How to wash knee sleeves

Taking care of your knee sleeves is important. After all, we sweat a lot during our training sessions, and knee sleeves can become quite smelly.

There are measures you can take to prevent the smell, such as turning your knee sleeves inside out after training and letting them air dry.

Here's how to take care of them to maximize the lifespan of knee sleeves:

1. Regular maintenance - Washing knee sleeves from time to time is also good so they can regain their fit and support. Over time, the compression material may become a bit looser, so to restore it to its strong form, wash your knee sleeves.
2. Normal wash - Depending on usage frequency and smell, the easiest way to wash them is to throw them in with your regular laundry and then let them air dry.
3. Intensive wash - If you want a more intensive wash, you can also boil knee sleeves in hot water. Put them in a pot filled with water for 5 minutes. After boiling for 5 minutes, remove from heat and add a little dish soap. Let it cool. When the knee sleeves have cooled, rinse them with water and let them air dry.
4. Extreme wash - For extreme cases and to remove mold, an option is to use distilled vinegar and soak knee sleeves in a hot water-vinegar solution. Soak them for about 10 minutes and then hand wash or throw them in with your other laundry. Let them air dry, and you're done.

Summary

Knee sleeves are a popular product in strength training and fitness that are used to provide extra support and comfort to the knees during heavy lifting and training. They work by providing extra support and compression to the knee, increasing stability and reducing the risk of injury and pain. Before starting to use knee sleeves, it is important to know what type of support and comfort you need, choose the right size and thickness, and use them correctly. If you are unsure about what size or thickness you need, contact us and we will help you. You can find our high-quality knee sleeves here.