Weightlifting Equipment
Get the most from every rep and set with our range of gym equipment essentials.
From weightlifting gloves and belts, to knee supports and wrist wraps, we’re on hand to help you stay injury-free and on form to reach your goals.
If you’re looking for accessories to help boost your home workouts — try our Grip Strengthener, great for challenging yourself, wherever you are.
We’ve also got the right tools to help you support your body through a tough training regime, including Hot & Cold Gel Packs and Recovery Balls.
Shop Weightlifting Equipment at Myprotein
Weightlifting equipment is designed to help you train with better form, safety and confidence. From lifting belts and wrist wraps to knee sleeves and chalk, the right gear can make a real difference to your technique and how you feel under the bar.
Whether you're new to strength training or chasing personal records, quality lifting accessories provide the stability and support you need to focus on what matters - getting stronger, lifting heavier, and staying consistent with your training.
Who Weightlifting Equipment Is For
Weightlifting gear is built for anyone who lifts - from beginners learning the basics to experienced lifters working on competition lifts. If you're squatting, deadlifting, pressing or pulling, the right equipment helps you maintain proper positioning and protect key joints during heavy or high-rep sessions.
Gym-goers who train regularly, powerlifters preparing for meets, and functional fitness athletes all rely on lifting accessories to support their routines. Whether you're working on strength, technique or endurance, weightlifting equipment is there to help you train smarter and more safely.
When to Use Weightlifting Equipment
Most people reach for lifting equipment when working with heavier loads or during compound movements like squats, deadlifts and overhead presses. Belts are commonly used when approaching near-maximal weights, while wraps and sleeves can be worn throughout training sessions for added joint stability.
You don't need to wear everything all the time - many lifters reserve certain gear for their heaviest sets or specific movements. Chalk is typically used whenever grip becomes a limiting factor, and accessories like elbow sleeves can be worn during warm-ups and working sets to maintain consistent support.
Weightlifting Equipment Benefits
Better Support During Heavy Lifts
Lifting belts help you maintain intra-abdominal pressure, giving your core something to brace against during squats and deadlifts. This added stability allows you to focus on technique and bar path without worrying about lower back positioning.
Joint Stability and Compression
Knee sleeves, elbow sleeves and wrist wraps provide compression and warmth to key joints during training. This support helps you maintain proper alignment through full ranges of motion, particularly during high-volume sessions or when working with challenging weights.
Improved Grip Security
Chalk and lifting straps both address grip limitations in different ways. Chalk absorbs moisture for a more secure hand-to-bar connection, while straps remove grip as a limiting factor entirely - useful when training back or pulling movements where grip fails before the target muscles.
Consistent Training Performance
Quality gym lifting equipment allows you to train more consistently by reducing discomfort and helping you maintain proper form. When you trust your gear, you can concentrate fully on your lifts rather than adjusting straps or worrying about stability mid-set.
Popular Picks
Looking for core stability during heavy compounds? Myprotein Leather Lifting Belt - Black - The smaller version fits easily into packed bags while still delivering smooth mixing. Perfect for pre-workout supplements or lighter shakes when you don't need full capacity.
FAQs
What is weightlifting equipment?
Weightlifting equipment refers to accessories and gear designed to support strength training activities. This includes items like lifting belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, chalk, straps, and compression garments that help lifters maintain form, stability and grip during barbell and dumbbell exercises.
What's the difference between a lifting belt and knee sleeves?
A lifting belt supports your core by providing something to brace against during heavy squats, deadlifts and presses - helping you maintain intra-abdominal pressure. Knee sleeves provide compression and warmth around the knee joint itself, offering stability during squatting and lunging movements.
Belts are typically worn only during heavier working sets, while knee sleeves can be worn throughout entire sessions. Many lifters use both together during compound movements for comprehensive support.
How do I choose the right weightlifting accessories?
Start by identifying which movements feel least stable or where you notice grip, joint or core limitations. If your lower back rounds during heavy deadlifts, a belt might help. If your wrists bend back during pressing, consider wrist wraps. If grip fails before your back is properly trained, chalk or straps could be the answer.
Many lifters build their collection gradually - beginning with one or two essential pieces like a belt and chalk, then adding sleeves or wraps as their training advances and specific needs become clear.
When should I use lifting straps versus chalk?
Chalk is ideal when you want to train grip strength while ensuring your hands don't slip - it improves friction without removing grip as a training element. Lifting straps are better when you want to isolate back muscles without grip becoming the limiting factor, such as during high-rep rows or heavy rack pulls.
Most lifters use chalk for compound movements where grip matters (like deadlifts and pull-ups), and reserve straps for accessory work or when specifically training back muscles to failure without worrying about forearm fatigue.
Can beginners use weightlifting equipment?
Absolutely. Beginners can benefit from weight lifting accessories just like experienced lifters - proper support helps you learn correct movement patterns from the start. A lifting belt teaches you to brace properly, while knee sleeves provide reassurance as you learn to squat with good depth and control.
Start with basics like a shaker for post-workout nutrition and chalk for grip security. Add other equipment as you identify specific needs in your training - there's no requirement to wait until you're lifting certain numbers before using supportive gear.
How tight should lifting belts and sleeves be?
A lifting belt should be tight enough that you can create strong intra-abdominal pressure by bracing against it, but not so tight you can't breathe properly between reps. You should be able to fit your fingers underneath when not actively bracing.
Knee sleeves and elbow sleeves should provide firm compression without cutting off circulation - snug enough to stay in place during movement but comfortable enough to wear for multiple sets. If you notice numbness or excessive skin pinching, they're too tight.
What weightlifting gear do powerlifters typically use?
Powerlifters commonly rely on lifting belts for squats and deadlifts, knee sleeves for joint support during heavy squatting, wrist wraps for bench press stability, and chalk for grip security across all three competition lifts. Many also use elbow sleeves during training to keep joints warm between pressing sets.
Competition rules vary, so powerlifters often train with the same equipment they're allowed to use in meets - ensuring they're comfortable with how each piece feels under maximal loads.
Who developed Myprotein's weightlifting equipment range?
Myprotein's weightlifting accessories are developed in collaboration with experts who understand the demands of strength training. The range is designed to meet the practical needs of lifters at all levels - from gym essentials like shakers and belts to specialised gear like compression sleeves and hydration vests.
How do I care for my lifting equipment?
Wipe down belts and leather goods after sweaty sessions to prevent material degradation. Wash compression sleeves, wraps and fabric accessories regularly according to care labels - most can be machine washed on gentle cycles and air dried.
Store equipment in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep chalk in an airtight container to prevent it drying out excessively, and inspect belts and straps periodically for signs of wear, replacing them if stitching or material integrity is compromised.
Can I use weight lifting equipment for other types of training?
Yes - most weightlifting gear translates well to other strength-based activities. Lifting belts support core stability during strongman training or CrossFit workouts involving heavy loads. Knee sleeves and elbow sleeves provide joint compression during functional fitness movements, Olympic lifting variations, or high-rep conditioning work.
Chalk works for any activity requiring secure grip - from kettlebell swings to gymnastics movements. Shakers and hydration vests are universally useful across all training styles where nutrition timing and hydration matter.