Powerbuilding is a mix of powerlifting and bodybuilding, meaning you want to get strong while building muscle and protecting your joints. One crucial part of this setup is knowing how to use belts and sleeves effectively.
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A weightlifting belt helps increase intra-abdominal pressure, which stabilizes your spine and reduces injury risk during heavy lifts. It’s especially useful for squats, deadlifts, and other core-intensive movements.
In powerbuilding, where volume and intensity mix, a belt allows you to push heavier weights safely and recover faster.
Use your belt for sets where you approach 80%+ of your one-rep max, or when lifting heavy compound movements that load your spine significantly. Don’t rely on it for every warm-up set.
Knee sleeves provide warmth, compression, and mild support. They help with joint proprioception and can reduce pain during squats, lunges, and leg presses.
In powerbuilding, sleeves can allow for more volume with less discomfort, improving recovery and consistency.
For heavy squats, use a belt plus knee sleeves for maximal support and safety. During lighter hypertrophy days, sleeves alone might suffice to keep you comfortable.
Listen to your body: if joints feel good, you can skip gear occasionally. But on high-intensity days, don’t hesitate to use your full setup.
For a full program setup, check out Powerbuilding Workout Split.
Also recommended: Stronger By Science’s guide on belts and sleeves.
Want more gear breakdowns and technique comparisons? Browse the full Iron Alliances equipment hub.