You’ll Never Go the Distance Without Them…
Are you tired of feeling like your boxing wraps are as much a part of your workout routine as, well, punching? Do you struggle to get them on without causing more sweat than necessary or worse – leaving you feeling self-conscious about your gym look?
According to a recent survey, over 75% of boxers and MMA fighters admit to having trouble putting on their wraps correctly. It’s not just about the aesthetics; proper wrapping can make all the difference in performance and protection.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of putting on boxing wraps like a pro. From preparing your wraps to securing them with ease, you’ll be ready to take on any opponent – or at least look sharp doing it!
Putting on Your First Layer of Boxing Wraps
Step 1: Preparing for the Underwrap
Before you begin wrapping your hands, make sure they are clean and dry. This will help prevent any bacterial growth that could lead to skin irritation during training. Remove any existing hand wraps or tape from previous sessions.
Wrapping Your Hands with Underwrap
Start by wrapping your hands with a layer of underwrap, typically made of a thin, stretchy material. This helps protect your skin and provides a smooth surface for the next layer. To apply the underwrap, follow these steps:
- Hold your hand vertically : Place your hand in front of you, palm facing up.
- Take the underwrap : Hold one end of the underwrap with both hands, making sure it’s aligned with the base of your fingers.
- Wrap around your wrist : Begin by wrapping the underwrap around the top of your wrist, ensuring the material is snug but not too tight.
- Work your way up : Continue to wrap the underwrap over your hand, moving from one finger to the next, making sure to cover all four fingers evenly.
Ensuring a Proper Fit
As you wrap your hands with underwrap, make sure it’s not too loose or too tight. A good rule of thumb is to apply gentle pressure while wrapping – this will help prevent any wrinkles or creases in the material. If the underwrap feels constricting, adjust it accordingly.
Final Check
Once you’ve completed the first layer of underwrap, inspect your hands to ensure a proper fit. The underwrap should be smooth and even, providing support without restricting movement.
Securing the Next Layer of Boxing Wraps
Now that you’ve wrapped your hand with a thin layer of boxing wraps, it’s time to add the next layer for extra support and protection. This layer should be slightly thicker than the first one, but still not so thick that it restricts movement.
To secure this next layer, begin by placing the center of the wrap on the top of your wrist, where the two bones meet. The wrap should be positioned so that it’s even with the edge of your hand, and not too far up towards the forearm. Gently pull the wrap down over your hand, working your way around to the back, making sure to cover all the fingers.
As you wrap, pay attention to how much space you’re leaving between each layer. You want to leave enough room for comfort and mobility, but not so much that the wraps start to slip or bunch up during a fight. A good rule of thumb is to leave about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) between each wrap.
Once you’ve wrapped the entire hand, take a step back and make sure everything is in place. You should see a neat, even layer of wraps that provides support without restricting movement. If you need to adjust anything, now’s the time to do it.
Tying Off Your Boxing Wraps for a Secure Fit
The Final Touches: Ensuring a Snug and Protected Fit
After carefully wrapping your hands with the boxing wraps, it’s time to tie off the wraps for a secure fit. This crucial step ensures that your hands are protected from impact and strain during training or competition.
To begin, take one of the wrap ends and fold it back towards you, creating a small tuck under the main body of the wrap. This will prevent any loose ends from coming undone later on. Next, locate the other wrap end and gently pull it tight to secure the first layer of wraps in place. You should start to feel a snug fit forming around your hand.
Creating a Secure Knot
Now that you have both wrap ends in position, it’s time to create the final knot. Hold the two wrap ends together, with the folded edge facing upwards. Begin to twist the right-hand wrap end away from you while keeping the left-hand wrap end steady. This twisting motion will start to form the foundation of your secure knot.
As you continue to twist the right-hand wrap end, use your non-dominant hand to gently pull the left-hand wrap end tight and guide it into position. Keep a firm grip on both ends as you begin to tie off the wraps. Think of this process like tying a shoelace – keep a steady pace and maintain even tension to ensure the knot stays secure.
Final Tucks and Adjustments
With your knot starting to take shape, give it a gentle tug to ensure it’s snug but not too tight. Take a moment to adjust any stray threads or edges that might be poking out from under the wraps. You can use a quick dab of tape to keep these loose ends in place.
Once you’ve made your final adjustments, inspect your hand to make sure everything is secure and evenly wrapped. Your boxing wraps should now provide excellent support and protection for your hands during intense training sessions or competitions.
Conclusion
Putting on boxing wraps is an art that requires a combination of technique, patience, and practice. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the craft.
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand the importance of proper wrapping techniques for optimal performance and injury prevention. Boxing wraps are designed to provide support and stability to the hands and wrists during intense physical activity, reducing the risk of strains and sprains. By wearing boxing wraps correctly, you’ll be able to maintain a firm grip on your opponent without compromising your own safety.
As mentioned earlier, selecting the right type of wrap is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an amateur looking to get into the sport, choosing a wrap that suits your needs will make all the difference in your performance and overall experience. With so many options available, it’s essential to research and experiment with different types of wraps to find what works best for you.
In addition to choosing the right type of wrap, proper wrapping technique is also vital. Wrapping your hands too tightly can lead to reduced circulation, swelling, and discomfort, while not wrapping them enough may compromise their stability and support. By learning how to properly wrap your hands, you’ll be able to achieve optimal results without sacrificing comfort or performance.
Furthermore, the frequency of rewrapping during a fight is also crucial. Depending on your activity level and the duration of the match, you may need to rewrap your hands multiple times throughout the competition. This can help prevent excessive sweat from compromising the wrap’s effectiveness and ensure that you maintain optimal support and stability for the entire match.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that mastering the art of putting on boxing wraps takes time, patience, and practice. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right – with consistent effort and dedication, you’ll eventually become proficient in this essential skill.
By following these simple steps, you can master the art of putting on boxing wraps and take your fighting to the next level. Remember to always prioritize proper wrapping techniques, choose the right type of wrap for your needs, learn how to properly wrap your hands, and rewrap as needed during a fight. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any opponent that comes your way!