Weight-Lifting Accessories

People carry a variety of items in their gym bags. Even if you never set foot in a health club, these weightlifting accessories can make your workouts more comfortable and safer.
>>> Belts: Controversy rages in the fitness community over: to wear a belt or not to wear a belt? Proponents of weightlifting belts assert that belts protect your lower back. Opponents object that the belt is like a crutch: If the belt does all the work to keep your body stable, your abdominals and back muscles won’t develop to their full potential, and you could end up with back problems.
Although many casual lifters swear by them, you don’t need a belt unless you’re a serious power lifter. The abdominals and lower back muscles benefit from the work they do to support you as you lift.
>>> Clothes: Wear tight shorts (or at least long pants) for weight training as some machines can be awkward with baggy pants. Wear a T-shirt or tank top over the shirt. Heavy clothes only trap sweat and lead to dehydration; Layers can also hamper your movement and hide errors in your posture that you would be able to see if you weren’t overdressed.
>>> Gloves: Weight lifting gloves have padded palms, and the tops of the fingers are cut out. The gloves prevent your hands from sticking and slipping off the rod. Wearing hand protection also increases comfort when working with bands or tubes, and if you’re allergic to latex, gloves prevent cracking on your hands.
One alternative to gloves you may want to use is weight lifting pads – squares or foam rubber circles (such as drill holders) that you place in the palms of your hands while lifting. Pads can provide better control than gloves because more of your hand is in contact with the weight. However, lifting pads are not as comfortable as gloves because you have to carry them during your workout. (Some pads come with clips so you can attach them to your shorts.)

>>> SHOES: Wear sneakers that have plenty of cushioning and ankle support to protect your feet, joints and balance.
If you drop your weight while wearing sandals, your toes will not have any protection. And if you wear shoes without a rubber sole, your foot will not be secure enough. Some gyms also have policies that prevent you from training in ill-fitting shoes, because it’s an accident waiting to happen.
>>> Towel: Want to lie in someone else’s sweat puddle? be polite. Use a towel frequently to wipe your body and the tools you are using.
>>> Water Bottle: Every gym has a drinking water fountain, but you will drink more water while lifting weights if you have a water bottle by your side. If you exercise at home, a water bottle is a must.
>>> Weight Workouts Log: Recording your workouts in a diary keeps you motivated and helps you assess your fitness goals.