10 Helpful Workout Accessories That Allow You to Lift Heavier
Ever see someone at the gym loading a barbell with a weight that seems impossible, even though they aren’t much bigger than you? It’s not magic. It’s often the smart use of workout accessories designed to boost their strength and technique.
Think of these tools as your key to unlocking new progress.
This guide will show you 10 specific pieces of gear that can help you make significant muscle gains and push past your limits. Whether you have a weak grip, sweaty hands, or nagging joints, there’s a solution here for you. All of the items we’ll discuss can be found on sites like Amazon, and we’ll provide examples to get you started.
Disclaimer: It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program or using any of the workout accessories listed throughout this article.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Safety and Performance: Workout accessories like belts and wraps are not just for comfort. They improve safety by providing stability and can directly enhance performance by allowing you to lift heavier loads.
- Grip is Everything: A weak or sweaty grip is a common limiting factor. Chalk, gloves, and straps are simple solutions that directly address this, helping you hold onto the bar longer and lift more weight.
- The Right Tool for the Job: Not all gear is created equal. Specialized items like weightlifting shoes provide a stable base for squats, while tools like the Slingshot help you overload your bench press to break through plateaus.
- Progressive Use: As a personal trainer, I advise clients to build a solid foundation of strength first. Introduce accessories strategically when you hit a plateau or when the weight becomes heavy enough to pose a stability challenge.
Why Would You Want or Need Workout Accessories?
Workout accessories are tools designed to make your exercise safer, more comfortable, and more effective. They help you bridge the gap between what your body can currently do and what you want it to achieve.
Think about safety and injury prevention. According to the National Safety Council, in 2022, exercise equipment was associated with over 400,000 injuries. Many of these are preventable. Proper gear like wrist wraps and weight belts provides crucial support to your joints and core, helping you maintain correct form as you lift heavier.
These tools also directly enhance your performance. A weak grip can stop you from finishing a set of deadlifts even when your back and legs have more to give. Lifting straps solve that problem, allowing the target muscles to work to their full potential.
Finally, workout accessories can help with recovery and motivation. Foam rollers and massage tools aid in muscle recovery, while a good pair of wireless headphones can provide the focus needed to push through a tough session.
Are Workout Accessories Necessary?
No, workout accessories are not strictly necessary for getting in shape. You can build an incredible physique with basic exercises and consistency. Many fitness philosophies, like calisthenics, thrive on a minimalist approach.
However, if your goal is to maximize strength and lift as heavy as possible, certain accessories become essential tools of the trade. For a competitive powerlifter, a weight belt isn’t just helpful, it’s a fundamental piece of equipment for both safety and performance.
In my experience as a strength coach, the best approach is to earn your accessories. Build a strong foundation without them first. Then, as your numbers climb, introduce specific items to address weak points. For example, many experienced lifters on Reddit’s fitness forums advise waiting to use a belt until your squat and deadlift are consistently heavy, ensuring you’ve learned to brace your core naturally first.
Think of it this way: accessories should not be a crutch for poor form, but a tool to support good form under heavy loads.
10 Helpful Workout Accessories You NEED
Here are my top 10 workout accessories that can make a real difference in your training sessions. This list isn’t in any specific order, as the best tool depends on your individual goals.
1) Chalk
First, always check with your gym’s management before using block chalk, as the mess can be an issue for some facilities.
Lifting chalk, which is made of magnesium carbonate, works by absorbing sweat and dramatically increasing the friction between your hands and the bar. This provides a secure grip that sweaty hands would otherwise make impossible. If your gym allows it, the Z-Athletic Chalk Ball is a great option because its cotton sack minimizes the mess.
If block chalk is a no-go, liquid chalk is the perfect alternative. A product like Dry Hands Ultimate Gripping Solution or Liquid Grip provides the same benefit without the powdery residue. It’s a clean, non-sticky solution that gives you incredible grip.
2) Gloves
Some hardcore lifters might scoff at gloves, but they serve a real purpose beyond preventing callouses. Just like chalk, their primary benefit is improving grip when your hands get sweaty, preventing the bar from slipping and potentially causing injury.
However, it’s worth noting that some lifters find gloves increase the diameter of the bar slightly, which can make gripping more challenging for certain exercises. It comes down to personal preference.
For a great all-around option, the Harbinger Power Weightlifting Glove is a classic choice with a flexible fit and leather palm. If you need wrist support too, the Harbinger Training-Grip Wristwrap Gloves combine both features into one, giving you protection and stability.
3) Straps
Lifting straps are one of the most common workout accessories for a simple reason: your grip will almost always fail before your larger muscles do on heavy pulling exercises. Straps solve this by securing your hands to the bar, allowing you to overload muscles like your back and hamstrings without being limited by forearm strength.
A pro-tip I always give my clients is to use straps strategically. Don’t use them for every set, as this can hinder the development of your natural grip strength. Save them for your heaviest top sets on exercises like deadlifts, rows, and shrugs.
For a reliable and inexpensive option, you can’t go wrong with the Harbinger Big Grip Lifting Straps. They come in padded versions for extra comfort around the wrist, which is a nice touch during very heavy lifts.
4) Weight Belts
A weight belt is a serious tool for heavy lifting, particularly for squats and deadlifts. It works by increasing intra-abdominal pressure, which is the pressure inside your abdominal cavity. A landmark 1989 study found that belts can increase this pressure by up to 40%. This creates a rigid core, which helps stabilize your spine and allows you to lift more weight safely.
When choosing a belt, I recommend skipping the flimsy nylon models and investing in a sturdy leather one.
- For General Use: The Valeo VRL 6-Inch Padded Leather Belt offers excellent support and has been a reliable choice for decades.
- For Serious Powerlifting: A Lever Buckle Powerlifting Belt from brands like Inzer or SBD provides maximum rigidity with a quick-release lever system for an extremely secure fit.
5) Knee Wraps
Knee wraps are designed to protect your knees during heavy squats. They work by storing elastic energy as you descend, which then helps you drive back up out of the bottom of the squat. This can significantly increase the amount of weight you can lift, with some studies suggesting a boost of 10% or more.
Be careful not to wrap them too tightly, a common mistake that can cut off circulation. There’s a learning curve to using them correctly. For a durable and affordable starting point, the Harbinger Red Line Knee Wraps are an excellent choice. These are powerful workout accessories for anyone serious about squatting heavy.
6) Wrist Wraps
Wrist wraps provide stability for pressing movements like the bench press, overhead press, and dips. If your wrists tend to hyperextend under heavy loads, wraps keep them in a neutral, stronger position, which can prevent injury and help you push more weight.
Wraps come in different lengths and stiffness levels. For most people, an elastic version provides the best balance of comfort and support. A quality pair like the Evolutionize Wrist Wraps is a great place to start. Generally, a 12-inch or 18-inch wrap is sufficient for most lifters, while competitive powerlifters might opt for longer, stiffer versions for maximum support.
7) Weightlifting Shoes
The soft, cushioned running shoes many people wear to the gym are terrible for heavy lifting. That cushioning absorbs force, creating an unstable surface. Weightlifting shoes, on the other hand, have a hard, flat sole that provides a solid platform to drive force into the ground.
Most weightlifting shoes have an elevated heel, typically around 0.75 inches, which allows for a more upright torso position during squats. This is especially helpful for people with limited ankle mobility. For an all-around solid shoe, a flat-soled classic like the Converse Chuck Taylor is fantastic, especially for deadlifts. For dedicated squatting, a true weightlifting shoe like the Adidas Powerlift Trainer 2 is a worthwhile investment.
8) Bench Shirts
A bench shirt is a highly specialized piece of gear for the sport of equipped powerlifting. It is not for the average gym-goer. These incredibly tight, durable shirts are made of polyester or denim and work similarly to knee wraps, storing elastic energy as the bar is lowered to the chest.
This stored energy provides a massive boost off the chest, allowing lifters to handle weights far beyond their unassisted maximum. For elite lifters, a bench shirt can add hundreds of pounds to their bench press. If you’re interested in exploring equipped lifting, a good entry-level shirt is The Fury by Titan Support Systems.
9) Slingshot
Invented by powerlifter Mark Bell, the Slingshot is a more accessible tool for overloading your bench press. It’s an elastic band that you wear around your upper arms. Like a bench shirt, it stretches as you lower the bar and provides assistance at the bottom of the movement.
This allows you to handle about 10-15% more weight than you normally could, which is great for building strength in the lockout portion of the lift and getting your body accustomed to heavier loads. It’s an excellent tool for breaking through plateaus. You can find the original Slingshot in various resistance levels to match your strength.
10) Kinesiology Tape
Kinesiology tape is an elastic athletic tape that provides support and pain relief to muscles and joints without restricting movement. While scientific research on its performance-enhancing effects is mixed, many athletes and trainers find it provides valuable proprioceptive feedback, which is your body’s awareness of its position in space.
This can help you maintain better form and stability during an exercise. It’s crucial to apply the tape correctly, and brands like RockTape and KT Tape have excellent video tutorials on their websites and YouTube channels. For a high-quality, reliable option, RockTape Kinesiology Tape is a popular choice known for its strong adhesion and durability through sweat.
FAQs About Workout Accessories
When should I start using workout accessories?
As a trainer, I advise building a solid foundation first. Focus on mastering form with just your body and the barbell. Introduce accessories like a weight belt or straps when you reach a point where a specific weakness, like grip strength or core stability, is holding you back from progressing with heavier weights.
Can workout accessories become a crutch?
Yes, if used improperly. You should never use a lifting belt to compensate for a weak core or straps on every single set. The goal is to use them as strategic tools for your heaviest work, not as a replacement for building fundamental strength.
How do I clean my workout accessories?
For items like knee wraps, wrist wraps, and gloves, a gentle hand wash with mild soap and then air drying is usually best. Leather belts can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some materials may have specific care requirements.
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