How to Wrap Your Wrist Wraps Properly (and the Mistakes Most People Make)
A wrist wrap is only as good as the way you put it on. You can own the best pair going, but if it's twisted, uneven or sitting in the wrong spot, it won't do much for you. The good news is that once you know the trick, it takes about ten seconds.
Watch the video first, then use the steps below as a quick reference.
Step 1: Fold Your Fingers In
Start by folding your fingers in towards your palm, so your pinky is free to grab the tail end of the wrap. It doesn't need to be a tight fist, it's just about curling the fingers so the pinky can get to work. This also puts your wrist in a stable position to wrap around.
Step 2: Anchor the Tail With Your Pinky
Grab the tail end of the wrap with your pinky finger. That holds it in place so you don't need a third hand while you wrap. It sounds simple, but this is the bit that makes the whole thing easy to do on your own, mid session, with chalky hands.
Step 3: Wrap Around the Joint
Pull the wrap across and take it around your wrist. The wrap should sit directly around the wrist joint itself, not down on the forearm below it. Wraptors are built to support the joint, so make sure that's where it ends up. If the wrap is sitting low, you get the feeling of something tight without the support where it counts.
Step 4: Keep the Tension Even
Keep the material flat as you wrap, no twists or bunching. Pull firm and even from start to finish. A lot of people yank hard on the first pass and then ease off, which leaves one part of the wrap doing all the work and the rest doing nothing.
Step 5: Secure the Velcro
Because Wraptors are one size fits all, the velcro closure is how you dial in the fit. Fasten it once you've reached the tightness you want, and press it down properly so it can't peel open under load.
Step 6: Check the Fit
Gently bend your wrist back into extension. You should feel the wrap take the pressure as your wrist goes back, limiting the movement to some degree. It won't lock the joint completely, but there should be a clear point where the wrap takes over and supports it. If your wrist bends back freely with no resistance, tighten it up.
Then open your hand and flex your fingers. A well fitted wrap should feel firm and supportive, but you shouldn't feel any numbness, tingling or colour change in your fingers. If you do, loosen it off.
Match the Tension to the Lift
Your tension doesn't need to be the same for every movement. For heavy pressing, like bench or overhead press, wrap it tighter for maximum support. For higher rep CrossFit work like wall balls or handstand push ups, go a little looser so you keep some mobility through the movement.
The Common Mistakes
Wrapping too low. If the wrap sits on your forearm instead of over the joint, it can't support the joint.
Forgetting to anchor the tail. If your pinky isn't holding the tail end, the wrap slips around and you end up with uneven tension.
Uneven tension. Tight at the start, loose at the end, or the other way around. Keep it consistent.
Twisted material. A twist creates a pressure point and an uneven feel. Keep it flat.
Wrapping too tight for the whole session. Cranking it to the max for every set, including your warm ups, isn't necessary and can leave your hands feeling numb. Save your tightest setting for your heaviest sets.
Half attached velcro. Press the closure down firmly so it stays put under load.
The Bottom Line
Fold the fingers in, pinky anchors the tail, wrap over the joint, even tension, secure closure, quick fit check. Once it becomes habit you'll barely think about it.
Ready to try them for yourself? Have a look at Wraptors.