CrossFit is a high-intensity exercise that requires a lot of strength and endurance. As you engage in CrossFit workouts, you expose your thumbs to a lot of strain, which can lead to thumb injuries. This is why you need to wear thumb tape to protect your thumbs and improve your grip strength. In this article, we will discuss how thumb tape benefits your CrossFit workouts.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Thumb Tape?
- Why Do You Need Thumb Tape for CrossFit?
- Benefits of Using Thumb Tape for CrossFit
- How to Use Thumb Tape for CrossFit
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Thumb Tape for CrossFit
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
CrossFit is a popular sport that requires a lot of strength, endurance, and agility. It involves various functional movements that require the use of different muscle groups. The thumb is one of the areas that are most susceptible to injuries when engaging in CrossFit workouts which is why it's advised to wear thumb tape to protect your thumbs and improve your grip strength.
What is Thumb Tape?
Thumb tape is a thin, stretchy, adhesive tape that you wrap around your thumb to provide support and protection. It is designed to prevent your thumb from slipping or shifting during heavy lifting or other functional movements.
Why Do You Need Thumb Tape for CrossFit?
When you engage in CrossFit workouts, you expose your thumbs to a lot of strain. This is because CrossFit involves a lot of weightlifting, gymnastics, and other functional movements that require firm use of your thumbs. If you do not wear thumb tape, you are more likely to suffer from thumb injuries, such as sprains, strains, and blisters.
Benefits of using Thumb tape
1. Protecting Your Thumbs
Thumb tape provides support and protection to your thumbs, preventing injuries such as sprains, strains, and blisters. On top of this, it provides a barrier to stop the knurling (the grippy bit of a barbell) of the bar from grating your thumbs like a block of cheese.
2. Improving Grip Strength
Thumb tape can improve your grip strength by providing a better grip on the bar or weight. This can help you perform better in exercises that require a strong grip, such as pull-ups and deadlifts.
3. Enhancing Performance
Thumb tape can enhance your performance by providing extra support and stability to your thumbs. This can help you lift heavier weights and perform more challenging movements.
4. Speeding Up Recovery
Thumb tape can also speed up your recovery time by providing support and compression to your thumbs. This can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which can lead to faster healing.
"Best tape in the game, no slipping don’t have to use too much” - Rhys J
How to use Thumb Tape for CrossFit
Using thumb tape for CrossFit is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Wrap the Tape around your thumb
Wrap the thumb tape around your thumb, starting at the base and wrapping it around the joint. Make sure to cover the bone on the thumb joint as this is a key area of contact with the bar.
2. Tear the Thumb Tape to the right length
Tear the thumb tape to the right length, making sure it is long enough to wrap around your thumb and provide support and protection. With Murgs thumb tape, there's no need to cut with scissors as it should tear with medium force.
3. Lock it in
Secure the thumb tape by pressing it onto itself. The sticky adhesive will bond with the back of the tape providing a firm hold for the whole workout.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Thumb Tape for CrossFit
While thumb tape is beneficial, there are common mistakes you should avoid when using it for CrossFit. These mistakes include:
1. Wrapping Thumb Tape Too Tight
Wrapping thumb tape too tight can limit blood flow, leading to numbness and tingling in the hand. The tape should be a firm fit, but not as tight as possible.
2. Wrapping Thumb Tape Too Loose
Wrapping thumb tape too loose can provide insufficient support, leading to injuries.
3. Using Thumb Tape as a Crutch
Thumb tape should be used as a supplement to improve performance and prevent injuries. It should not be used as a crutch to compensate for poor form or lack of strength.
4. Not Replacing Thumb Tape When Necessary
Replace your thumb tape when it shows signs of wear and tear or loss of elasticity, which can affect its effectiveness. Our tape will last an entire workout under typical conditions, but there may be times you snag it, didn't apply it as well as you thought or it gets worn out. If this happens, just whip it off, and start again.
5. Using too much or too little
There's no hard and fast rule on how much tape is required, but looping around your thumb 4 times isn't necessary.
When taping thumbs, you need to ensure you get a full loop around, then enough to lock in place. 1.5 -2 loops is a good place to start.
Conclusion
Thumb tape is essential for CrossFit workouts. It provides support, protection, and grip strength to your thumbs, preventing injuries and enhancing performance. When choosing thumb tape, consider the level of support needed, material, size, and brand. Remember to use thumb tape correctly and avoid common mistakes.
Do I need thumb tape for CrossFit?
Yes, thumb tape is essential for CrossFit workouts to prevent injuries and enhance grip strength.What are the benefits of using thumb tape for CrossFit?
Thumb tape can protect your thumbs, improve grip strength, enhance performance, and speed up recovery.Can I wear thumb tape all day?
No, thumb tape should only be worn during CrossFit workouts.Can thumb tape prevent all thumb injuries?
No, thumb tape can reduce the risk of thumb injuries but cannot prevent all injuries. Proper form and technique are also essential in preventing injuries.How often should I replace my thumb tape?
Replace your thumb tape when it shows signs of wear and tear or loss of elasticity, which can affect its effectiveness.-
Can I wash my thumb tape?
No, thumb tape is not designedto be washed. It should be disposed of and replaced after each use.
Can I use thumb tape for other sports or activities?
Yes, thumb tape can be used for other sports or activities that involve heavy lifting or gripping.How do I remove thumb tape?
Carefully peel off the thumb tape, starting from the top and moving downwards, to avoid pulling on the skin. If required, oils such as baby oil or coconut oil can be rubbed into the tape to soften the adhesive making it slide off.
