The real answer to this is yes and no. Yes, these tools will help you lift more weight. A good lifting belt will increase intra-abdominal pressure, which in turn will keep your spine properly aligned during heavy lifts.

In fact, some have experienced an immediate 10% increase in max squat by simply wrapping their knees and using a powerlifting belt. From that standpoint it is beneficial; however, these are not the tools of beginners. Save them for when you need the help. If you use a belt for warm-ups and higher rep working sets, you’re not allowing your body to strengthen the stabilizer muscles that keep you aligned properly. Same goes for knee wraps – they increase the pressure in the knee joints, which in turn gives you more spring as you fire out of a deep squat. Wrap only your heaviest sets when you feel you have to. Wrist wraps should be used for things like massive shrugs and deadlifts, when your grip just can’t hold.