Best Shin Guards for Deadlifting
Deadlifting is an essential part of any athlete’s training regime, especially in the world of MMA and BJJ.
Unfortunately however, picking up bumps and scrapes comes with the territory as a martial arts practitioner and deadlifting is a perilous activity.
Aside from the obvious risks of lifting weights, shins and ankles are in the firing line when it comes to deadlifting and an effective pair of shin guards can prevent injury.
Football players will be all too familiar with wearing shin guards, with the risks associated with kicking a ball around in studded boots relatively obvious.
Shin guards are relatively self-explanatory but an injury to the shin/lower leg can be hugely detrimental to a career and for martial arts fighters, they are often exposed to impacts and locks.
Deadlifting is a whole body workout, that can be completed in a variety of forms and weights but the technique associated with deadlifting sees the bar regularly come into contact with the shins, causing potentially painful collisions.
There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the right pair of deadlifting shin guards for you.
Safety is the number one function of shin guards, so be sure to look out for thick, durable material that will be able to withstand the rigours of deadlifting.
Deadlift shin guards tend to be made from fiberglass, rubber or plastic.
Generally speaking, fiberglass shin guards are the most expensive but in turn the most reliable.
Rubber shin guards are significantly more lightweight and tend to mould better to the shape of the leg.
Plastic shin guards are often the cheapest option and can be very well manufactured, but they are not as durable as rubber or fiberglass shin guards.
Comfort is another essential thing to factor into any deadlift shin guard choice as you don’t want to be distracted from the task at hand.
Depending on your aspirations as with your deadlifting and your budget, there should always be a suitable option for you. If you are just starting out on your deadlifting journey, a pair of plastic, cheaper shin guards should do the trick but as you develop your skills, a fiberglass or rubber set of shin guards should give you the protection you need when deadlifting.