Knee braces for weightlifting- No knee issues
I am in my mid 40s and getting more serious about weightlifting, mainly squats and deadlifts. I do not have any knee pain or prior injuries, just trying to train smart and stay consistent long term.
I keep seeing people at the gym using knee braces or knee sleeves, and it got me thinking — are they actually necessary if you have healthy knees?
From what I understand so far:
- Some people use them for support and stability
- Others use them more for confidence under heavier loads
- And some say they help with warmth and joint comfort
But I also hear that relying on them too early might reduce natural strength development or create dependency.
So my question to those with experience:
If you are lifting in your 40s with no knee issues, do you use knee braces or sleeves regularly, or only when going heavy?
Trying to find the balance between injury prevention and not over-relying on gear. Appreciate any real-world input.