Choosing the right size for your equipment is not a minor detail. A belt that's too big, poorly adjusted Grips, or knee sleeves with little compression can completely change the feeling during training.
In products like belts, Grips and knee sleeves, the size affects comfort, safety, and performance. It's not just about the product "fitting." It's about it serving its purpose.
In this guide, we explain how to measure correctly, what you need to consider for each product, and the most common mistakes when choosing a size.
Why it's important to choose the right size
Each product has a different purpose.
The Grips help protect the hand and improve grip in bar exercises, rings, or gymnastic movements.
The belts provide support to the core during heavy lifts and exercises where more stability is needed.
The knee sleeves offer compression, support, and thermal protection in movements like squats, lunges, weightlifting, or high-intensity training.
That's why you shouldn't choose the size "by eye." In each case, you must measure a different area and assess how you want the product to behave during training.
Size guide by product: what to measure
| Product | What to measure | Adjustment goal |
|---|---|---|
| Grips | Hand, from the base of the wrist to the start of the fingers | Protection and grip without excess material |
| Belt | Waist/abdominal area where it's placed | Firm support without restricting breathing |
| Knee sleeves | Knee circumference in a relaxed position | Stable compression without cutting off circulation |
How to choose the size of your PICSIL Grips
The Grips are one of the products where most doubts arise when choosing a size because it doesn't just depend on the hand measurement. It also depends on how you use them. To measure your hand, use a ruler or tape measure and measure from the base of the wrist to the start of the fingers. The measurement is taken from the wrist to the base of the fingers.
How Grips should fit
A well-chosen Grip should cover the palm and allow you to grip the bar comfortably. It shouldn't be tan short that it leaves the hand unprotected, nor tan long that it creates excessive folds or loss of control.
The size can also vary depending on the type of use:
- If you use the Grips with fingers inside, choose the size that corresponds to your measurement.
- If you prefer use them without inserting your fingers or doing a gymnastic fold, you might be interested in a larger size.
- If you seek maximum contact sensation with the bar, avoid choosing a size that is too large.
If you want to use the Grip with a gymnastic fold or without inserting your fingers, you can choose a size larger than the one indicated by the table.
Common mistakes when choosing Grips
- Choosing a large size thinking it will protect more.
- Not considering whether you will use them with or without fingers.
- Measuring the entire hand, including the fingers.
- Comparing sizes between old and new models without checking the current guide.
How to choose the size of your PICSIL belt
The belt has a clear function: to help you create more stability in the core during heavy lifts. It does not replace technique, but it can help you generate more intra-abdominal pressure when training strength, weightlifting, or demanding exercises.
At PICSIL, we have belts designed for heavy lifting and high-intensity training. For example, the lumbar belt is presented as a product designed to protect the core during heavy lifts and meet competition standards.
How to measure yourself to choose your belt
To choose the size, measure the circumference of the area where you actually place the belt.
It does not always exactly match the waist of the pants. In many exercises, the belt is placed in the middle of the abdomen, slightly above the hip.
Measure that area with the abdomen relaxed, without tightening the tape too much.
How a belt should fit
The belt should fit firmly, but it should not prevent you from breathing or activating the abdomen.
If it is too loose, it will not provide the support you are looking for.
If it is too tight, it will limit your movement and may be uncomfortable in workouts with many repetitions.
Common mistakes when choosing a belt
Choosing the size according to the pants size.
- Measuring the hip instead of the area where you will use the belt.
- Seeking an extreme fit thinking it will provide more support.
- Not leaving room to adjust according to the type of training.
How to choose the size of your PICSIL knee sleeves
With knee sleeves, size is not just about comfort. It's about finding the exact point between compression, mobility, and stability.
If they are too large, they move, wrinkle, and stop providing support when you need it most: in squats, lifts, lunges, or WODs with a lot of leg volume.
If they are too small, they can be uncomfortable, limit flexion, or make you end up removing them before finishing the workout.
Therefore, before choosing between a knee brace of 5 mm, 7 mm, or 10 mm, the first thing is to get the size right. The thickness defines the level of support, but the size determines if that support truly works.
Where you should measure
To choose the correct size of knee braces, measure the circumference of the knee in a relaxed position and compare the measurement with the product's size chart.
At PICSIL, we recommend measuring the knee circumference in a relaxed position and checking the product page chart to choose the right size.
How knee braces should fit
Knee braces should provide compression, but they should not cut off circulation or prevent you from bending the knee.
A knee brace that is too large will move during training. A knee brace that is too small can be uncomfortable, difficult to put on, and limit movement.
What thickness of knee braces to choose
In addition to size, you must consider the thickness.
| Thickness | Recommended use |
|---|---|
| 5 mm | Functional training, WODs, dynamic sessions, and versatile use |
| 7 mm | Strength, weightlifting, squats, and greater stability |
| 10 mm | Maximum compression and support in heavy lifting |
Here, size and thickness work together. A knee brace of 7 mm or 10 mm already provides more rigidity by construction, so it is not advisable to compensate by choosing the wrong size.
What to do if you are between two sizes
If you are between two sizes, do not automatically choose the larger one.
| Product | If you are unsure between two sizes |
|---|---|
| Grips | Choose according to your usage: with fingers, without fingers, or with fold |
| Belt | Prioritize being able to adjust it firmly without running out of room |
| Knee braces | If you seek more compression, usually the tighter size is preferred; if you prioritize comfort, the larger one |
In compression products, like knee braces, a tighter size can improve the feeling of support, but only if it does not limit movement or become uncomfortable.
Tips before buying your Cross Training accessories
Before choosing a size, check three things:
- Measure carefully.
Do not use an estimate or a previous size if you have changed weight or muscle volume. - Consult the specific product guide.
Each model can have particularities. - Think about how you are going to use it.
It's not the same to train pure strength as it is to do long WODs, gymnastic or mixed sessions. - Don't choose just for initial comfort.
Some products, like knee sleeves or Grips, need a firm fit to perform their function well.
Choosing the right size for your Grips, belt, or knee sleeves not only improves comfort. It also helps each product perform its function during training.
Measure the correct area, check the specific guide for each product, and think about how you are going to use it. That is the easiest way to avoid mistakes and train with a better feeling from day one.
