I was wondering if it would be a good idea to buy some knee wraps for support when I am doing squats. At least when I am doing five reps or less. Is this a good idea or will I just be making my knees weaker?
I think you are probaly better off without them unless your knees aer painful or sore when squatting and the wraps eliminate it. the only time i put my knee wraps on is when i am simulating a competition squat.
Limit the use of wraps to max attempts.
Wraps when used correctly are a very effective tool for enhancing stability and providing rebound out of the whole. However, they are also not the healthiest means of support. A tightly wound wrap cuts off the arterial flow of blood from the heart to the lower distal extremeties and the vascular return of blood from the lower distal extremeties to the lungs. This is why you will feel light headed and a numb/tingling sensation in your lower legs/feet if you keep your wraps on for too long. Very tightly wound wraps worn for too long in conjunction with the extreme intra-abdominal pressure created when under a heavily loaded bar, also poses a risk for loss of consciousness (in the extreme case).
So save them for max attemps.
James
If you feel uneasy squatting without wraps then use them, just as you would use a weights belt. You may prolong your athletic career by saving your knee caps from popping out. Its a matter of choice. If you are doing plyo, and squatting heavy you will definitely be causing bone reactions at your joints that my lead to problems later in life. Protect yourself the best you can. I know some will disagree and say that you are cheating by using knee wraps, who cares, as long as you protect your knee caps and ACL thats fine. If you feel that the VM will miss out on the action, use EMS or some light knee extensor exercises, but this is not necessary. Your knee extensors will be strengthend through plyo and the drive phase of your sprints.
Bottom line, its your choice there is no right or wrong.