Elbow Sleeves Neoprene 5mm - Black

Elbow Sleeves 7 mm Neoprene – Compression for Heavy Pressing

The Gym Generation elbow sleeves are 7 mm neoprene sleeves, supplied as a pair. You pull them on like a cuff, and the neoprene puts a firm compression around the joint and keeps the elbow warm. Two reinforced side panels and bound, zigzag-stitched edges hold their shape: they stay put and do not slide down over long sessions. 7 mm is the heavier gauge in strength training, noticeably more resistance through bending and extension than thinner 5 mm models. Available in four sizes from S to XL, height 18 to 21 cm. Made for bench press, shoulder press, triceps work and heavy upper body training. Developed by Gym Generation, a Swiss brand for training and strength gear since 2013.

Finding the Right Size

With neoprene sleeves the size decides the effect. Too loose and there is barely any compression left; too tight and it constricts. Hold the elbow slightly bent, not locked out, measure your arm circumference about 5 cm above the elbow joint, and find your figure in the table.

The ranges overlap deliberately, because neoprene stretches and there are genuine borderline cases. If you fall in an overlap, take the smaller size for maximum compression and the larger one if easier fitting and a slightly more comfortable feel matter more.

7 mm or 5 mm – What the Gauge Changes

The thickness decides how much resistance you get. At 7 mm these sit above the common 5 mm standard: the material pushes back noticeably as you bend and gives the joint something to work against rather than just keeping it warm. On bench press and shoulder press you feel it most in the bottom of the movement, where the elbow works hardest, and the thicker layer keeps the joint considerably warmer in a cold gym. 5 mm is the thinner, more mobile option and suits mixed training with high reps and quick exercise changes. If your training is built around heavy pressing, take 7 mm; if you want maximum mobility, thinner material serves you better.

Two Reinforced Side Panels

Plenty of neoprene sleeves creep down the arm during pressing and need pulling back up between sets. The construction here prevents that: a structured side panel runs along the shaping seam on the left and the right, giving the sleeve its shape and stopping it bunching as you bend. The edges top and bottom are finished with separate binding and secured with a zigzag stitch that works with the material instead of giving way. Choose the right size and the sleeve sits in the same place from the first set to the last – a sleeve that is too big will slip whatever it is made of.

Getting Them On

7 mm neoprene is a struggle to pull on, and at this gauge that is normal. Pull them over the hand and roll them onto the elbow bit by bit rather than yanking at the hem. New sleeves are tighter than they will be later; the neoprene gives a little over time. They are meant to sit tight: a sleeve that slips on easily is barely compressing anything. Do not size up just because it goes on more easily.

Elbow Sleeves – Frequently Asked Questions

Which size do I take?
Bend the elbow slightly and measure your arm circumference about 5 cm above the joint. Then check the table: S 28 to 31 cm, M 30 to 33 cm, L 32 to 35 cm, XL 34 to 37 cm. The ranges overlap on purpose – if you fall between, take the smaller size for maximum compression, the larger one if easier fitting matters more.

I wear M in another brand – does M fit here?
Not automatically. We measure 5 cm above the elbow joint, other makers measure at the joint itself or midway up the upper arm. Two different points on the arm give two different numbers, even when the tables look alike. Measure again and compare against ours – this is the single most common reason people order the wrong size in this category.

Elbow sleeves, elbow straps, elbow wraps – what is the difference?
Sleeves and straps usually mean the same thing in strength training: a closed neoprene tube you pull over the arm, giving constant compression and warmth. An elbow wrap is different – that is wound around the joint and set to the tension you want, mainly used for heavy singles. What you have here are sleeves.

Are elbow sleeves worth it in bodybuilding?
On heavy pressing, yes. They give firm compression, keep the joint warm and make bench press, shoulder press and triceps work feel more stable. Warm-ups and light sets do not need them, and training part of your sets without keeps the musculature around the joint working. If you already have elbow problems, speak to a doctor or physiotherapist rather than covering them up with a sleeve.

Are they supplied as a pair?
Yes, you get two sleeves, a pair for both elbows. Worth checking when you compare with other brands – some sell theirs singly.

How do I care for them?
Air them out after training and let them dry naturally – not on a radiator, not in the tumble dryer. Hand wash with a mild detergent when needed. That keeps the neoprene and the compression intact, and cuts down on odour.