Sorry, I try not to use sexual, I mean exercise aids.
When I lift I try to avoid knee and wrist wraps, bar pads, or any clothing that will "aid" in lifting.
When I powerlifted in High School, I used only knee wraps (for squats) and a belt (for all 3 power lifts).
Since I have mellowed with age I try to avoid using any assistance devices. Sure they add to your total weight, and if you are competing, then you might want to use them. But being in martial arts, I try to avoid utilizing them because when the "rubber hits the road", you have no assistance other than proper technique and all around fitness.
You build the temple from the ground up, starting with strengthening the ligaments and tendons along with the skeletal muscle groups. As your body can handle it, then you gradually increase through the weights.
I am personally trying to move away from iron as it is highly addictive and isn't necessarily compatible with my current training goals. Sure you can have a really big bench press, squat, and dead lift, but by doing squats, pushups, and other natural bodyweight exercises, the muscle mass and endurance you build are more suitable for a larger range of activities.
Don't get me wrong, for athletes doing strength or speed exercises, weightlifting is a good way to go, but for me, I want all around usable fitness.
Just my 2 cents.
I'd like to here your comments 2brich.
Thanks,
SZ