What, ANOTHER thread about belts/straps?

[AKIRA]

I use both basically. I use straps when doing almost all Dumbell workouts and only on barbell curls. Other than that, on some shit like barbell benching I use my skin. Theyre not gloves...they are those Versa Grips. Pretty good shit. And I still have huge callases (sp???) on my hands, so theyre not going anywhere.

I just started using a belt. I use it for squats and for deadlifts. Not sure how tight it is supposed to be or what workouts they are REALLY for, but my lower back doesnt seem to ache as much after workouts that shouldnt give this sort of pain.

Anyway, just curious as to when most people use belts. And as for straps/gloves, dont be bashful using them. Shit, Id rather do a legitamate pull/push without losing grip and gain some results, than to lose grip and possibly use poor movement to complete the job. I mean, afterall, when I am doing a specific workout, if its not my forearms, I dont wanna worry about them and JUST worry about the weight I am supposed to be moving correctly.

[P-funk]

do a search for that. This topic has been debated countless times here. You will find a ton of threads.

for me....no straps..no belts.

[TheCurse]

actually p funk does use straps and belts and chains, but only when hanging out with certain members of the IM community.

[P-funk]

actually p funk does use straps and belts and chains, but only when hanging out with certain members of the IM community.

[Squaggleboggin]

Personally I feel that belts and straps only weaken you in training. You're using the belt to give your back a break rather than improve your core; the straps are giving your forearms a break when you could be improving your grip strength.

[GymJamo]

i dont use belts or straps so you shouldnt either

[TheCurse]

i disagree about straps. my back would still be a lot smaller if i didnt use them. i cant see limiting my back development because my forearms arent 16 inches around and capable of holding on while pulling up 300 pounds repeatedly.
but i am long and lean, not short and thick. and i am a bodybuilder, not a powerlifter.

i do agree with squaggle about belts.

[Squaggleboggin]

I do tend to forget that I'm always referring to strength gains. To me, if I were to deadlift 385 for reps with straps, it wouldn't be as much of an accomplishment as 385 for reps without them. I can do this and my forearms are nowhere near 16", but I certainly see your point. I guess we can agree that if you're going for functional strength, straps/belts are not necessary and will only hinder your performance; from a bodybuilding point of view, they can help increase size of larger muscle groups by not holding you back with smaller ones.

[* Legion *]

actually p funk does use straps and belts and chains, but only when hanging out with certain members of the IM community.

OUCH!!!

[pscaputo]

Safety first

[Gissurjon]

Only use I've gotten from straps is that they allowed me to relax my forearms and biceps when pulling, putting more of the work load on the back. Then i figured out it was basically a matter of mind/muscle connection and burned the straps. But then again, my back still isn't that much stronger than my forearms that I need straps for maximum work load. Maybe because I never really used them in the past and my forearms adapted to the load at about the same rate as my back...

IMO, you risk over all imbalance by over-use of straps and belts and what not.

[MDR]

How many of these dead threads did this idiot resurrect, anyway?

[MCx2]

Hahaha! This is hilarious!

[AKIRA]

Oh my god.

[Gissurjon]

oh man, he killin me here

[Curt James]

Safety first

Damn! I just checked your reps info and you are getting HAMMERED for reviving dead threads.

Kindly check the dates before replying, Cap.

[Curt James]

How many of these dead threads did this idiot resurrect, anyway?

lol

I make post after post? NUTHIN!

AKIRA posts a thread? Six years later and it's STILL getting hits!