Thread: Using "hooks" for pull/back exercises

I do that 100% of the time when doing chin/pull ups, lat pulldowns, cable rows and mostly when doing barbell rows.

ummm why do u use it?? do it naturaly and every thing will grow in proportion...i think there is no problem to do various grips from time to time..

I read in another forum that the biomechanics can differ by wrapping your thumb around the bar. By using a full grip the thumb can create an opposite force against the path of the bar or whatever. That may only be for pushing movements though.

Originally Posted by fufu

I read in another forum that the biomechanics can differ by wrapping your thumb around the bar. By using a full grip the thumb can create an opposite force against the path of the bar or whatever. That may only be for pushing movements though.

I have not used "hooks". However, I will use straps and not use my thumb (all digits on the same side of the bar). The straps act as hooks in that I do not have to use as much forearm with the excercise. I only do this with heavy rows. Pull downs I do not use straps or thumbs. I do use straps and thumbs with heavy deads thou.

Originally Posted by Phred

I have not used "hooks". However, I will use straps and not use my thumb (all digits on the same side of the bar). The straps act as hooks in that I do not have to use as much forearm with the excercise. I only do this with heavy rows. Pull downs I do not use straps or thumbs. I do use straps and thumbs with heavy deads thou.

I like to keep everything involving grip strictly raw.

When I do pull ups I don't use my thumbs, just my fingers it feels better that way. As for straps or hooks no thanks. But whatever works.

My question is , is my using "hooks" causing my forearm soreness? or is it just my routine?

I spoke with a guy in the gym who tried hooks, said they bothered his wrists which makes sense because the wrist supports the hooks as they are being pulled on by the glove. Couple that with the hooks adding to the diameter to the bar, and the natural need and inclination to wrap your hand around something as you pull it, and you may even tire sooner. It also ended up stretching so much during the lift (he shrugs with 4 plates), that he uses his forearms anyway.

Terrible invention, use straps if you desire.

I think people are getting confused between a hook grip, and actual hooks (the equipment).

Originally Posted by Seanp156

I think people are getting confused between a hook grip, and actual hooks (the equipment).

From what I can tell everyone understands perfectly.

Originally Posted by Mudge

I spoke with a guy in the gym who tried hooks, said they bothered his wrists which makes sense because the wrist supports the hooks as they are being pulled on by the glove. Couple that with the hooks adding to the diameter to the bar, and the natural need and inclination to wrap your hand around something as you pull it, and you may even tire sooner. It also ended up stretching so much during the lift (he shrugs with 4 plates), that he uses his forearms anyway.

Terrible invention, use straps if you desire.

sounds like you were talking about the equipment. They were talking about not using your thumb for a grip, thereby creating "the hook"

Anyway, I find using the hook to be a far more comfortable grip for pulling excercises, including, but not limited to, pulldowns, barbell rows, shrugs, dumbell rows, etc.

HOWEVER I would STRONGLY discourage the use of the hook grip during any excercise that you are pushing a weight away from your body. The possibility of you dropping the weight far overweighs any "comfort" provided by not wrapping the thumb around the bar.

I've never done it, but some people really seem to find it more comfortable. I like to crush shit when I move weights though.

Originally Posted by FishOrCutBait

sounds like you were talking about the equipment. They were talking about not using your thumb for a grip, thereby creating "the hook"

Anyway, I find using the hook to be a far more comfortable grip for pulling excercises, including, but not limited to, pulldowns, barbell rows, shrugs, dumbell rows, etc.

HOWEVER I would STRONGLY discourage the use of the hook grip during any excercise that you are pushing a weight away from your body. The possibility of you dropping the weight far overweighs any "comfort" provided by not wrapping the thumb around the bar.

I agree with your point that hook type grip whilst pushing can be dangerous, but I find it really allows me to power through barbel presses - I balance the bar right at the base of my palm (fingers hardly even touch)

Originally Posted by blueboy75

I agree with your point that hook type grip whilst pushing can be dangerous, but I find it really allows me to power through barbel presses - I balance the bar right at the base of my palm (fingers hardly even touch)

If you are refering to a "suicide" grip, I agree with using it on pushing motions with a BB or on a machine. It seems to help me isolate and focus on the target muscle. However, he may have ment not to use the "Hook Grip" (as in the glove with a built in hook to aid in pulling) for pushing exercises.