Grip

[niki]

Mebbe this should be in Training.....I am doing BGB and have been for about three months now. I have hit a point where my grip is limiting any increases in weight on my lifts. Primarily rack pulls, deads, bent row. I bought some gloves, sometimes they help - sometimes they make it worse. Either way, not as helpful as I expected them to be. My hands are occasionally sore as well.

On a random note - I took piano lessons for seven years - playing for hours a day, and have milked dairy animals for years - (read - strong hands, lol)....maybe I've hit the limit. Strength-wise I feel as if I could go 30-40lbs higher, if my hands would let me.

Any suggestions? Keep in mind I am literally 3 months into this weight lifting stuff.

 

[Work IN Progress]

Google grip exercises. If you think you are maxed out then get some straps. They are like 5 bucks in any sporting goods store.

 

[niki]

Will do, thanks....

 

[Arnold]

get some straps.

 

[niki]

I most certainly WILL before Tuesday.....(day four of BGB, deads, gm's)

Thanks!

 

[ahiggs]

if you don't use chalk, i would give that a shot before the straps...gloves actually make your hands smaller, well the bar seem bigger around. and there for harder to hold on to. you maybe surprised how much chalk will help, i was!!! about 3 months ago i was barely able to pull 375 with out chalk, the very next pull got 405 with chalk easily. haven't used straps since, and hit 440 last week

 

[niki]

Hmmmmm. Thanks, Ahiggs...I will look into it when I'm checking out the straps. I'm guessing the stores would sell both in the same place....

 

[sassy69]

Keep in mind if your gym allows chalk - many don't.

RE: grip work - things like farmer walk, wrap small towel around your DBs to make the grip fatter, static holds of a heavily weighted bar or smith bar for 60-120 sec, etc.

 

[ahiggs]

Keep in mind if your gym allows chalk - many don't.

RE: grip work - things like farmer walk, wrap small towel around your DBs to make the grip fatter, static holds of a heavily weighted bar or smith bar for 60-120 sec, etc.

this is true, my last gym did not...they make a thing called an eco ball which is a rock climbing chalk alternative. i have heard it works well, but don't know from experience? i haven't been able to find one other than order one online. but yeah niki they should sell straps and chalk at the same place

 

[Built]

Try chalk, try straps, but first, try over-under grip. This has been enough of an assist for me.

 

[niki]

I've seen chalk on the weights at my gym....so I know some people use it....the place I went to didn't sell it.....I ended up with hooks? But I dont think I like them at all. The straps just looked kinda confusing to me.

Built, I use the over/under grip for all my heavy lifts.

My crippled up kid is using the hooks - so I will probably just hit another store for chalk and straps......will let you guys know if something I find actually works for me.

 

[Bigbully100678]

Here you go. These may be a possibility if chalk isn't allowed

http://www.nextag.com/serv/main/buy...613137762&cptitle=743595227&cptitle=855822148

 

[Ravager]

Google "BigBackgrips"

I use these before Straps, as I feel it aids in your grip better.

Most defanately allows you to hold more weight without slipping off.

I have a few extras I could give you if you want to meet up.

 

[niki]

I've been using the hooks - even though I am still not completely happy with them. At least my lifts aren't limited by my hands anymore....

Thanks for the link, Ravager. Might give 'em a try. How much heavier can you go using them versus w/o? Airfare being what it is and all, probably best to just order from the company.

 

[Ravager]

IMO you're losing a great forearm workout by using hooks/straps.

You will gain in your grip, instead of weak wrists IMO.

Straps/Hooks when its stupid weight (deadlifts, shrugs etc)


For back pulldowns and rows and even dumbells they are great.

Well worth the 8 bux. You'll have it in like 1-2 days too. very fast.

 

[roorage92]

chalk hands down

 

[niki]

IMO you're losing a great forearm workout by using hooks/straps.

That's cool and all, but my forearms are already insane, so not a consideration.....

You will gain in your grip, instead of weak wrists IMO.

I don't know if I've gone up to heavy to fast, or if I genetically have weak wrists, or???? But I honestly feel that my hands have reached their limit far, far sooner than my capabilities.

Straps/Hooks when its stupid weight (deadlifts, shrugs etc)

I use hooks for rack pulls, deads, and bent rows. All stupid weight, maxes for 5 reps respectively: 315/250/65.....just so you understand what I'm dealing with here......lol


For back pulldowns and rows and even dumbells they are great.

Never used anything for these, except rows, obviously.

Well worth the 8 bux. You'll have it in like 1-2 days too. very fast

Think I'll give 'em a try - looking forward to it. Sick of my hands hurting, mebbe using these on my other lifts will help.