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lifting straps

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bill90

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ok so obviously using straps makes it a lot easier to move heavier weight. The thing is i can't do close to the same weight say when im deadlifting or hang cleaning when im not using straps. Would it be a good idea to train without them for awhile to try and develop better grip strength or is it perfectly ok to use my straps so im working with heavier weight?
 
I never use straps. That said, if you have no goals of competitive weightlifting or powerlifting, I don't see why it matters.

If you want to move away from them, I'd do farmer's walks, rack pulls, and weighted pullups. Your grip will improve pretty quickly.
 
I used straps for years and I finally faced up to the fact that my grip was not what it should be. I tossed the straps and haven't used them in 2 or 3 years. When doing heavy shrugs I am hanging on for dear life but I make it back to the rack when I have done all of my reps. I do deadlifts, chins, pull ups, rows and shrugs without the straps and my grip has improved.
 
I think it can be argued that straps actually weaken your grip by providing a crutch. Lift whatever weight your grip allows and as your grip strenthens you can lift more weight. Don't do it the other way around.
 
Ask yourself this question: do you WANT a stronger grip? Don't do something because you feel you "should".

Personally i hate using straps because grip and hand strength is a big interest and hobby of mine. Because of this, i don't NEED to use them either.

The upside of this is that my forearms are quite well developed, which is nice. I also don't have the problems you would have if one day you forgot your straps, or if they broke during a workout.

With regular training your grip will improve pretty quickely also, so it won't be an issue for too long.
 
for hang cleans!:(
 
ok well since im not too worried about grip strength as i am too just building mass no problem with just sticking with them then
 
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Sometimes you have to make a decision to let some of the other body parts catch up. My forearms are definitley bigger and more defined since I stopped using the straps. My moment of truth was when someone that did not lift weights had more grip strength than me when we used grip strength tester.
 
You have to take into account the whole program, IMHO.

For example.. you have a pull day. Using straps at the later side of the workout after your grip has been pre-exhausted might be the intelligent thing to do for your overall development.
 
Gaz How heavy do you go with deads and or rack pulls? I go up to like 700 on racks every blue moon...usually around 600. I gotta have straps. I do a few sets at 405 without straps but can't imagine much more. I think I'm gonna start really trying to improve my grip and forearms. They've always been weaker/smaller than I'd like. I really put some size on my traps this year though doing the heavy racks.
 
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I am considering getting straps. I am deadlifting 330x6, 350x4, then on my last set I can only get 375 up 3 times before my grip just completely gives out. I would like to continue doing deadlifts without straps and develop a really strong grip but I feel like I am doing the rest of my body a disservice by having the lift limited by my grip =/.
 
There's nothing wrong with using straps.
If you're concerned with your grip not passing muster, then do some grip training.

I tend to follow the same principle as hoglander. Once my grip is shot, I get the straps.
 
Merkaba said:
Gaz How heavy do you go with deads and or rack pulls? I go up to like 700 on racks every blue moon...usually around 600. I gotta have straps. I do a few sets at 405 without straps but can't imagine much more. I think I'm gonna start really trying to improve my grip and forearms. They've always been weaker/smaller than I'd like. I really put some size on my traps this year though doing the heavy racks.
Click to expand...

My Deadlift (as of today) is only 330lbs x 3 reps, but i can hold on to 400+ without too much trouble. I've never needed to use straps for anything, even long sets or heavy rack pulls. I did a set of 15 shrugs with 145lbs dumbells and that was alright.

I havent done rack pulls for a long time so i couldnt tell you what i do for those! lol. I've been tearing decks of cards and stuff lately though, just starting to get into that.

I can reccomend some grip exercises if you'd like? You really only need to train it 2-4 sets three times a week and you'll see pretty rapid improvements.
 
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