Straps or no Straps, that is the question?

[Johnnny]

This has been something for years I've been wondering about.

I used to use straps when I was 18yrs old for back & shrugs. But for a long time I've gone without.

For my bentover rows I've got about 230lbs on the bar for 8 reps which is okay. But when I try adding 15 or 25lbs I to it I can do maybe 2 or 3 reps & then my grip starts to weaken & I can't hold it anymore, same for my shrugs.


I use a gripper 5 times a week & I really squeeze it & hold it for a good 30 seconds each rep. I do 4 sets each hand 5 times a week.
My grip has gotten much better since I started using it a year ago.

But apart of thinks that my back & traps could be growing a lot more with the extra support of straps as I could do much heavier weight exposing my muscles to heavier weights causing growth in thickness & strength.

I don't want to have to rely on straps, but if it means more growth should I use them? Thanks.

 

[OMNIFEX]

For Shrugs, I don't use Straps.

I can get more reps using straps, however, I feel
(IMO) I'm just cheating myself.

It really depends on how strong of a grip you
have.

Are you shrugging the maximum weight in dumbells
offered in your gym?

Can you shrug the maximum dumbell weight in
your gym without the aid of straps?

If yes, don't use them.

If no, use them.

 

[P-funk]

tons of threads have already been started on the strap or no strap debate. Do a search.

 

[Johnnny]

P-funk maybe I don't have the time. The time that you took to write that useless piece of information, you could've written a useful piece of information.

I've see many threads that have been re-created again by other ppl. No big deal, I try to help them as much as possible.

OMNIFEX well I'm not shrugging the max weight in the gym as our dumbells go up as high as 170lbs each. I can shrug 110lbs dumbells in each hand all the way up for about 8 reps before I start losing my grip.

What about for bentover rows & dumbell rows? If you're being held back in terms of growing & lifting heavier because of something like your grip, than wouldn't it be more beneficial to use straps?

Like I said I'm trying to develop my grip 5 times a week with my gripper, but it still doesn't seem enough to get a strong enough grip to use 275lbs or 315lbs for bentover barbbell rows.

 

[Rauschgift]

What I typically try to do is knock out as many reps as possible without the straps then when my grip fails I'll use the straps. I get the best of both worlds that way. As time goes on your grip will improve gradually.

 

[Johnnny]

Rauschgift that's a good idea! What I've been doing is that when I do start losing my grip with a certain weight I would simply lower the weight by 20lbs or so & do more reps with no straps, but that's a good idea.

 

[RipItSick401]

Your back can move and support much more weight than the small (relatively, compared to back muscles) muscles of your forearms and hands. Using straps allows you to really let your back get worked to it's maximum potential.

Think of it similar to a belt...you don't (or aren't supposed to) use it for every excercise, only your max loads. If you can go without using the straps, great, you're working your grip and your back, but once the weight exceeds your grip, strap up and RIP IT SICK

 

[OMNIFEX]

Johnny
OMNIFEX well I'm not shrugging the max weight in the gym as our dumbells go up as high as 170lbs each. I can shrug 110lbs dumbells in each hand all the way up for about 8 reps before I start losing my grip.

OMNIFEX

Well, are you happy with the weight you are shrugging
now?

My mentality is to lift the max. My gym only goes up to
140. However, I did venture to another gym which offers
180 pound dumbells. (Dude, 180's roll rite out of my
hands...) I can get 5 reps out of 170, but it pulls everything
out of me.

Johnny
What about for bentover rows & dumbell rows? If you're being held back in terms of growing & lifting heavier because of something like your grip, than wouldn't it be more beneficial to use straps?

OMNIFEX

Oh I agree completely. But, once your body gets accustomed
to the weight, you must move on to bigger weights. Straps
are good in your situation if you are trying 120 pound shugs.
However within a week or two, you should be able to lift 120
without the aid of straps.

I just rather do it the hard way. Either way, its the results
that counts.

Johnny
Like I said I'm trying to develop my grip 5 times a week with my gripper, but it still doesn't seem enough to get a strong enough grip to use 275lbs or 315lbs for bentover barbbell rows.

OMNIFEX

I'm just starting to use Barbells. (I really like dumbells)
So, that type of weight, and, what is needed to accomplish
that kind of weight, I can't comment on.

 

[DeadBolt]

Originally posted by Johnnny
P-funk maybe I don't have the time. The time that you took to write that useless piece of information, you could've written a useful piece of information.

Well I did a search and found usefull info and that took me a whole big 2 minutes. And well because there was no need for your comment to P-funk and honestly it was kinda dick to say something like that I wont post the link. Do a search and stop being so damn lazy.....if you care that much about straps a lil searchin wont hurt and you could have had your question answered with typing this useless thread.

Now for the straps, they are a crutch just like a belt or anything like that. It will get argued to death and the most common replies will be use them sparingly only when needed. But try searchin and you will find a whole lot of info in Plouffe's post from a while back.

 

[Johnnny]

OMNIFEX I'm not happy with the weight I'm shrugging as my traps have not been growing for awhile as I've been stuck with this same weight due to my grip. Same goes for back exercises, I know I could be doing a lot more if my grip was much stronger, but when you're talking 315lbs or more, it's pretty hard to hold on to that weight for 10 reps or whatever.

Do you think using a gripper 5 times a week & really holding it each rep is helping at all? I think it is but not for heavy, heavy barbell rows.

 

[Monolith]

Originally posted by Johnnny
P-funk maybe I don't have the time. The time that you took to write that useless piece of information, you could've written a useful piece of information.

PFUNK YOU ASSHOLE! YOU DIDNT GO DO THE WORK FOR HIM! Geez, what kind of useless bastard are you?

 

[Johnnny]

Hey man, all I want to know is if straps are useful. But if ppl are that lazy to write a couple of sentences of useful information, that's pretty sad.

 

[OMNIFEX]

Originally posted by Johnnny
OMNIFEX I'm not happy with the weight I'm shrugging as my traps have not been growing for awhile as I've been stuck with this same weight due to my grip. Same goes for back exercises, I know I could be doing a lot more if my grip was much stronger, but when you're talking 315lbs or more, it's pretty hard to hold on to that weight for 10 reps or whatever.

Do you think using a gripper 5 times a week & really holding it each rep is helping at all? I think it is but not for heavy, heavy barbell rows.

Hey!!!????

How's your pullups? Basically, your body is dangling
in the air with only your hands gripping on for dear
life

I have to say my grip is where it is, from doing pullups everyday.

If you don't do it, try it ! You will get a V shaped back
as well

I don't use a gripper.

 

[Johnnny]

OMNIFEX for wide grip chin ups I can do them with 25-35lb weight hanging from me for 3-5 reps. With 35lbs I can do 3 reps, with 25lbs I can do 5-6 reps. I can do my own weight 8-10 reps.

This is using no straps.

 

[OMNIFEX]

Weighted Pull Ups is a good thing!

That will increase your grip, and, should help
your forearms as well.

Pullups is a everyday thing for me. The more
you do it, the stronger you'll get.

Try using a 45 pound barbell, and, just hang
on the bar using no straps.

That should increase your grip strength.

Good Luck!

 

[Mudge]

Originally posted by Johnnny
Hey man, all I want to know is if straps are useful. But if ppl are that lazy to write a couple of sentences of useful information, that's pretty sad.

Would you listen to only P-funks advice and then be done with the thread? I somehow doubt it, so to save everyone the effort he recommended a search. Nothing wrong with that if it has been covered in depth already, which it has. If you feel the need to bump an old topic with a new question then go for it.

Too lazy to search?

 

[Johnnny]

I thank the ppl who took 5 seconds to answer this thread.

 

[Johnnny]

OMNIFEX

Try using a 45 pound barbell, and, just hang
on the bar using no straps.

What do you mean exactly? You'd hang there with your feet on the ground & hold onto the bar? I see ppl doing that, but for doing chin ups for ppl who aren't strong enough to lift themselves up.

 

[KataMaStEr]

Personally I only use straps when maxing out on deadlifts and powerclean, never during a workout, I only use chalk. I like to make people get on one knee when I shake their hand??? J/K

 

[Johnnny]

KataMaStEr chalk is another useful tool, but believe it or not some gyms I've been to won't let you use it because it makes a mess. WTF is that about?

 

[Mudge]

I suppose some people complain that they get it on their hands, and probably the gym doesn't want to clean it up all the time. Its kind of lame but thats the breaks.

 

[OMNIFEX]

Johnnny
OMNIFEX

What do you mean exactly? You'd hang there with your feet on the ground & hold onto the bar?

OMNIFEX

You will be hanging from the bar (Gripping the bar
with your hands) with a 45 pound barbell swinging
between your legs.

Your feet won't be touching the floor, all your
support will be coming from your hands and,
forearms.


Just remember to have a some kind of support
when getting down!!! For if you let go.......

1. Your Feet Will Hit The Floor First.

2. The Shock Will Make The 45 Pound Barbell
Bounce Upward.

3. You Will Know What It Is Like To Have 45
Pound Barbell Hit You In Your Balls.


My Balls!!! My Balls!!! mommy!!

Be Careful

 

[DeadBolt]

Yea my gym does not allow chalk either. He bitches every time a new guy tries to but if he were to just mop up at the end of the night it would be fine.

Hey what exactly are you talking about here OMNIFEX? I have read over the posts and have no idea of what you are trying to explain for the grip strength.....I'm a lil retarded though could ya help me out and explain it. Are you just hanging from a pullup rack with a BB in between your legs for an extended period of time or is this weighted pull ups or what?

 

[OMNIFEX]

DeadBolt


Hey what exactly are you talking about here OMNIFEX? I have read over the posts and have no idea of what you are trying to explain for the grip strength.....I'm a lil retarded though could ya help me out and explain it. Are you just hanging from a pullup rack with a BB in between your legs for an extended period of time [/QUOTE]


Don't Ever Call Yourself Retarded Again!


Now Smile

And Say, "Oh! I See. I Figured You Meant That."

 

[DeadBolt]

O of course I knew thats what you meant lol.

Is it to failure or for a set time period ie increasing minutes each set?

 

[OMNIFEX]

First Time Results Look Like This

Yes! I Did It!

Hmmm..... Kinda Harder That I Expected

Hold On Dammit!!!! I Can't Let These Babes
Think I'm A Wuss

How Are You Doing Ladies.........


Oh No!!! I'm Losing My Grip

ARGH!!!!!!!!! Boom!!!

No, I'm Not Hurt! I Just Have The Alergies,
you know hay fever.


I Hope This answered Your Question.


Generally, its either your grip, or arms will give
first. So, yes. until failure!

 

[DeadBolt]

yep lol

 

[Johnnny]

If we try all this to increase grip strength & you still aren't able to go heavier due to a stupid thing such as your grip, should we then use straps?

Why should valueable muscle/strength increases be restricted because of your grip?

 

[Mudge]

Originally posted by Johnnny
Why should valueable muscle/strength increases be restricted because of your grip?

Thats a tough one to answer because some say yes some say no. Most people dont care that much about grip I feel, but small weak forearms are not in my dream plans. I want real world strength, and if its everywhere but the forearms then outside of the gym without your assistance you have no strength.

 

[DeadBolt]

Originally posted by Mudge
Thats a tough one to answer because some say yes some say no. Most people dont care that much about grip I feel, but small weak forearms are not in my dream plans. I want real world strength, and if its everywhere but the forearms then outside of the gym without your assistance you have no strength.

Beat me to it Mudge heh. plus have you ever seen someone who always uses straps 24/7? They maybe massive but if they dont directly work their forearms they look retarded. Huge body and little tiny ass forearms. Almost as bad as someone who has a massive upper body and never works their legs so they have twigs for legs.

Even though I don't use a belt or straps I don't see a problem with using straps here and there occationaly for the extra heavy set or those last few reps but don't rely on them. Use your strength not something that will do it for you. Clear everything up for ya?