Thoughts on wrist straps

[Grey Ghost]

When I first started working out, I used wrist straps for my back days. However, due to my friend's advice on preventing forearm growth from using the strap, I stopped using it. Since then, my forearms have gone a lot bigger. I used the wrist straps recently on a heavy set of deads. After using the straps, I felt I was cheating myself. What are your opinions on wrist straps?

[threenorns]

i have the same problem with my forearms being too weak.

i try to not use the straps until i just can't keep my grip closed any more, then i put them on. kind of a compromise thing.

[jukka]

I use them on rows, pulldowns, and shrugs
then dead without them.
That too has helped me improve my grip strength.
I used to dead 7x200 lbs before my grip gave in,
nowadays I do 8x220 and it's my lower back that gives in first.

But without straps, my rowing and pulling down would be compromised,
I could only use very pissant weights (even by my standards!).

[Firehawk]

Get chalk and bye bye straps. Chalk makes a WORLD of difference dude.

If you wanna use the straps, you can add in grip work like static holds, plate pinching, etc.

If you're a bodybuilder, using straps matters less than if you're a powerlifter. Powerlifters can't use straps in competition so they don't really train with them on deadlifting.

[Your_Crazy]

WoW!!! What a concident. I was just thinking about this yesterday when I was having trouble gripping wieghts. It seemed like my hands would get tired before whatever bodypart I was using to lift with. It's most noticable in
pull-down or pull-up exercises. Good thing to keep in mind when lifting. :

[Jaster]

Originally Posted by Firehawk

Get chalk and bye bye straps. Chalk makes a WORLD of difference dude.

If you wanna use the straps, you can add in grip work like static holds, plate pinching, etc.

If you're a bodybuilder, using straps matters less than if you're a powerlifter. Powerlifters can't use straps in competition so they don't really train with them on deadlifting.

Fire you are really impressing me in some of your posts!
Yes from a bodybuilder's pov I think straps will help you build a bigger back and shoulders but and it's a big BUT you gotta then work the forearms on their own.
From a powerlifter's (My) pov I want no weak spots. If I can lift X amout of weight with my back and shoulders I better be able to hold on to it or it's of no use to me.
I'm not saying I don't own straps and never use them. I'm saying they have their place and you gotta learn what it is. :

[candyass]

If you are going to use straps then work your forearms. I like behind the back wrist curls. I see people doing this exercise all the time with not enough weight. Next time you try it pile on the pounds, since the movement is small you'll be able to move the weight. Don't worry about the range of motion either, unless you're trying to increase the size of your forearms and not their strength.

[Lift2Live]

I won't use them unless absolutely, positively or otherwise critically necessary. I have always had above average grip and most of that is attributed to not using straps, with a little help from gene. lol

[Cort]

Depends. I do my regular deadlifts without straps, but I find them useful when doing shrugs and rows. Then again I like to row with a thumbless grip.

Fire's definitely right, chalk makes a huge difference.

Before I got the chalk I used straps almost all the time on my heavy deadlifts. Now that I have it I can lift at my heaviest with no problems, so I don't really feel like they hurt my grip very much at all.

[Firehawk]

Originally Posted by Jaster

Fire you are really impressing me in some of your posts!
Yes from a bodybuilder's pov I think straps will help you build a bigger back and shoulders but and it's a big BUT you gotta then work the forearms on their own.
From a powerlifter's (My) pov I want no weak spots. If I can lift X amout of weight with my back and shoulders I better be able to hold on to it or it's of no use to me.
I'm not saying I don't own straps and never use them. I'm saying they have their place and you gotta learn what it is. :

Man i have learned more in 2 weeks training with these powerlifters than I've learned in 2 years training on my own. It's so awesome!!! I'm a student of this sport man, and want to learn as much as possible.

That, and I remember many of the questions you answered for me. Got some great ideas on grip training from Luke as well.

[luke.w]

one thing I'd like to address about bodybuilding and useing straps, most bodybuilders don't know much about serious grip training (I don't blame them) grip strength is not too popular, but I've been training hardcore grip for nearly 2-years now, it's more benifical then you can possibliy imagine.

for instance if your doing shrugs, your working the traps right, well if you don't use straps and squezzze and hold on to that bar for dear life you are working your traps, neck and other things that you don't even know, yes the straps may have their place for the advanced competitive bodybuilers, but I'm talkin about the ones struggling for gains and begginers who aren't steppin on stage soon.

There has been several times after training only grip that my neck, traps, were very sore for a few days.

Just some food for thought guys.

[Suareezay]

depends on what your going for.

If youre trying to get as huge as possible, then you dont want to hinder one of the best powerlifting excersizes (deadlift) with a weak link - your grip strength. Usually, your grip will go out before your back does, leaving your back not worked to its full potential. If your worried about forearm development, theres a lot more ways to work your forearms than deadlifts.

If you just a casual lifter whos trying to get "in shape" then sure, going strapless is fine.

just my opinion

[luke.w]

I knew I should not of even said anything!!!!!

I'M DONE.

[Firehawk]

Originally Posted by luke.w

I knew I should not of even said anything!!!!!

I'M DONE.

Frustrating isnt it? LMAO

What the hell is a "casual lifter"? See this is the problem with why people don't make any gains. If you aren't hardcore, you're going nowhere. Either do it all the way or don't do it because your'e going to be wasting your time.

You know, one thing should be in mind when you're lifting weights, and that's to build muscle or get stronger. It's no wonder 90% of people at gyms never change. I guess that's what a casual lifter is.

[Cort]

Originally Posted by Suareezay

If youre trying to get as huge as possible, then you dont want to hinder one of the best powerlifting excersizes (deadlift) with a weak link - your grip strength. Usually, your grip will go out before your back does, leaving your back not worked to its full potential.

You don't want the "weak link" to remain "weak." It is unlikely that someone's grip would go out in 4-6 sets of deadlifts if they haven't neglected it. That assumes they use chalk, of course. When I go without it my hands are sweaty by the 2nd or 3rd set and can't hold onto jack squat.