On Sunday I was deadlifting heavy (at least for me). It was a new weight and well above my previous 7 RM. I had a great deal of trouble keeping the bar in my hands. I don’t necessarily think this is a problem with my grip strength although it might be. The knurling on the bar was pretty worn down and my palms were sweating something fierce.
At any rate, my gym forbids chalk. Although, it is a laid back college gym so if I cleaned up after myself, I might be able to get away with it.
However, is there an alternative that would improve my ability to grip the bar without using straps?
Would lifting gloves help?
Any suggestions?
::edit::
I’m not sure how I managed to post this in strength sports. However, advice is still appreciated.
[quote]jedidiah wrote:
::edit::
I’m not sure how I managed to post this in strength sports. However, advice is still appreciated.[/quote]
That would be my “fault”. With a question about chalk, grip, and deadlifts, I figured you’d get some more useful responses from the behemoths that regularly hang around the Strength Sports section.
You said your palms were sweating something fierce. I have sweaty palms, and since I’ve used chalk, I feel like I can grip a hundred pounds more than I could without chalk.
Maybe, before you go into the gym, take some chalk, put it on your hands and it’ll keep your hands from sweating so much. While only one application of chalk is not optimal, it might help.
[quote]jedidiah wrote:
GT625 wrote:
You could use a hook grip. And if your hands are sweaty try putting tape on your thumb when using the hook grip.
I see the picture. Can someone describe exactly what is going on here? The index and middle fingers are putting pressure on the thumb?[/quote]
Really isn’t that much to it. Grip as your normally would, but wrap the fingers over the thumb rather than the thumb over the fingers. Your index and middle will be the only ones that comfortably fit over the thumb.
Just grip tight from there, really applying the pressure. The tape is a good idea in case your thumb gets sweaty , also.
1 part rubbing alcohol
1 part jet dry
1 par chalk powder
mix it all up in a little vitamin container and then ad chalk powder and stir till thick enough.
Put a little goo on hands and no body knows the wiser. I use pink chalk to so it doesn’t look chalky on my hands. I bet nobody really cares. and if they do… fuk em.
[quote]spaghetti wstrn wrote:
Does the hook grip damage the thumb? I always wondered about that. [/quote]
I’ve never noticed a problem nor have I met anyone that it’s caused tissue damage. I don’t see why it would, as long as you don’t do something strange to your thumbnail which would take a lot of work.
[quote]double1 wrote:
spaghetti wstrn wrote:
Does the hook grip damage the thumb? I always wondered about that.
I’ve never noticed a problem nor have I met anyone that it’s caused tissue damage. I don’t see why it would, as long as you don’t do something strange to your thumbnail which would take a lot of work.[/quote]
It hurts a huge amount at first but stick with it and it gets better!
Sometimes when I hook I’ll notice that the pressure on my thumb will last for a day or so after the session, but that seems to be rare and I’ve noticed no damage. I believe those are instances where I overgrip and really tighten down on my thumb, which is probably not necessary.
[quote]Hanley wrote:
double1 wrote:
spaghetti wstrn wrote:
Does the hook grip damage the thumb? I always wondered about that.
I’ve never noticed a problem nor have I met anyone that it’s caused tissue damage. I don’t see why it would, as long as you don’t do something strange to your thumbnail which would take a lot of work.
It hurts a huge amount at first but stick with it and it gets better!
[/quote]
How long do you think it takes to get used to it?
Would you recommend trying it on light sets first and easing my way into to using it for heavier sets?
I know you said you want to avoid chalk, but my gym doesnt allow it either. I buy blackboard chalk for .99 and crush it up alittle then put it into a zip back. When I am at the gym I will usually just roll the chalk piece around my hand and inside my fingers. It works great and doesnt cause that much attention
