Hello.
I have question to Jim. What do you think about using straps?
If you are missing some fingers then they are fine, otherwise leave them at home.
What I do at the moment (in general): Go without straps until your grip is going to limit how hard you can hit your back and legs. Then strap up.
Then train grip seperately with things like double overhand heavy holds, Kroc rows, etc. The goal here is to get to the point where your grip lasts long enough for you to tax the bigger muscles, but until that is the case, there’s no need to limit your deadlift purely based off grip.
I occasionally make exceptions to this rule. Last week was my 3’s week, and on the last set, without using straps I hit 4 reps. I could’ve got 5 or 6 if I’d strapped up, but I decided that I would let my grip get trained a bit harder that week and let the rest of my body rest up so that this week I can really push myself on deadlifts and be completely fresh and prepared.
My gym doesn’t allow chalk and the bars are chrome with smooth knurling so straps are a must if I want to train beyond my grip strength. I’m always very conscious of them being a possible crutch so I train my grip directly a few days per week.
[quote]EyeHateGod wrote:
If you are missing some fingers then they are fine, otherwise leave them at home.[/quote]
Really?
Don’t use them unless you are hurt or are doing hang snatches/cleans. It’s an excuse for weakness.
Thanks for replies.
Used for the first time today on one wrist because i have a broken finger. Still felt like cheating!
I used to use them a lot and they really are a crutch. If you can’t lift it because you can’t hold it then you have just identified your weak point. Go strapless all the time AND train your grip on a seperate day. I train at home and use chalk and/or liquid grip. Whatever you need to do just do it but don’t make excuses and use straps. I have heard that using a fat bar can help bring up your grip strength, but I haven’t used one so I have no personal knowledge, just what I hear.
RB
[quote]The_Jed wrote:
My gym doesn’t allow chalk and the bars are chrome with smooth knurling so straps are a must if I want to train beyond my grip strength. I’m always very conscious of them being a possible crutch so I train my grip directly a few days per week.[/quote]
I use a rosin bag (like pitchers use). It’s cleaner than chalk and but still keeps your hands dry. Plus it doesn’t make a mess in my gym bag.
This situation is kind of the same as the…I’m weak off the floor but I still touch n go all my deadlifts=my grip is weak but I still always use straps
@ The Jed,
Do a google search or go to Elitefts for the liquid chalk. It’s undetectable as I have used it on vacation at gyms forbidding the powder. Also, believe it or not - a damp paper towel - just enough to cover your hand - and preferably the brown ones - works excellent. You’ll need a new piece every set though. I really couldn’t tell the difference.
I do not own straps. If I can’t grip it and hold it for the set, I don’t pick it up. And no I do not believe this limits me. Eventually after doing enough reps with a little lighter weight, my grip catches up. The only thing I have tried them with since I left bodybuilding 12 years ago was front squats and I couldn’t get them to work right so I sold them.
Also,
Shrugs help. In my case it didn’t take long until my grip exceeded my pull.
Use chalk. If your gym doesn’t allow chalk (if it’s explicitly stated somewhere in the contract), then keep it in your car and chalk up in the parking lot.
I use straps when I don’t want my grip to be the limiting factor on a set. Usually this means higher rep work, and usually I start the set with the straps on but not attached to the bar, work until my grip starts to give, quickly wrap the strap and finish the set.
I’ve strained the tendons in both forearms when my grip failed and couldn’t hold anything heavy for 4 weeks while they healed. I’m a little smarter about it now, just be careful you use them as a training tool and not a crutch.