Do you use straps/hooks ?

[xonic2xonic]

I like to use straps because I can do heavier weights, especially pulldowns and it seems that I can concentrate on isolating muscles (back of course) properly.

Then the other day I was thinking, perhaps I should alternate and that way strengthen my forearms, what do you guys think?

Thanks!

 

[jc21]

i use straps on bentover rows and stifflegged dead lift.

 

[mvmaxx]

I use straps although I wished I wouldn't have used them as early as I did when lifting. My wrist strength is definitely not up to par now and I now do wrist strength exercises about 3x/week. Although I do prefer the feeling of doing back movements with them as I feel like I can pull with my elbow and not focus on holding the weight as much.

 

[genarr3]

Only with bent over rows. You really shouldn't use them.

 

[-{ GODZILLABOL }-]

only on bent over rows and deadlift..it help focus more on your form than on your grip...

 

[pharmaguy98]

only on super heavy Romanian Deads do I really use straps. Other than that it does hamper your wrisp and grip strength.

 

[rippedtrojan]

the only thing i really need wrist straps for are when doing shrugs with dumbbells. i can't hold on to 100+lb dumbbells long without some help. when doing deadlifts and such i use a mixed grip so it's not so much of an issue.

 

[JG1]

I use straps for upwright rows, & stiff-legged deadlifts

 

[out of control]

I use straps for heavy shrugs and roman deadlifts. But I also work my wrists regularly

 

[drrman]

yep, shrugs and deads, thats about it

 

[pbear99]

straps are good to use when using heavier weight, but if you use them all the time you will become dependant on them, if not physically, mentally. i ALWAYS have to use straps now when i do power cleans or hang cleans. i try not to use them for anything else but find myself using them sometimes on rows, deadlifts, or my heavy sets of bent over rdl's as well.

 

[pitbullstl]

Never...Never...Never....of course that is why I have 17 1/2 " forearms.....

 

[nlischi]

i use them on the heavier sets on dumbell rows, barbell rows and deadlifts

 

[DeepZenPill]

I only use them for deadlifts because I do deads for my back, not my wrists or forearms. I can't stress my back enough without them because my grip sucks. I only use them when going heavy though. For the first two lighter sets I do not use them.

 

[pitbullstl]

I only use them for deadlifts because I do deads for my back, not my wrists or forearms. I can't stress my back enough without them because my grip sucks. I only use them when going heavy though. For the first two lighter sets I do not use them.

Grip sucks cause you use straps.....something can't heal or grow...if you keep a band-aid on it

 

[freakazoid]

I like to use straps because,the hooks of that damn bra,and that underwire sux. OOHH you mean for lifting,still straps.

 

[babbabuee]

ok, I'm the only mofo in here to use them on my pull downs. Whatever, I'm looking to isolate, if I feel like working my forearms, I'll do so.

 

[PBR]

yea bab, I use them for back work period...Iam 42 save your wrists guys, doc said I have carpal so bad he cant see why my hands and fingers even work...your not impressing anyone, your wrists , joints tendons etc, arent made to do 260lbs pulldowns!!!

 

[justyxxxx]

I have a strap-on. ha

ok, fine, I use straps on bent-over rows.

 

[PBR]

bent over -rows with a strap-on??? come on Just!!! are you serious...you sick bastard....LOL

 

[full_up_qp]

i dont use them and i have a strong grip because of it

 

[Pat Mycroch]

used to use them... don't anymore. My grip has improved tremendously.

 

[Dante666]

I never use straps or even gloves for that matter. I do it to psychologically pump myself up by thinking that it is just me and the weight; no straps, belts, bells, frills, or pillows to pad that simple conflict between man and machine ( free weights). Lame to some, but it works for me.

 

[sk*]

I started using them a few months ago because my hands started looking and feeling like sandpaper with bubbles on them.

Also, I used to always lose my grip on deads, rows, etc. but now don't seem to be having that problem. I guess that means I have weak forearms.

-sk

 

[mixwell]

i only use straps when i do heavy deads....i try not to use them though, to build my wrists and forearms