Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below I know there are a lot of guys who have this same problem and was wondering what all of you do to cope. I've been deadlifting for about a year now and my current best is 290 for 4. However I would easily be able to beat this if I were to have a better grip. Usually I have to drop the last rep cuz my grip won't hold. I use nothing when deadlifting and was wondering if straps, gloves or chalk are a good idea. I'd like to hear your opinions.
Grip can't keep up
- Thread starter BK
- Start date
I think that straps are the answer, but don't get dependant on them. Your grip fails before your back does, so using straps should increase the weight you are able to do, therefore increasing your size.
A lot of guys say that using straps will make your forearms weak, but I say not using them makes your back weak.?.? I think you get plenty of forearm work when doing other lifts like pulldowns, rows, etc.
Gotta love the Deads!
A lot of guys say that using straps will make your forearms weak, but I say not using them makes your back weak.?.? I think you get plenty of forearm work when doing other lifts like pulldowns, rows, etc.
Gotta love the Deads!
the main reason why people will advise not to use straps is because........ like you guys said........ it will make your forearms weak.......... plus i dont think you can use them in powerlifting meets.
but for bodybuilders....... thats a differnet story......... use your grip as much possible....when you cant do anymore.... then go to straps....
but dont become dependant upon them.
but for bodybuilders....... thats a differnet story......... use your grip as much possible....when you cant do anymore.... then go to straps....
but dont become dependant upon them.
MonStar1023
New member
I dont know I have always believed that if your grip cant sustain the grip then you really shouldnt be doing that weight... thats always just been my opinion but I dont know...
Good luck bro!
Good luck bro!
I'm wouldn't use straps because of the already listed reasons.....what I used to do in powerlifting to help my grip is on the days I was doing deadlift after I trained I would get to a squat rack and put the bar on the lowest place I could....then I'd put about 400 pounds or so on it and hold it as long as I could....you may have to work up to that weight but make sure you keep the bar above the place were you rest it incase you drop it. Try it out!!!
maxmuscle66
New member
Get a grip man!..LOL
Hey... I am just trying to inject some humor into the situation...
On a serious note, as far as your grip is concerned, I wouldn't worry about it too much if you are a bodybuilder.
Now, in order to strengthen your forearm flexors, for they are responsible for maintaining your grip on the bar, you might try the following suggestions... they come from past experience.
I have found that when I use direct exercises for these muscles, they have a tendency to respond very quickly to that stimulus.
Many folks neglect their forearms believeing that other indirect exercises will strengthen them sufficiently. Unfortunately this is not the case but they do get some benefit from those indirect exercises. Those exercises that will make an great impact would be:
~ Behind-the-back wrist curls: You will want to allow the bar roll down to the tips of your fingers then roll it slowly back up until you have a tight grip on the bar again. You must use light weight at first but then as the forearms become stronger then weight will shoot up too. When performing this do not flex your hands upwards toward your elbow... you are simply working on gripping power and stamina in this exercise.
~ Hanging wrist curls: You start in the chin-up position but then allow your body to drop down using the tips of your fingers. You extend the grip from a closed grip to one that is open palmed. You will essentially be hanging from you finger tips. Then pull yourself back up into the original position and return you grip into a tight closed grip on the bar.
Some people you would definitely benefit in speaking to is wall-climbers, whether it be indoor or outdoor... ask them what they use to strengthen their grip... heaven knows that it takes considerable strength to hang in mid-air by your finger tips... what feats of strength.
In the above exercises you will want to focus on strength and stamina... not sheer power... concentrate on a high number of repetitions... they will build the factors that you seek in upholding massive poundages.
It doesn't take power to hold 300 plus pounds of iron for multiple repetitions, it takes good old fashion stamina and strength... power here is the wrong premise.
Maxmuscle66
PS: In the mean time use straps if you must but continue these exercises and you will be more than delighted with the outcome.
Hey... I am just trying to inject some humor into the situation...
On a serious note, as far as your grip is concerned, I wouldn't worry about it too much if you are a bodybuilder.
Now, in order to strengthen your forearm flexors, for they are responsible for maintaining your grip on the bar, you might try the following suggestions... they come from past experience.
I have found that when I use direct exercises for these muscles, they have a tendency to respond very quickly to that stimulus.
Many folks neglect their forearms believeing that other indirect exercises will strengthen them sufficiently. Unfortunately this is not the case but they do get some benefit from those indirect exercises. Those exercises that will make an great impact would be:
~ Behind-the-back wrist curls: You will want to allow the bar roll down to the tips of your fingers then roll it slowly back up until you have a tight grip on the bar again. You must use light weight at first but then as the forearms become stronger then weight will shoot up too. When performing this do not flex your hands upwards toward your elbow... you are simply working on gripping power and stamina in this exercise.
~ Hanging wrist curls: You start in the chin-up position but then allow your body to drop down using the tips of your fingers. You extend the grip from a closed grip to one that is open palmed. You will essentially be hanging from you finger tips. Then pull yourself back up into the original position and return you grip into a tight closed grip on the bar.
Some people you would definitely benefit in speaking to is wall-climbers, whether it be indoor or outdoor... ask them what they use to strengthen their grip... heaven knows that it takes considerable strength to hang in mid-air by your finger tips... what feats of strength.
In the above exercises you will want to focus on strength and stamina... not sheer power... concentrate on a high number of repetitions... they will build the factors that you seek in upholding massive poundages.
It doesn't take power to hold 300 plus pounds of iron for multiple repetitions, it takes good old fashion stamina and strength... power here is the wrong premise.
Maxmuscle66
PS: In the mean time use straps if you must but continue these exercises and you will be more than delighted with the outcome.
The Dude
New member
Try gloves first. They helped me improve my grip for another 50 lbs. before it started failing again. I swore I would never resort to straps but I finally broke down this year. However, I didn't go with straps because I could never get a firm, static hold on the bar with them. Try Versa Gripps down the road if your grip fails again, but try to make out with gloves first. They will help more than you think.
death on the field
New member
u's straps but start working ur forearms, never have a weakpoint. i can do 495 for reps on deadlift no straps needed. i would try static bar holds, 2 inch bar holds, wrist curls will help with the look of ur forearms not to much with grip strength. also get ur self them captains of crush grippers they work wonders.
Imnotdutch
butler monkey
I agree with Tuna Guy. I suspect the reason you are losing your grip is because the bar slips in your fingers due to sweat or ghreasy bars. Chalk will help prevent that. As an example.....without chalk I cant hold more than 500. With chalk I can hold 660 with ease.
I think too many people are too eager to start using straps....there are alternatives.
I think too many people are too eager to start using straps....there are alternatives.
Tuna Guy said:
Try chalk first. Ton's of it
The reason that I do not use straps is because I train for strongman where basic muscular endurance and grip strength plays a larger role than solid strength. Hope that made sense...just that grip is so important to strongman. Being that the deadlift will be an event in my next contest...I will be using my straps as the contest nears because I will be allowed to wear them in the contest.
The Dude: Owensboro huh? Only a couple of hours from me...
B True
The reason that I do not use straps is because I train for strongman where basic muscular endurance and grip strength plays a larger role than solid strength. Hope that made sense...just that grip is so important to strongman. Being that the deadlift will be an event in my next contest...I will be using my straps as the contest nears because I will be allowed to wear them in the contest. The Dude: Owensboro huh? Only a couple of hours from me...
B True
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