Lifting raw-

[hardrock]

How many of you guys don't use any lifting aids?

I have been lifting with out straps, gloves, belt, etc. for a couple years now. No injury issues as long as I don't over do it. I never go below 5 reps. My first 13 yrs or sor I always used these items and feel may have relied on them too much.

My grip strength has greatly increased, core is strong, but I'm thinking other areas may be suffering.

My back movements and DL's are becoming limited by grip strength.


I guess my question is, at what point should I start using aids?

Gloves- I wont use em

Belt- Prolly never again.

Straps- Really starting to miss em

Knee wraps- Never used, but really starting to consider them.


All help appreciated.

 

[EZ_E]

I'm a big believer in this ^^^ unless you're a PL or competing in Vegas every September these things aren't nesaccary

~EZ

 

[hardrock]

Thanks. That's how I feel too, but worry my back growth may be suffering. I really wanna get the most out of my workouts. Been thinking of just using them on my heaviest sets.

 

[the_alcatraz]

I never use any lifting aids...I believe by using lifting aids, you make your tendons and joints weaker over time

 

[training700]

Get some lifting chalk first helps a lot. What grip u using on deadlifts? If are having trouble with grip on low reps probably not gonna hurt development but not bad include em on a failure higher rep set just get more out of it. If knees start hurting just use sleeves than wraps for now should be enough

 

[hardrock]

Over/under grip for deads. never used chalk. most of my past gyms didnt allow it. My current one does tho.

Thanks fellas.

 

[binö]

i'd suggest a quality belt for heavy dls and sqs, more of a safety thing than anything.
same with knee wraps for squats...belts and wraps are considered raw btw

 

[training700]

If feel need it such as a belt don't be afraid too on heaviest sets. I never use a belt for me but like something on knees heavy squat even just backing out can get tippy. Try some chalk will help a LOT.

 

[joeblow12345]

Gloves are worthless throw them in the trash and grow some calluses. Straps are only useful for super heavy shruggs, if you dl with em youll have a sissy grip. A good unpadded belt is a must for heavy sq. and dl I like the toro belt but there are some good ones out there like apt, inzer, etc.

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[themondtster]

Ive tried using a belt for squats and deads and it was very uncomfortable. Didn't like and have read that alot of people prefer not to use belts. Straps for heavy shrugs only but Ill try and get first without just to work on my grip. Have wrists wraps but only use them when Im having wrist pains from alot of heavy(for me) benching. I would like to try some weightlifting shoes though for squats and see if they help. Has any tried them before?

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[training700]

Any really thin soled shoe works pretty well. Got some of those light breathable shoes that are popular are really nice to squat and dl with

 

[themondtster]

Any really thin soled shoe works pretty well. Got some of those light breathable shoes that are popular are really nice to squat and dl with

Yeah right now Im using chucks. I asked Moya about it the other day and he said he preferred the weight lifting shoes. I was wondering about other peoples experience before I spend a bunch of money on some. The chucks work great for now but as I progress Im willing to try new things to help.

From My Droid MoFo!

 

[moya]

^if you played soccer would you go out on the field in tennis shoes?... im not saying they are the be-all-end-all, but they do make a difference...

 

[themondtster]

^if you played soccer would you go out on the field in tennis shoes?... im not saying they are the be-all-end-all, but they do make a difference...

Yeah ill prob end up investing in some. You only squat in them? You deadlift in something different?

From My Droid MoFo!

 

[joeblow12345]

Yeah ill prob end up investing in some. You only squat in them? You deadlift in something different?

From My Droid MoFo!

Get deadlift slippers its like wearing socks and they cost like $10.

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[hardrock]

Gloves are worthless throw them in the trash and grow some calluses. Straps are only useful for super heavy shruggs, if you dl with em youll have a sissy grip. A good unpadded belt is a must for heavy sq. and dl I like the toro belt but there are some good ones out there like apt, inzer, etc.

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I threw out the gloves years ago. Thinking on straps for heavy shrugs only. Jury is still out on the belt. maybe if i ever went under 5 reps, but at 5+ I think your core should be able to support it. Like someone else said, they are very uncomfortable as well.

 

[joeblow12345]

I threw out the gloves years ago. Thinking on straps for heavy shrugs only. Jury is still out on the belt. maybe if i ever went under 5 reps, but at 5+ I think your core should be able to support it. Like someone else said, they are very uncomfortable as well.

After you break in a belt it will fit perfectly. You will be the only one who will fit it though. If someone else puts it on it wont fit right. Dont buy a shitty belt get a good one. Dont buy double prong they are a pain, get single prong or a lever belt.

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[moya]

I threw out the gloves years ago. Thinking on straps for heavy shrugs only. Jury is still out on the belt. maybe if i ever went under 5 reps, but at 5+ I think your core should be able to support it. Like someone else said, they are very uncomfortable as well.

my belt was very uncomfortable at first too... now it is super conformed to my body... it does take a while, but if you arent going super heavy then you probly dont need it anyways...

 

[moya]

Yeah ill prob end up investing in some. You only squat in them? You deadlift in something different?

From My Droid MoFo!

i DL in socks for the most part... chucks at the meet, but thats just because i havent got a pair of DL slippers yet...

 

[binö]

wrestling shoes make great squat/dl shoes

 

[Osito]

Toe shoes, Ristos dl shoes, NB minimus line etc all make good dead lift shoes. You'll see Oly lifters do deads and high pulls wearing their oly shoes but I've found it to be counter-productive to straight power lifting. They only wear the heeled oly shoes to help with the squat portion of the lift - they must train a lot to get accustomed to pulling in them.