Opposing grip on Deadlift and strap question

[Synpax]

It is my understanding that the best way to do deadlifts is with opposing grips (one hand going over, the other going under). Is this true and why?

Additionally, I use straps for deadlifts - how do I employ them with opposing grips - I have a hard enough time getting them to wrap with non-opposing grips.

 

[spatts]

Synpax, the whole point of an opposing grip is to help grip heavy weights, particularly in competition where straps aren't allowed.

If I had straps, I wouldn't need to do an opposing grip; likewise, with an opposing grip I don't need straps. The way I see it one or the other is good...no need to do both.

...I'm honestly not sure how you would wrap it in an opposing grip anyway.

 

[Irie]

Good points by Spatt, also, use your weak hand (in terms of grip) for the overhand, underhand or reverse grip with your dominate arm.

 

[wlhosch]

The main function of an opposing grip is to stop the bar from rotating out of your hands. The drawback is that it slightly cocks your body, which eventually may result in some physiological development imbalance or injury. (Although I have never personally observed any problems.) The latter can be prevented by regularly switching your suppinated and pronated hands.

Overuse of wraps will slow your forearm/grip strength gains. Consider adding farmer's walks or plate pinches to bring your grip up enough that straps become unnecessary.

 

[Synpax]

I work my forarms every other day with wrist curls, reverse curls, and isometrics to the point I can barely get dressed after the shower. The grains are steady and are really showing - but I still get an additional... 70? lbs on the deadlift with straps.

Before I used straps I used opposing grip and would alternate it (I do 4 sets) and it came out to 2 sets each of the 2 ways.

Thanks for your advise.

 

[Irie]

I work my forarms every other day with wrist curls, reverse curls, and isometrics to the point I can barely get dressed after the shower. The grains are steady and are really showing - but I still get an additional... 70? lbs on the deadlift with straps.

Before I used straps I used opposing grip and would alternate it (I do 4 sets) and it came out to 2 sets each of the 2 ways.

Thanks for your advise.

Very good, but the deadlift/farmers walk will do more for your grip than any of the above exercises mentioned.

 

[Synpax]

I'll see about slipping a farmers walk into my next revised workout scheduele. It's about time to 'shock' with a new set of exercises.

Thanks.

 

[rbrown]

synpax:

do you use chalk? if not, use it. It works great. It would be near impossible to get straps put on the bar properly with an opposing grip. With an opposing grip and chalk you really do not need a world class grip to hold on to a lot of weight; particularly if the bar has good knurling.

 

[Synpax]

Hi,

I will try some chalk. My gym doesn't have it but I asked about it and they said it was OK.

 

[WalkingBeast]

synpax:

do you use chalk? if not, use it. It works great. It would be near impossible to get straps put on the bar properly with an opposing grip. With an opposing grip and chalk you really do not need a world class grip to hold on to a lot of weight; particularly if the bar has good knurling.

I agree..Chalk is awesome. I usually use an opposing grip and straps though. haha So its possible. Sometimes I use chalk. I believe both methods are pretty equal. Atleast for me, Im squeezing the fuck out of the bar either way. Just use what allows you to grip the most..Better then failing a deadlift cuz of a weak link. Your grip should strengthen either way. Throwing farmers in there should really accelerate grip strength. Hope that helps