Straps when doing rows

[anthrax]

Do you use straps when doing barbell rows? [I don't]

and seated rows? [I think I'll try when I use a wide grip]

 

[musketeer]

I would if I were doing a 'big back session' - you know: chins, rows, deads, etc. all in one workout. But if I was doing a 5x5 type deal where I did: cleans, sqauts, benches, and then rows, the cleans would not really have affected my grip (unless I was extremely 'unlucky') so I'd probably not. I take the straps with me just in case I get an odd pump in there that would otherwise shorten the workout, but it's been a while...

If you are going to work your back in one long multi-exercise workout, then straps make very good sense indeed because the dfferernt exercises hit the differnet parts of the back (traps, lats, errectors, rear delts, and all of the cookie-cutter muscles like the teres...) to varying degrees, but the forearms are always in the firing line. I knoe that sure as hell after 2-5 sets of chins, my forearms will be the weakpoint when trying to for 250lbs+ - and you can forgetabout DLing after all of that unless the straps are on hand!

(get it? "on hand")

 

[go2failure]

I do not use straps for anything right now. I like having popeye forearms and a strong grip. Of course, it helps to work your way up without straps as opposed to just going without them after having trained with them for months or even years).

Some of the weights I use on the pulling movements are way above what I see people using them for. In fact, I see many assclowns walking around the gym with them on simply because they look "cool" wearing them. You know, kind of like the "band-aid on the bicep" crap going around the gyms lately.

 

[bignate73]

no...and no.

 

[DZLS]

I used them years ago, and then realized i was only holding back my grip / forearm developement by doing so...

i have no problem with guys that are lifting big weights using them though, as long as they know what the hell they are doing... i mean it's not really probable that your grip will outlast your back if you're rowing 400lbs...

 

[EnderJE]

I've used hooks in the past, but I'm not using them right now. Ditto for the belt.

 

[cubuff27]

I stay away from the straps unless I am doing a really heavy 5x5 of deads and then I know my grip will fail long before the rest of my body and I need a little help. Otherwise leave them in your bag and use those row and chin sessions for forearm strength as well.

 

[rbtrout]

I used to, but not much more. I'd rather have a better grip and better foremams. No belt any more, either.

 

[Goodfellow]

I use straps for bb rows and db rows but not on my deadlifts.

 

[Quadsweeps Sister]

I do use them for my bb rows, but not much else. I use them because I grip overhand and I like to use more of a monkey grip without my thumb around the bar...don't know why, it just feels good to me and the straps keep it from crashing into the rack.

 

[musketeer]

I do use them for my bb rows, but not much else. I use them because I grip overhand and I like to use more of a monkey grip without my thumb around the bar...don't know why, it just feels good to me and the straps keep it from crashing into the rack.

Sounds like an interesting proposition, I'll have to get my straps out and try that tomorrow - or TODAY rather!

 

[perp69]

Damn. I have never heard of using straps on BB rows. Deads,yes I could see that. (although I don't use them). That would have to be a shit load of weight more than my dead, which will never happen. I look at straps as a crutch not a tool.

 

[Extra_Strong]

I would if I were doing a 'big back session' - you know: chins, rows, deads, etc. all in one workout. But if I was doing a 5x5 type deal where I did: cleans, sqauts, benches, and then rows, the cleans would not really have affected my grip (unless I was extremely 'unlucky') so I'd probably not. I take the straps with me just in case I get an odd pump in there that would otherwise shorten the workout, but it's been a while...

If you are going to work your back in one long multi-exercise workout, then straps make very good sense indeed because the dfferernt exercises hit the differnet parts of the back (traps, lats, errectors, rear delts, and all of the cookie-cutter muscles like the teres...) to varying degrees, but the forearms are always in the firing line. I knoe that sure as hell after 2-5 sets of chins, my forearms will be the weakpoint when trying to for 250lbs+ - and you can forgetabout DLing after all of that unless the straps are on hand!

(get it? "on hand")

ya same here. I use them once in a while only if needed.

 

[anthrax]

When it gets really heavy I don't see anything wrong with using straps so that you can focus 100% on your back rather than having your grip preventing you from finishing your set

 

[blut wump]

Agreed, it'd be silly to cut your workout short just because your grip was failing. Equally, I avoid using straps as much as possible in order to strengthen my grip.

I typically only use straps on:
DB side bends. There comes a point where the weight of the DB coupled with the grazing against my leg is too much for my grip.
Shrugs/Power Shrugs. I'm going ever higher before needing the straps but my traps can take more strain than my grip especially with the stop at the bottom.
Rack Pulls. No question that over the partial movement my back can hande more than my grip. Again, I hold out as long as I can but eventually the straps come out.

I've never used them on a row nor yet felt any need.

 

[kethnaab]

i use 'em on rows and pulldowns, as well as chinups

i don't use 'em on deadlifts though.

I've always had "lat issues", and straps really help me concentrate. on deadlifts, i just grip and rip, and as long as I don't have a problem with my deadlifts being grip-limited, I won't worry about the straps.

 

[Beachbum1546]

I do use them for my bb rows, but not much else. I use them because I grip overhand and I like to use more of a monkey grip without my thumb around the bar...don't know why, it just feels good to me and the straps keep it from crashing into the rack.

I do the exact same thing. I always have the thumb on the same side as my fingers. I do that for any holding exercise (pull-downs, rows, t-bar, deadlifts, alot of stuff). I don't know if it helps or hurts my holding strength but it feels more natural to me.

 

[blut wump]

I've never been tempted to switch to the monkey-grip. I recall many years back seeing pictures of Arnie using it and tried it next time in the gym. After a couple of sets I was back to my normal thumbs-around grip and never tried it again. Sometimes on close-grip bench my thumbs are running along the bar rather than around it but the thumbless grip feels very unnatural to me.

 

[anthrax]

I sometimes use the monkey grip when doing: seated row with a V handle, triceps pulldowns and squats/GM