Straps

[gimp]

used straps yesterday for back day and did the following;

4 sets pulldowns
3 sets deadlifts
3 sets bent over BB rows
3 sets seated rows

I noticed that I could keep way better form and my lifts actually increased around 10 pounds. I also noticed that my fore-arms weren't as heavily worked. Should I continue using straps and just work my fore-arms seperately? and benefit from the increased lifts and form?

 

[eastarr69]

I use straps for any training that i dont want to use my fore arms for, like what you have above and for heavy shrugs...you will get mixed responses on this probably...but, I find to get a better controlled movement and work the correct way, with the straps, you can run higher weight or more reps....not withstanding that, you still need to work on your grip...so do forearms seperate if you choose...

E

 

[Fatty4You]

I go through phases, where sometimes i like using straps so i dont have to think about my grip, but then i go through times where i feel like my forearms are getting weak, so i stop using straps. But overall, i like them. I feel that they allow me to really concentrate on the muscles being worked, and not have to be distracted about holding the weight.

-Fatty

 

[Bullit]

I only use straps for deads because my grip sucks. If I didnt use straps I'd probably be doing 50 lbs less.
But in order to keep forearms developing I go strapless for pulldowns, rows and shrugs.

 

[edgecrusher]

Personally,I never use them.

 

[DrBones]

Never used them.... never had much of a problem that required me to use them other than when I first started deadlifting... but DLing without straps fixed that problem REALLY fast

 

[gymtime]

I think your goal should be to use them as little as possible. Whether you're working forearms or not, increasing grip strength is always a good thing.

Personally, I use them only on my heaviest lifts.

 

[BodybuildingUniverse]

i agree with gymtime. I really only use them when I feel the bar will peel from my hands if I dont. builds a great grip and big forearms.

 

[b fold the truth]

I think your goal should be to use them as little as possible. Whether you're working forearms or not, increasing grip strength is always a good thing.

Personally, I use them only on my heaviest lifts.

I agree!!!

B True

 

[Citruscide]

I never used them up until recently... I need to use one on my left wrist because of my lateral sprain... but never had a problem "gripping" the upper weights... I now use one on the right side on heavier weights because not gripping on the left throws off my right, and so on...

It's refreshing on the training board, you realize that?

C-ditty

 

[Tinee Tim]

I think your goal should be to use them as little as possible. Whether you're working forearms or not, increasing grip strength is always a good thing.

Personally, I use them only on my heaviest lifts.

oops didn't see this when I posted a question on another thread. My forearms suck and I never use straps. What gives?

 

[bignate73]

i dont use them. my grip is strong enough to handle what i need to hold on to. generally now, my back fails before my grip does. of course its different for deadlifts and shrugs but thats where i stick to my guns about my anti strap rules.

the only apparatus i think i would use is Olympic lifting shoes. ive got an inzer PL belt in my closet just collecting dust. probably used it 5x total.

 

[INNOCENT]

i just use them with deadlifts and shrugs...b/c i lose my grip on the deadlifts

 

[crew9]

Don't use them on anything. It's amazing how fast your grip strength will grow from deads, shrugs, and weighted pullups. I like the feeling of it being my strength holding and lifting the weight rather than relying on a piece of canvas for grip. I have nothing against them but will probably never use them.