Wrist Straps - JP Fitness Forums

chrisoldcorn · 10-18-2007, 05:28 PM

I am wondering people's opinions on wrist straps. I don't use them but might try them out (again). A few of my clients like them. I found them to be very uncomfortable on my wrists. Let me know what you think!

Cynic · 10-18-2007, 06:31 PM

I don't use them. If I can't hold the bar, I use a mixed grip. If that still does not help, I will do grip specific work, but I won't let myself advance in weight until I can do it w/o straps.

Alcoholiday · 10-18-2007, 07:10 PM

i think someone should work up and push their double overhand grip as far as it will go. I think that things like db rows also really work your grip, or other pulls. But, i think straps can be a good alternative for a mixed grip w/o the twisting& stress on your bicep

jvernacchio · 10-18-2007, 07:56 PM

Dumped straps a long time ago and have been better off for it. I wish I never had used them.

Jean-Paul · 10-18-2007, 08:01 PM

No straps!

GqArtguy · 10-18-2007, 08:33 PM

I use straps in a lot of my assistance movements when grip is not what I want to be concerned about it.

That doesnt mean that grip isnt trained. If your endeavours cause you to need an extremely strong type of grip, then train it. If your grip is sufficient, then focus on other weaknesses.

Frank.S · 10-18-2007, 10:38 PM

I recently bought a pair because my RDLs have been getting to be a bitch to hold onto as well as some of my rack pulls. But I mean, unless you are moving a fair amount of weight, not really needed imo. I actually havnt used mine yet, not really sure how:p but I see no reason why someone cant grip stuff up heavy weights. Even things like DB rows, a 150lbs dumbell isn't all that bad.

Lisa~ · 10-19-2007, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank.S

I actually havnt used mine yet, not really sure how:p

Frank, here's a little tutorial on how to use your wrist straps.

(Just ignore the introductory paragraphs and read the How to Use Weightlifting Straps section.)

http://www.thetrainingstationinc.com...ng-straps.html

Every tool has it's appropriate use. It's not often that you'd need straps, but they do have a few uses (as have been mentioned). Just about the only time I pull out my wrist straps these days is to hand them to a client who can't clean grip comfortably and needs them for front squats.

dmw · 10-19-2007, 07:49 AM

I don't like straps, but I love chalk.

chrisoldcorn · 10-19-2007, 09:24 AM

Thank you for everyone's response. I think I will stick with no straps and continue trying to strengthen my grip. I already have been doing my Deadlifts with a mixed grip and will continue to do so.

eastcoastsurfer · 10-19-2007, 09:27 AM

I have straps. I sometimes use them on the last sets of rack pulls and when doing wide grip pullups. Normal DLs I stay with overhand grip as long as possible before switching to mixed...never use straps though.

Another place I've thought about using straps is with snatch grip DLs.

Chris-STL · 10-19-2007, 10:58 AM

I bought some straps about 6 months ago. I only used them in one of the NROL workouts (FL 3 maybe) I recall doing front squats, chins, and then like 40 stepups. My grip was failing on the stepups (felt like a combination of the stretch from the front squats and the fatigue from chins) so I used them to get through the stepups. I've never deadlifted with them.

johnst_nhb · 10-19-2007, 11:36 AM

I use them for heavy shrugs on an as needed basis. Like everything else, they have their place but should not be a crutch.

Jeff Rage · 10-19-2007, 02:17 PM

I had to use straps until I joined a new gym that has a bar with thick knurling and chalk. Now I can lift strapless. I do still use them for DB Shrugs.

BTW, straps shouldn't hurt when you use them. I think they should have named them "hand straps." If you put them around your wrists, you'll cut the circulation off, and it will hurt. Sliding most of the strap onto the hand makes them much more comfortable.

Patricia · 10-19-2007, 02:46 PM

Only as needed. When I was preparing for a bb'ing contest, I used them for my rack pulls since I was performing 4x6 and my emphasis was for back development - not grip strength.

When I was training for strongwoman and power lifting - I very rarely used 'em as I needed to increase grip strength.

That thar is the jist of my thinking.

galapogos · 10-24-2007, 09:17 AM

No straps for me, but I'm still rehabbing from an injury so my dead numbers are pathetic, and I use chalk and a DOH hook grip. DB rows helped me with my grip pretty well, especially DBs with thick contoured handles.

Rawgrip · 10-25-2007, 06:25 AM

Never use straps and never allow my athletes to do so. I make them do additional grip work i.e. plate pinching and isometric bar holds that seems to do the trick. If you have a weak grip then that is some peoples downfall in many lifts.

Bok · 10-28-2007, 06:55 PM

I just use em for BB shoulder shrugs. Other than that I have found I am using more weight than I should if I need em.

Frank.S · 10-28-2007, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rawgrip

Never use straps and never allow my athletes to do so. I make them do additional grip work i.e. plate pinching and isometric bar holds that seems to do the trick. If you have a weak grip then that is some peoples downfall in many lifts.

you know, I wouldnt expect any different from someone with the username: rawgrip