Grip problems with deadlifts? - JP Fitness Forums

GSP · 07-05-2005, 08:10 PM

Quick question on something that's been annoying me a bit lately. On deadlifts, my progressions in poundage has started outpacing what my grip can endure. At this point, I have a 4-5 rep difference in what I can accomplish without using straps vs. using them. In some ways, I want to continue pushing through this without using straps to allow for my forearms to 'catch-up' with my strength in other areas, but I also don't want to rob myself of the progression I'm capable of with my legs and back on the exercise.

I started having problems with this at around 200 lbs. on BLDL, I'm current using 250 and the gap is only widening with each workout. Has anyone experienced similar issues? Might I be better off doing static holds for my grip with a similar weight on another day, or is pushing through the DL's without straps generally a better strategy for overcoming this?

TrainingGirl · 07-05-2005, 08:31 PM

There was a similar thread about this not too long ago. It might answer your question.

Deadlift Grip

igunick · 07-06-2005, 05:04 AM

hehe join the club! [img]tongue.gif[/img] I've been stranded on 230lbs like.. forever

Newlife · 07-06-2005, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GSP:
Quick question on something that's been annoying me a bit lately. On deadlifts, my progressions in poundage has started outpacing what my grip can endure. At this point, I have a 4-5 rep difference in what I can accomplish without using straps vs. using them. In some ways, I want to continue pushing through this without using straps to allow for my forearms to 'catch-up' with my strength in other areas, but I also don't want to rob myself of the progression I'm capable of with my legs and back on the exercise.

I started having problems with this at around 200 lbs. on BLDL, I'm current using 250 and the gap is only widening with each workout. Has anyone experienced similar issues? Might I be better off doing static holds for my grip with a similar weight on another day, or is pushing through the DL's without straps generally a better strategy for overcoming this?

I would not use straps. I did a couple years back and it hurt me in the long run. I lift 100% raw no with the exception of chalk, and now pull in the mid 400's. I remember not being able to hold 225 for reps when I stopped using straps the first week! Things get better, but it does take some time to improve your grip. Moral of story. Make your hands do the work and they will respond. How long have you been deadlifting? Are you using a staggered grip?

Ask Training Girl. She deadlifts like 540lbs...right TG!

Newlife · 07-06-2005, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TrainingGirl:
There was a similar thread about this not too long ago. It might answer your question.

Deadlift Grip

You had to drag that post back, didn't you...

That's some funny sh!t. Too funny!

JMR · 07-06-2005, 08:45 AM

My opinion and I've been hammered many times for it... If you're gonna compete in powerlifting then train your grip and deadlift raw. If you're training for aesthetics then use straps. No use letting your grip slow down the development of your back. My grip starts failing me around 315 if I'm trying to pull more than 3-4 reps.

igunick · 07-06-2005, 08:51 AM

that's your choice. I'd rather have a strong grip, you never know when it may come in handy in real life.

GSP · 07-06-2005, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TrainingGirl:
There was a similar thread about this not too long ago. It might answer your question.

Deadlift Grip

Some good info in there, thanks for linking!

GSP · 07-06-2005, 08:58 AM

Originally posted by Newlife:
How long have you been deadlifting? Are you using a staggered grip?

I've been doing deadlifts for about 6 months now. I use a trap bar at my gym, so a neutral grip is the only option. This one also has some funky rubberized padding on the handles, which makes them thicker, I think this makes it more difficult to hold.

JMR · 07-06-2005, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by igunick:
that's your choice. I'd rather have a strong grip, you never know when it may come in handy in real life.

Hey, I'll take the big back and you can squash beer cans. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Newlife · 07-06-2005, 09:06 AM

I would really suggest using a standard olympic bar for deadlifts. It's the root of lifting and a classic movement, which in my opinion, should not be messed with. You must have a straight bar in your gym, right?

28mm to 30mm is a perfect bar diameter. It could be the trap bar grip is too wide for your hands with the rubber and all.

Newlife · 07-06-2005, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JMR:

quote:
Originally posted by igunick:
that's your choice. I'd rather have a strong grip, you never know when it may come in handy in real life.

Hey, I'll take the big back and you can squash beer cans. [img]smile.gif[/img] [/quote]Why not have both? I do... [img]tongue.gif[/img]

GSP · 07-06-2005, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Newlife:
I would really suggest using a standard olympic bar for deadlifts. It's the root of lifting and a classic movement, which in my opinion, should not be messed with. You must have a straight bar in your gym, right?

28mm to 30mm is a perfect bar diameter. It could be the trap bar grip is too wide for your hands with the rubber and all.

Yeah, I think we may have one or two straight bars in my gym

I actually started out on those for the first few months. I was at about 180 lbs. when someone introduced me to the trap bar.

Maybe I'll give that a try. Of course, I'll have to accept the humilty of lowering the weight back down quite a bit while I re-adjust...dammit

JMR · 07-06-2005, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Newlife:

quote:
Originally posted by JMR:

quote:
Originally posted by igunick:
that's your choice. I'd rather have a strong grip, you never know when it may come in handy in real life.

Hey, I'll take the big back and you can squash beer cans. [img]smile.gif[/img] [/quote]Why not have both? I do... [img]tongue.gif[/img] [/quote]Cool dude!

igunick · 07-06-2005, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Newlife:

quote:
Originally posted by JMR:

quote:
Originally posted by igunick:
that's your choice. I'd rather have a strong grip, you never know when it may come in handy in real life.

Hey, I'll take the big back and you can squash beer cans. [img]smile.gif[/img] [/quote]Why not have both? I do... [img]tongue.gif[/img] [/quote]yeah, who says I don't already have a big back too? [img]tongue.gif[/img]

JMR · 07-06-2005, 09:23 AM

Keep up the good work.

Newlife · 07-06-2005, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GSP:

quote:
Originally posted by Newlife:
I would really suggest using a standard olympic bar for deadlifts. It's the root of lifting and a classic movement, which in my opinion, should not be messed with. You must have a straight bar in your gym, right?

28mm to 30mm is a perfect bar diameter. It could be the trap bar grip is too wide for your hands with the rubber and all.

Yeah, I think we may have one or two straight bars in my gym I actually started out on those for the first few months. I was at about 180 lbs. when someone introduced me to the trap bar.

Maybe I'll give that a try. Of course, I'll have to accept the humilty of lowering the weight back down quite a bit while I re-adjust...dammit [/quote]Yes, Trap bars do allow you to move more weight. It's just at this point, it shouldn't be about lifting huge numbers, but more about learning the form, bringing the weaknesses up to par and playing with grip, foot position, and intensity. Sounds like you are on the right track bro!

Good luck to you.

TrainingGirl · 07-06-2005, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Newlife:

Ask Training Girl. She deadlifts like 540lbs...right TG!

LOL...Yup Newlife