Thanks everyone about the nice comments about my daughters ... yes, John ... we know that we are in trouble!! Matt (DH) jokes about getting a shotgun and sitting around in his boxers and wifebeater to clean it when the boys start arriving!!
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Originally Posted by dillytl
Awwwwwwwwww - your girls are precious!!!!
And those ice storm pics are fantastic - sure is pretty (as long as you don't lose power!!)
Nice job on the workout!!! Have you tried lifting straps?
I'm philosophically against lifting straps. I have seen a lot of shoulder (and lower back) injuries that result from lifting more weight than your shoulders and body are ready for. Weaker grip is sort of a built-in failsafe IMO ... if you override it, then you are asking for problems elsewhere! My grip will get stronger ...
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Life's a Journey ... Enjoy the Ride! Watch Me Shrink PM me if you want access ... the more the merrier!
I'm philosophically against lifting straps. I have seen a lot of shoulder (and lower back) injuries that result from lifting more weight than your shoulders and body are ready for. Weaker grip is sort of a built-in failsafe IMO ... if you override it, then you are asking for problems elsewhere! My grip will get stronger ...
I like that answer, particularly since I can understand it.
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Tom
Infirma nostris corporis virtute firmans perpeti (Strengthen our weak body with eternal power)
- Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Text attributed to Hrabanus Maurus
Julie: Interesting thought on the straps. I've been using them on deadlifts and have noticed my elbows popping sometimes. No pain -- yet -- just noticing it. I wonder... I warm up at 135# w/o them but lift around 185# with them. I'm going to have to think about this. I always kind of feel like Spongebob when he stretched his arms out trying to lift weights (dh also likes to make me laugh when I'm lifting "with the addition of two, count them two marshmallows" -- referring to the 2 1/2# plates!)
I'm philosophically against lifting straps. I have seen a lot of shoulder (and lower back) injuries that result from lifting more weight than your shoulders and body are ready for. Weaker grip is sort of a built-in failsafe IMO ... if you override it, then you are asking for problems elsewhere! My grip will get stronger ...
Interesting, and thought provoking!! DH just got me some straps (haven't used them yet) - I may have to rethink them now.........
__________________ You can't out-train a bad diet!
If you are going to doubt something, doubt your limits. ~Don Ward
The only way to define your limits is to go beyond them. ~Arthur C. Clarke
A woman is like a tea bag - you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water! ~Eleanor Roosevelt
Thanks everyone about the nice comments about my daughters ... yes, John ... we know that we are in trouble!! Matt (DH) jokes about getting a shotgun and sitting around in his boxers and wifebeater to clean it when the boys start arriving!!
This is a good thread with some links to other threads that talk about the pros and cons of straps. I have a long history of shoulder problems and instability ... so for me straps are no good.
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Life's a Journey ... Enjoy the Ride! Watch Me Shrink PM me if you want access ... the more the merrier!
Julie - useful comment to me regarding straps. at my age I collect what I think are the warnings as to when one is in danger of injuries. So far I only have 4 or five things. They really are hard to get. And then if you listen to everyone I would never use more than the pink dumbbells. This one gets added to my list. Rob
Popping in your log after having followed it exclusively by email after seeing this gem!
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Originally Posted by UConnJulie
I'm philosophically against lifting straps. I have seen a lot of shoulder (and lower back) injuries that result from lifting more weight than your shoulders and body are ready for. Weaker grip is sort of a built-in failsafe IMO ... if you override it, then you are asking for problems elsewhere! My grip will get stronger ...
Finally a professional expressing my own fears! I've often read how straps will improve strength since your grip is no longer the weakest factor.
Fortunately, apart from having tiny fingers, grip strength has never been a real problem and the few times I *did* use straps, they even deteriorated performance since grip became even worse.
My standard answer has often been: I'd rather see my arms give up, than to tweak my back/legs because they are suddenly taking a much heavier load than they are used to.
Probably this also pertains to using a belt? What are your thoughts here?
I've started using a belt for deadlifts and have noticed they have a much more profound effect on either the weight or the # of reps I can get to, than straps. But actually, the effect is the same = back taking a harder beating. Or is there no need to fear the help from a belt?
Or would you say : it's OK when you've already established a good base and are an intermediate-advanced lifter (I'm intermediate) but resolutely not suited for beginners and intermediates?
I've started using a belt for deadlifts and have noticed they have a much more profound effect on either the weight or the # of reps I can get to, than straps. But actually, the effect is the same = back taking a harder beating. Or is there no need to fear the help from a belt?
Or would you say : it's OK when you've already established a good base and are an intermediate-advanced lifter (I'm intermediate) but resolutely not suited for beginners and intermediates?
I'd like to hear what Julie has to say about the subject. I tend to think that I'd be better off without the belt (or straps for deads) and build up the supporting back muscles with gradually upping the weight.
On the side note: I noticed my pull-ups reps went up since I started deadlifting. Grip must have gotten stronger.
