Strap it up

[mr_bigmuscles]

Has everybody seen this article already?

Quick recap: the author suggests using straps on pretty much every/all pulling exercise. What about grip? Train the grip independently, that's what the pros do anyhow.

Personal anecdote: I strapped up for chins and got 8 last night, PR before that was 6. (160lb noob here)

Thoughts?

[BendtheBar]

I'm a strap man. Grip strength appears to be tied into back strength. Certainly seems to be the case for me.

I also do not want heavy weights slipping while training. Without straps I couldn't do most of my back work. My rowing strength is far superior to anything my small German hands could ever handle. I don't want to train grip when doing back work. I want to maximize my back work.

I never train the grip, yet I can deadlift 700+ without grip issues. And I have severe carpal tunnel. Made me a big believer in the back strength-grip strength tie-in.

Get some Versa Gripps, strap it on, and get those dumbbell rows over 200. That's my opinion.

[mr_bigmuscles]

Okay, only 150lbs to go on the DB row and I'm all set

[kitarpyar]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I'm a strap man. Grip strength appears to be tied into back strength. Certainly seems to be the case for me.

I have noticed this too. When I was missing my deadlifts due to grip issues, I hardly did any work for the back other than pulldowns and 65 lbs barbell rows with "strict form".

Somewhere down the line I focused on getting stronger, and as my barbell rows sky rocketed up, I noticed that I never EVER missed a deadlift due to a failed grip. I think somewhere Fazc mentioned that grip serves as a "safety valve" during deadlifts. Gives way when the upper back is weak.

I guess when I miss a lift due to grip failure, I will use straps - and re-double my focus on upper back.

[Fazc]

Originally Posted by kitarpyar

I think somewhere Fazc mentioned that grip serves as a "safety valve" during deadlifts. Gives way when the upper back is weak.

Aye aye

[ricka182]

I loved my Versa-Grips.. until I left them in the gym and they dissappeared. I plan on getting a new pair soon enough once I'm ready to go heavy again.

I never found anything that grips like the VGs. Paired with a good set of stiff wrist wraps, it's like a truly solid connection to the BB/DB..

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by mr_bigmuscles

Has everybody seen this article already?

Quick recap: the author suggests using straps on pretty much every/all pulling exercise. What about grip? Train the grip independently, that's what the pros do anyhow.

Personal anecdote: I strapped up for chins and got 8 last night, PR before that was 6. (160lb noob here)

Thoughts?

I used straps for higher DLs my grip strength still improved which resulted in even higher loads lifted without straps; a progressional strap usage, as the lift and grip increases the strap use decreases on the lower loads which were orignally the higher/highest loads that the grip could handle. Win-win!