When Should You Start Using Lifting Straps? | Gym Tools for All Levels
Are you getting to the point in your fitness journey where you have to set your weights down 2-3 times within a single set just because your grip keeps failing you? The rest of your body can handle the weight, but you just can’t hold it long enough to finish out your reps?
It may be time to use some wrist straps.
WHAT ARE WRIST STRAPS FOR?
Although they’re seen more in the powerlifting and bodybuilding communities, lifting straps can be a helpful tool for all kinds of fitness levels and goals!
For example, my favorite time to use them is with older clients with arthritis. Individuals with arthritis often have inflammation and pain around their fingers and wrists, making it difficult to hold onto everyday items, including dumbbells for training. Utilizing the straps can completely change the game for these individuals, allowing them to build strength and muscle for stronger bones and joints, and without pain.
Lifting straps are meant to be used for pulling exercises, both upper and lower body. For example, you can use them for different variations of deadlifts, rows, or pull downs.
It doesn’t have to be used for just heavier lifting either. Of course, you can use it for maximal strength for additional assistance with your deadlifts. They can also be used for hypertrophy and muscular endurance goals to make the set more smooth and controlled.
Eliminating the grip factor strategically can allow for you to lift heavier weight or more volume in your program.
WHEN SHOULD YOU START USING LIFTING STRAPS?
Start using straps when your grip is preventing you from getting the needed volume with your lifts. The sign that you may be ready is when you have to constantly reset your grip because you’re unable to hold the weight throughout the entirety of the set.
WHEN SHOULD YOU WAIT TO USE THEM?
⚠️ Within the first few months of your lifting journey. While its a tool that all levels can use; you need to learn how to work without tools first to build up a base level of strength first (grip included).
⚠️ If your grip strength needs work. Deadlifts, pull downs, and pull-ups are great exercises to strategically work on your grip strength! Adding lifting straps removes the grip factor and you may not actually want to do that, depending on how the rest of your program looks. That said, using them every now and then can also be strategic and helpful.
⚠️ If grip work is limited in your routine already. For example, many leg machines have a tendency to take grip work out of the equation. Using straps when grip work is already limited may not be the best idea. But you can always incorporate exercises like hanging leg raises or farmer’s carries as ways to add grip back into the factor!
⚠️ During warm-ups, or just when it isn’t necessary. You do not want to get reliant on tools.
HOW TO WEAR YOUR LIFTING STRAPS
Put your hands through each loop.
The logo goes on the outside of your wrists.
The strap should hang in the front of your palm.
You’ll then be able to loop the strap around the dumbbell, barbell, or machine.
Make sure to get it as tight as you can.
Grab the end piece with your thumb and tighten it more with both hands, if you’re able to, to make sure both dumbbells are sturdy before you start.
If you’re looking for some recommendations, these are the straps that we use!
A REMINDER ABOUT USING GYM TOOLS
That is, only use them if you want to! Most people DO NOT need a bunch of tools to get stronger or lift safer, but if its something you’re interested in and you see lifting as hobby… then you’ll probably find it worth it, and it’ll make the journey more fun when striving for bigger goals. 🤍
But that is, only use them if you want to! Most people do not need a bunch of tools to get stronger or lift safer, but if its something you’re interested in and you see lifting as hobby… then you’ll probably find it worth it, and make the journey more fun when striving for bigger goals.
Some people prefer to continue working without tools and also times are financially tough for many right now, so just know that for 99% of the population, they are not needed.
