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10-31-2009, 06:36 PM
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#31
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Middle-Aged Computer Nerd
Join Date: Feb 2008
Age: 37
Stats: 6'0", 185 lbs
Posts: 744
BodyBlog Entries: 0
BodyPoints: 0
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I *was* the "swear at 'em" type for the past year or so because I bought into the whole "you gotta work your grip for every lift" dogma. Except that about an hour ago I was deadlifting 350lbs (PR for me) and two of the carefully-built-up callouses on my left hand from doing deadlifts with a knurled hex bar just scraped right off and I now have two raw spots where they were (wrist curls tomorrow are gonna be fun). Thing is, I don't like to drop the bar between reps on deadlifts, I prefer to stop just above the ground between each rep, but for whatever reason the bar just kept wanting to slip out of my hands even though my back and my legs could easily have kept going. I finished out the set with some bandaids and duct tape wrapped over my left hand, lol
Enough of this madness! I'm ordering some Versa Gripps right now. I refuse to let some misplaced pride stand in the way of my progress.
__________________
Using:
Scivation XTEND, 4 scoops (pre/during workout);
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"Never underestimate the willingness of human beings to sink to their basest impulses."
--BANNED for a week posting a link to a fully-clothed and not-engaged-in-sexual-activity porn actress. Let's hear it for heavy-handed mods!
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10-31-2009, 06:58 PM
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#32
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Joe: IDFA BODYBUILDER
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Age: 41
Posts: 2,215
BodyPoints: 2030
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Straps
Versa Gripps > straps
__________________
"leading by example is always the best way, even if you are leading without even knowing it!!"
- dungeonmistress
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
http://www.last.fm/user/ColdSabbathRain
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10-31-2009, 07:03 PM
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#33
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Squatin' in ur curl rack
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Deland, Florida, United States
Age: 51
Stats: 5'9", 235 lbs
Posts: 5,199
BodyBlog Entries: 0
BodyPoints: 22119
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Quote:
Originally Posted by emisgod
i think they can be a very effective tool, but i always feel they can be overused, so i try to use them sparingly, so as not to have them become a crutch.
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x10
__________________
Everybody loves the destination but nobody wants to make the trip.
"If we can structure our thoughts in a successful mindset, one that strives towards success regardless of the obstacle, then it makes us a better person. One of the best ways to train to do this is to do something that is really f***ing hard. And then do that on a regular basis." Justin Lascek
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10-31-2009, 07:15 PM
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#34
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TRUE I REGRESSED
Join Date: Dec 2006
Age: 40
Stats: 5'8"
Posts: 55
BodyBlog Entries: 0
BodyPoints: 0
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Well...
I wish I'd used straps the other day when trying for a new max DL (mixed grip) - damn ripped off me bestest callous on't left hand; now I have to use 'em!
I'm back doing HST with homemade straps, chucking in a bit of grip work now 'n' then.
__________________
http://homemadegymstuff.blogspot.com/
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10-31-2009, 07:28 PM
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#35
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Nihilist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Age: 38
Stats: 6'0", 230 lbs
Posts: 1,190
BodyBlog Entries: 0
BodyPoints: 0
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ServoScanMan
I agree with you. I use them for deadlifts and bent over barbell rows. What I have noticed is the ones that swear at them are usually under 40.
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So it looks like I've only got two more years of swearing before I have to stop 
I never use 'em. Chalk and hook/mixed grip has cured all of my grip ills. I don't have a problem with people who do use them, but personally, I like the idea of moving the weight without having to use straps.
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10-31-2009, 07:49 PM
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#36
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When in doubt, mumble
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
Age: 48
Stats: 5'8", 200 lbs
Posts: 11,732
BodyPoints: 14816
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I would rather have a big back than big forearms...hence the straps.
__________________
Yorkshireman I: Right! I had to get up in the morning, at ten o'clock at night, half an hour before I went to bed, eat a lump of cold poison, work twenty-nine hours a day down mill and pay mill-owner for permission to come to work, and when we got home, our dad would kill us and dance about on our graves, singing Hallelujah!
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10-31-2009, 08:10 PM
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#37
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Swollen Oldie
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: New York, United States
Age: 42
Stats: 5'5", 155 lbs
Posts: 3,237
BodyPoints: 12795
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Funny I first posted in this this thread 2 years ago and needed straps. 2 Years of wrist curls and my hands/forearms are never the weak link. Yesterday I was doing 205 on the T-Bar at 157 BW and my back failed way before my wrists/hands even barked at me.
wrist curls
wrist curls
wrist curls
did I mention, wrist curls?
__________________
Failure is an option
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10-31-2009, 08:12 PM
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#38
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When in doubt, mumble
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
Age: 48
Stats: 5'8", 200 lbs
Posts: 11,732
BodyPoints: 14816
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who has time...lol
I never do calves or abs either.
__________________
Yorkshireman I: Right! I had to get up in the morning, at ten o'clock at night, half an hour before I went to bed, eat a lump of cold poison, work twenty-nine hours a day down mill and pay mill-owner for permission to come to work, and when we got home, our dad would kill us and dance about on our graves, singing Hallelujah!
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10-31-2009, 08:24 PM
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#39
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Swollen Oldie
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: New York, United States
Age: 42
Stats: 5'5", 155 lbs
Posts: 3,237
BodyPoints: 12795
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Quote:
Originally Posted by namtrag
who has time...lol
I never do ...abs .....
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Shocking
__________________
Failure is an option
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10-31-2009, 08:25 PM
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#40
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When in doubt, mumble
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
Age: 48
Stats: 5'8", 200 lbs
Posts: 11,732
BodyPoints: 14816
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bando
Shocking
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I know...hard to believe...I don't have any abs so why try to work them
My calves are still the same size they were 18 months ago though when I stopped doing calf raises.
__________________
Yorkshireman I: Right! I had to get up in the morning, at ten o'clock at night, half an hour before I went to bed, eat a lump of cold poison, work twenty-nine hours a day down mill and pay mill-owner for permission to come to work, and when we got home, our dad would kill us and dance about on our graves, singing Hallelujah!
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10-31-2009, 08:25 PM
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#41
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Middle-Aged Computer Nerd
Join Date: Feb 2008
Age: 37
Stats: 6'0", 185 lbs
Posts: 744
BodyBlog Entries: 0
BodyPoints: 0
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So I ordered the "Ultimate" Versa Gripps. I should have them by Tuesday, I think. Looking forward to being able to work harder on my deadlifts.
__________________
Using:
Scivation XTEND, 4 scoops (pre/during workout);
-----------------------------------------------------
"Never underestimate the willingness of human beings to sink to their basest impulses."
--BANNED for a week posting a link to a fully-clothed and not-engaged-in-sexual-activity porn actress. Let's hear it for heavy-handed mods!
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10-31-2009, 08:31 PM
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#42
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Downers Grove, Illinois, United States
Age: 27
Stats: 6'0", 180 lbs
Posts: 36
BodyPoints: 25
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I just ordered a pair last night after struggling to keep the bar in my hands on my deads. I used to use them on deads and cleans in highschool but haven't since I started working out again. I couldn't focus on the lifts yesterday because I was too concerned about dropping the weight and I was robbed because my back was telling me I could bump it up another 20lbs.
__________________
~Pain is weakness leaving the body.
~You don't drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.
~Never say the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon.
~Light Days?!... What's That?... Some Kind of Tampon?
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10-31-2009, 08:36 PM
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#43
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Training Lean
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Missouri, United States
Age: 47
Stats: 5'11", 174 lbs
Posts: 377
BodyPoints: 0
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Do_Somethin
Versa Gripps > straps
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My wife just ordered me a set of Versa Gripps Pro for my birthday. They should be here early this week, but she's going to make me wait until the 18th before I can have them. Man...I hate to wait.
__________________
Workout Journal:
Bo Flecks' Training Lean and Power/Density Experiment
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=120502981
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10-31-2009, 09:11 PM
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#44
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When in doubt, mumble
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
Age: 48
Stats: 5'8", 200 lbs
Posts: 11,732
BodyPoints: 14816
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the versa grip cult is alive and well, I see!
__________________
Yorkshireman I: Right! I had to get up in the morning, at ten o'clock at night, half an hour before I went to bed, eat a lump of cold poison, work twenty-nine hours a day down mill and pay mill-owner for permission to come to work, and when we got home, our dad would kill us and dance about on our graves, singing Hallelujah!
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11-01-2009, 06:49 AM
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#45
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Age: 39
Stats: 6'4", 378 lbs
Posts: 3
BodyBlog Entries: 0
BodyPoints: 0
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Good point
Quote:
Originally Posted by ServoScanMan
I agree with you. I use them for deadlifts and bent over barbell rows. What I have noticed is the ones that swear at them are usually under 40.
Great idea. Use them for heavy DBs too. I need to figure out how to use them for hanging leg lifts. I do hanging leg lifts last and the first thing to go is my grip. My first set is 50 hanging leg lifts. I only drop my reps because of my grip.
I pulled my tendons in my left hand due to a barbell slip on bent over rows a year ago. When the barbell slipped out of my hand the first thing I could think of was the bar hitting my kneecap on the way down to the ground. So yes, you are right. For me, it's dangerous not to lift with straps.
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I think its down to your own choice, you will attach more weight to you using them, and in the basic movements you will add on the mass and size but to me I choose not to use them, if I am unable to hold onto the bar wihout the strap its gravities way of telling me either the load is too heavy or I need to improve my grip.
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11-01-2009, 06:53 AM
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#46
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Getting younger every day
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Arkansas, United States
Age: 60
Stats: 5'3", 169 lbs
Posts: 218
BodyPoints: 78
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Versa Gripps FTW!
After struggling with straps that were difficult to roll and sometimes slipped, I got a pair of these about a year ago. Several of the guys I work out with said they would just stay with their straps but tried my Versa Gripps a couple of times. Now, three of us are using them.
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11-01-2009, 07:06 AM
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#47
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When in doubt, mumble
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
Age: 48
Stats: 5'8", 200 lbs
Posts: 11,732
BodyPoints: 14816
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tried em, no big difference IMO
__________________
Yorkshireman I: Right! I had to get up in the morning, at ten o'clock at night, half an hour before I went to bed, eat a lump of cold poison, work twenty-nine hours a day down mill and pay mill-owner for permission to come to work, and when we got home, our dad would kill us and dance about on our graves, singing Hallelujah!
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11-01-2009, 07:20 AM
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#48
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Training Lean
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Missouri, United States
Age: 47
Stats: 5'11", 174 lbs
Posts: 377
BodyPoints: 0
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Quote:
Originally Posted by namtrag
the versa grip cult is alive and well, I see!
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Sounds like a possibility for a new Crew in the O35 Misc... the "Versa Gripps Cult Crew"
Meh...nevermind.
__________________
Workout Journal:
Bo Flecks' Training Lean and Power/Density Experiment
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=120502981
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11-01-2009, 10:43 AM
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#49
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Meep Master
Join Date: Jun 2006
Age: 45
Stats: 5'9", 151 lbs
Posts: 3,717
BodyBlog Entries: 0
BodyPoints: 7232
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I remember this thread when it was started in 2007.
__________________
UP the IRONS!
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11-01-2009, 12:48 PM
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#50
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Teacher and Bodybuilder
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Oak Park, Illinois, United States
Age: 52
Stats: 6'1", 188 lbs
Posts: 6,102
BodyPoints: 18801
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SR800
I remember this thread when it was started in 2007.
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You're doing better than I am! I started it and I had to got back to post #1 to remember what got me to do it.
Anyway, I'm still a big fan of straps, but I am seriously thinking of putting versa grips on my Christmas list.
__________________
There are no accidents. Everything happens for a reason and usually at exactly the right time.
"greater than or equal to"
fearless
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11-01-2009, 12:51 PM
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#51
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Meep Master
Join Date: Jun 2006
Age: 45
Stats: 5'9", 151 lbs
Posts: 3,717
BodyBlog Entries: 0
BodyPoints: 7232
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Hey teach, yes they certainly have their purpose, and are an essential part of my lifting accessories shelf in the basement  The shelf is quite crowed with gear collected over the last 3 decades. I love the old stuff, especially those old school Everlast straps.
__________________
UP the IRONS!
Last edited by SR800; 11-01-2009 at 01:01 PM.
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11-01-2009, 04:02 PM
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#52
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Joe: IDFA BODYBUILDER
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Age: 41
Posts: 2,215
BodyPoints: 2030
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bo_Flecks
My wife just ordered me a set of Versa Gripps Pro for my birthday. They should be here early this week, but she's going to make me wait until the 18th before I can have them. Man...I hate to wait.
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Your wife must really love you to get you those. Seriously. Most likely one of, if not the best, additions to your training you will ever make!
Quicker/easier and far superior to straps. Your intensity will increase as well. More focused.
If your serious about your training you'll love using them! 
__________________
"leading by example is always the best way, even if you are leading without even knowing it!!"
- dungeonmistress
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
http://www.last.fm/user/ColdSabbathRain
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11-04-2009, 01:16 PM
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#53
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Age: 39
Stats: 5'8", 225 lbs
Posts: 5
BodyBlog Entries: 0
BodyPoints: 0
Rep Power: 0 
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this simple strap is very useful, especially I have carpal tunnel release both of my wrist. I use also on pull-ups/chin-ups.
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11-06-2009, 07:57 AM
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#54
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Training Lean
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Missouri, United States
Age: 47
Stats: 5'11", 174 lbs
Posts: 377
BodyPoints: 0
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Do_Somethin
Your wife must really love you to get you those. Seriously. Most likely one of, if not the best, additions to your training you will ever make!
Quicker/easier and far superior to straps. Your intensity will increase as well. More focused.
If your serious about your training you'll love using them! |
The Versa Gripps came in the mail yesterday...a week before my birthday.
My wife saw me ogling them, and felt sorry for me I guess. She told me I could have them early so I trained with them yesterday. Took a little getting used to, but all in all I really liked them.
She warned me though, that I'm going to have to give them up next Saturday so they can be wrapped up for the obligatory birthday pictures
__________________
Workout Journal:
Bo Flecks' Training Lean and Power/Density Experiment
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=120502981
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11-06-2009, 08:15 AM
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#55
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Age: 35
Posts: 76
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jude-o
Some people will say 'grip strength doesn't matter to a bodybuilder', but grip strength is a reflection of forearm development, and that might matter to you. :-)
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Old post I know...
I have very well developed forearms, and have since I was a teenager (genetics - Thanks Dad!). I've never done any specific training for them and have used straps for back work and shrugs for as long as I can remember.
My grip strength is OK, but my problem is with my forearms burning like crazy before my back fatigues. Thus the straps. Since my purpose is to develop my back, I won't let anything limit what I'm doing.
All this goes to show that everyone's different when it comes to what works and what doesn't in BB.
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11-06-2009, 02:36 PM
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#56
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grumpy sleepy mod
Join Date: Jan 2002
Stats: 6'2", 225 lbs
Posts: 9,199
BodyBlog Entries: 0
BodyPoints: 7785
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I LOVE MY STRAPS, but I also buy REAL straps, not the crappy cotton "I'm too cheap to get the real thing" straps that some people have whined about.
When you are shrugging close to 600lbs, you don't want to even have to think about the grip, just getting those shoulders up.
I absolutely prefer them over hooks as you still must have good grip strength to go really heavy, so you still develop the forearms.
I had some knucklehead tell me that wearing my straps was going to weaken my grip.
I had 675 or 695 on the bar in the rack, I dropped the straps, walked in, grabbed the bar and lifted it. Then I turned to him and said, "your turn", his reply, "I can't lift that"
My response " then NEVER GIVE ME ADVICE AGAIN!"
These are my newest, worth every penny. they'll never slip
http://www.prowriststraps.com/inc/sdetail/118023
__________________
lift big 2 get big
NPC Masters Competitor
Certified Personal Trainer
Mod @ bodybuilding.com
Mod @ Iron-forum.com
Obesity related illness will account for more than 1/2 of all health care costs in the next few years.
So why is the damn government waging war on the FITNESS Industry??
Before you criticize someone, try walking a mile in their shoes
Then, you are a mile away AND, you have their shoes!
I do NOT endorse illegal drugs where prohibited by law!
~~RIP Raprazant ~~
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11-06-2009, 08:33 PM
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#57
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From hood 2 ivory tower
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Washington, District Of Columbia, United States
Age: 41
Stats: 5'8", 200 lbs
Posts: 322
BodyPoints: 0
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bo_Flecks
The Versa Gripps came in the mail yesterday...a week before my birthday.
My wife saw me ogling them, and felt sorry for me I guess. She told me I could have them early so I trained with them yesterday. Took a little getting used to, but all in all I really liked them.
She warned me though, that I'm going to have to give them up next Saturday so they can be wrapped up for the obligatory birthday pictures |
I just got mine a couple of weeks ago...you love 'em more as you get the hang of it. It takes a little practice to wrap your thumbs around the DBs (instead of using a false grip), but other than that small quirk, you'll do damage in the gym with the grips straight outta' the box. Enjoy...
__________________
"First train the mind, then the body."
Made from all-natural products since 1968...no gear, no prohormones.
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11-06-2009, 08:46 PM
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#58
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Age: 43
Stats: 5'10", 199 lbs
Posts: 1,246
BodyBlog Entries: 0
BodyPoints: 0
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I don't go to the gym without my straps..........
Straps can/will save your workouts if you have tennis elbow problems or anything of the like.....
My lats are looking better since I started using straps a year or so ago. I wish I had been using them all along....especially on heavier sets.
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11-07-2009, 03:50 PM
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#59
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Teacher and Bodybuilder
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Oak Park, Illinois, United States
Age: 52
Stats: 6'1", 188 lbs
Posts: 6,102
BodyPoints: 18801
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Quote:
Originally Posted by plmb1
I don't go to the gym without my straps..........
Straps can/will save your workouts if you have tennis elbow problems or anything of the like.....
My lats are looking better since I started using straps a year or so ago. I wish I had been using them all along....especially on heavier sets.
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x2 on all of these.
__________________
There are no accidents. Everything happens for a reason and usually at exactly the right time.
"greater than or equal to"
fearless
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11-07-2009, 08:07 PM
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#60
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Middle-Aged Computer Nerd
Join Date: Feb 2008
Age: 37
Stats: 6'0", 185 lbs
Posts: 744
BodyBlog Entries: 0
BodyPoints: 0
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SpiderJerusalem
So I ordered the "Ultimate" Versa Gripps. I should have them by Tuesday, I think. Looking forward to being able to work harder on my deadlifts.
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So, an update: I got my Versa Gripps just in time for my deadlift day, and all I can say is "wow"! I immediately added 2 more reps (from 3 to 5) on my heavy set, and plenty more on my lighter sets. I didn't feel like the bar was slipping out of my hands ever, and the comfort was amazing--nothing like ordinary straps at all.
Question though: do these require any kind of special cleaning? I noticed that the tacky part of the straps picked up some dust or dirt or whatever off of the handles of my hex bar, and I used some sweat to rub some of it off, but I just wanted to check to see what others use to clean them?
__________________
Using:
Scivation XTEND, 4 scoops (pre/during workout);
-----------------------------------------------------
"Never underestimate the willingness of human beings to sink to their basest impulses."
--BANNED for a week posting a link to a fully-clothed and not-engaged-in-sexual-activity porn actress. Let's hear it for heavy-handed mods!
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