Straps Not Just For Cheating

aj87 · 07-02-2007, 04:16 AM

Although many people deplore the use of straps when doing exercises such as the deadlift or chin/pull ups I actually find the opposite to be the best avenue. The main reason to use straps is to generate more grip so that you can have more control of the weight you are moving. For a lot of people like myself with very little God given grip on their hands this is a huge plus. By using the straps you can actually move more weight than you could have without them and thus be able to actually do more work and get a better pump. Do you agree with me? Let me know this is my first forum post so don't be to harsh on me! lol

Cheers~

Andrew

7digits · 07-02-2007, 05:38 AM

i don't see it as cheating. some people may have a crappy grip. i have to use 1ton hooks because i'm missing three fingers.

aj87 · 07-03-2007, 05:13 AM

Do you like the hooks? I have never used them but have seen people with them. Other than helping you because you are missing fingers do you think they allow you to do more work than you would normally?

7digits · 07-03-2007, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aj87

Do you like the hooks? I have never used them but have seen people with them. Other than helping you because you are missing fingers do you think they allow you to do more work than you would normally?

I would have to say "yes." They would help you to alittle more on your deadlifts and pullups. But when you get into some very heavy weights, they do tend to dig into your wrists abit.

raysmith · 07-03-2007, 06:34 AM

Is that where the name "7 digits" come from?

7digits · 07-03-2007, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raysmith

Is that where the name "7 digits" come from?

you bet! :-)
missing two on the left and one on the right.

greyhair · 07-03-2007, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aj87

Although many people deplore the use of straps when doing exercises such as the deadlift or chin/pull ups I actually find the opposite to be the best avenue. The main reason to use straps is to generate more grip so that you can have more control of the weight you are moving. For a lot of people like myself with very little God given grip on their hands this is a huge plus. By using the straps you can actually move more weight than you could have without them and thus be able to actually do more work and get a better pump. Do you agree with me? Let me know this is my first forum post so don't be to harsh on me! lol

Cheers~

Andrew

x2

crimsonrain22 · 07-03-2007, 08:50 AM

I like both straps and hooks depending on the lift. Hooks are really nice for shrugs and straps great for chins. Here is a link to the hooks I use right here from bb.com
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/hooker.html

Dinotrainer · 07-03-2007, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aj87

.....The main reason to use straps is to generate more grip so that you can have more control of the weight you are moving. For a lot of people like myself with very little God given grip on their hands this is a huge plus. By using the straps you can actually move more weight than you could have without them and thus be able to actually do more work and get a better pump. Do you agree with me?
.....

Unless you have a disability, (and "very little God given grip" isn't a disability, it's just an excuse) then you're better off NOT using the straps, at least until your grip development catches up with the rest of your body. There will be a time and place later on down the road where straps become less of a "crutch", and more of a "tool", when you dont feel like a grip workout every time you do any type of pulling exercises, but to start off relying on straps right from the beginning of your training is not the way to go.

billy · 07-03-2007, 02:29 PM

It's only cheating if you use them in a powerlifting competition but they wouldn't allow them anyways.

Also, if you go around telling people that your deadlift is 500 lbs but you had to use straps to pull it then make sure you specify that you used straps.