Quick deadlifts and straps question (+ intro)

bongd · 08-30-2006, 09:33 AM

Hey guys, first post here in the Powerlifting/Strongman forum.

I’ve always been keeping an eye out for innovative and effective training routines, but I noticed that sticking with heavy compounds is basically what’s going to grow ANYONE. I have a growing interest in Powerlifting and Strongman comps, and it’s cool to see small guys throwing up mad weights. Definitely lots of encouragement for me

My question is if you guys ever have blood vessels burst in your hands when doing deadlifts with straps (no hooks or anything crazy)?

Yesterday I was deadlifting and thought that I might as well see if I get get a new 1RM with my rack pulls. So I set the pins below my knees and added three plates. My old 3RM was 325lbs and I added more weight (totaling 335lbs) and figured that I might be able to pull one. I pulled THREE! And I pulled them dead too, clean reps all the way. I was so stoked. Not that I cared much, but I noticed that my right strap was a little tight and once again, there was a lot of blood on the back of my hand.

Is this common? It’s not painful at all, and it subsides greatly over the next couple of days but I wanted to know if there’s anything I should watch out for? It’s kind of spotty and I’m sure it’ll be gone soon. Was just trying to do a search for this morning but it kept timing out, so I’m sorry if this is a horrible newb question. My apologies. Thank you for your help guys. Been lurking here for a while and I think you guys are absolutely INSANE to be throwing up so much weight. I’ll do my best to catch up.

Here’s my stats, btw. Only trained for a year (almost to the day) starting at 120lbs and 4% bf, now I’m 160lbs+ and 14% bf.

Bench: 3x225lbs. sad, I know

Squat: 5x315

Dead (rack pulls): 3x335lbs

Strongerthanall · 08-30-2006, 09:38 AM

"if you can't grip it, you can't pull it"

bongd · 08-30-2006, 10:22 AM

Really?

My “raw” deadlift (conventional) is easily 300lbs for reps though. I don’t strap on until I hit 315lbs, and I had never even expected to pull that much either.

I’m a bodybuilder first, but I like to adopt some of the powerlifting mentality. I like to lift more and more each time I work out, and I’ve really come to love the big three. IMO, it’s important to overreach and use straps now and again (as long as it's benefitting you and not hindering gains). I’m not dead against them, but I would expect that some powerlifters may not count it because it utilizes equipment.

Ah well… guess I’ll keep bodybuilding and see how heavy I can get my weights.

Mateo_66 · 08-30-2006, 11:15 AM

strongman competitors can use them and Wit Baskin(mispelling) once said he used them because he wanted to fully work his spinal erectors not worry about his grip but grip does need to be worked. However if you are going to do powerlifting I recommend using them sparingly if not at all.

ukstrongman · 08-30-2006, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strongerthanall

"if you can't grip it, you can't pull it"

ECHO #1

Chrisx9118 · 08-30-2006, 11:47 AM

Ditch the straps, get some chalk and use a mixed grip and it really shouldnt fail you on 315lbs.

bongd · 08-30-2006, 11:58 AM

I’ve been meaning to pick up some chalk. I don’t really want to put through another order online (I’ve ordered so much **** lately), but are there any places where a regular joe could pick some up in town?

I suppose I’ll ask around because I’ve seen no one at my gym use chalk. In fact, I’ve seen no one lift as much as I have or squatted this much either. Pretty sad. Everyone just fights for the bench and does about 8,000 bicep curl variation. That at least leaves the rack available to me at all times though

I’ve found that a mixed grip does work wonders. And my grip strength has really gone up because I’m not using straps with anything else. Like I said, I overreach sparingly. I was working my way up to 325lbs again and wanted to see if I could 1RM 335lbs. Turns out I easily got 335lbs for reps, but yeah, I was using straps. *hangs head in shame* lol

Thanks for the tips though, guys. There's some pretty intimidating stats and videos in this forum, so I thought I'd try paying closer attention and asking a few Q's.

pprivon · 08-30-2006, 12:03 PM

If there are any stores around that sell rock climbing gear they will have chalk. Its the same stuff. Grab some chalk and a chalk bag and ur good.

bongd · 08-30-2006, 12:17 PM

Oh snap! I’m going shopping after work and there’s a rock climbing place near by. Good idea bro! I’d rep you but I need to recharge.

tjoe · 08-30-2006, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strongerthanall

"if you can't grip it, you can't pull it"

Come on now... play nice.

I've used straps quite a bit (mostly for my high rep sets).
But I have done 655 raw (no wraps, no suit, no straps, no belt) and 495 x 10 the same way.

If your training back and the grip is weak, use straps so you can keep making your back stronger, but work on the grip strength. Otherwise your back will lack progress while you're trying to bring up a weak grip.

To answer the OP question... Nope, never happened. Sorry.

Strongerthanall · 08-31-2006, 07:49 AM

I agree Tjoe...just quoting a very popular quote. I'm not a die -hard powerlifter. I have a problem with my grip...I worked it and worked it but nothing really helped me until i ditched the straps. I do finish my workouts with 495 for as many reps as I can WITH my trusty old straps. Chalk rules though.

By the way Tjoe- you are a freak of nature so anything u say on the subject of deads will be listened to very closely.

tjoe · 08-31-2006, 09:46 AM

Thanx bro! I use chalk most of the time as well.

As far as saying something about deadlifts...

When you don't think you can... do another one (if your form is OK, of course)!