When to use straps

[devilsrule61287]

I do barbell shrugs (either freeweight or on the smith) after deadlifts to get some extra work on the traps. But I find that my grip gives out before my traps fatigue. I also do some grip/forearm exercises like behind-the-back barbell wrist curls, and farmers walk with DB's, but since I'm a noob, my grip still isn't strong enough to fully plow through the heavy shrugs. Is that a situation where straps would make sense to get the most work out of my traps?

[D-Wade7288]

Do not use them unless you have to is my rule. If you realize your losing your grip, I'd say turn to the straps, if not use your hands and work on your grip. That simple.

[HulkingBrute]

You should use every method possible before resorting to straps IMO. Try improving your grip (which you are doing) or use chalk. If it comes to it that you simply cannot progress without straps, then it's time to use them. A good rule of thumb is that if you can't hold the weight that you're lifting, you're not ready for the weight.

[JSNeves]

Are you doing shrugs for your traps or grip strength?

If your training your traps and grip is holding you back get some straps. I still do a final set of shrugs without straps just to torch my grip as well, but that's not required.

[brianpancow]

I agree, straps are just a last resort for me, and the only time I actually use them is for heavy behind the back shrugs when the barbell rack with adjustable safety bars is taken. You're on the right path though since you already know that working on your grip is the best thing possible.

[DivaJana]

I do barbell shrugs (either freeweight or on the smith) after deadlifts to get some extra work on the traps. But I find that my grip gives out before my traps fatigue. I also do some grip/forearm exercises like behind-the-back barbell wrist curls, and farmers walk with DB's, but since I'm a noob, my grip still isn't strong enough to fully plow through the heavy shrugs. Is that a situation where straps would make sense to get the most work out of my traps?

use straps in sets you can't handle without ones.

[devilsrule61287]

I'll definitely keep working on my grip strength so that my grip catches up to the point where I can do these heavy shrugs. Maybe its a mistake on my part, but I've been doing my forearm/grip exercises after my deadlifts and shrugs, and by that point, my forearms are already getting a pretty tired. So my forearm/grip isolation work is never done at full strength. I just didn't want to be doing forearm/grip stuff and then be doing deadlifts on a separate day. Figured the overlap makes it so that they should be together.

[BombDonald]

Lol.

Just f*cking use straps.

[devilsrule61287]

Lol.

Just f*cking use straps.

I guess I might as well during the heavy sets until my grip gets stronger through the forearm isolation stuff.

[Cruiser]

You can do grip exercises pretty much anytime; just pick a time when you are just sitting around. It can be an off day or just another time; should be easy to workout a solution.

Cruiser

[jonny8852]

i use straps on my back workouts mainly. I rather get a good squeeze and contaction in the working muscle and not have to worry about my grip/forearms giving out. If you are not powerlifting, then i think it does not matter as much. But that is not saying that i dont have a pretty good grip strength.

[Hengman]

I use straps on the metal bars where the grip rips up the skin on the hands and fingers.

Other than that, no straps.

[5TR0NGMAN]

When I'm in a dangerous neighbourhood.

[chazzy1864]

Are you doing shrugs for your traps or grip strength?

If your training your traps and grip is holding you back get some straps. I still do a final set of shrugs without straps just to torch my grip as well, but that's not required.

use straps in sets you can't handle without ones.

Lol.

Just f*cking use straps.

^ These.


I love all of the talks about making sure to use all other means to hold a bar before straps. I'm just curious if I'm some sort of freak of nature/anomaly or is the majority of posters on here f*cking idiots (I'm sure it is the latter, but for argument's sake, we'll give benefit of the doubt). My non-chalked mix grip is the exact same strength as my strapped grip. I use straps on the majority of my deadlifts and on many of my back exercises. I use straps to maintain a double overhand position.

Switching to mixed grip does not magically make you more hard core. Using straps does not remove all gripping from the movement and will not cause your forearms to shrivel up.

[bmontgomery87]

Are you doing shrugs for your traps or grip strength?

If your training your traps and grip is holding you back get some straps. I still do a final set of shrugs without straps just to torch my grip as well, but that's not required.

this.

I never use straps for deads, but if you're doing high rep shrugs or something then the intent is to hit your back, not work on your grip. so throw some straps on if needed.

from my experience though, if you can't hold onto the bar, you're probably putting too much weight on the bar for shrugs....

[BombDonald]

^ These.


I love all of the talks about making sure to use all other means to hold a bar before straps. I'm just curious if I'm some sort of freak of nature/anomaly or is the majority of posters on here f*cking idiots (I'm sure it is the latter, but for argument's sake, we'll give benefit of the doubt). My non-chalked mix grip is the exact same strength as my strapped grip. I use straps on the majority of my deadlifts and on many of my back exercises. I use straps to maintain a double overhand position.

Switching to mixed grip does not magically make you more hard core. Using straps does not remove all gripping from the movement and will not cause your forearms to shrivel up.

Same here. As far as a max goes, I can pull even more without straps since I can avoid wasting time with set-up and use more stretch reflex.

For shrugs, it would be absolutely stupid not to use straps.