Straps

[StockRock]

Tomorrow is back day for me and I have a quick question on strap usage.

I read in one of my magazine subsciptions (maybe m&f?) on the usage of straps. They lifted some the pros and cons..

I wanted to know if the animals on this site had any input on this topic.

[BIG45s]

I have no problems with them if your goal is more bodybuidling than powerlifting. When building specific regions of the body your choice exercises should focus on the targeted area. Your grip should not impede developing muscle for this area. Of course grip is an issue for a powerlifter.


Peace


BIG45s

[k1usa]

In building up this 53 year old body...and when I do back...I use 2 different kinds of straps...one with hooks in the palm...and the regular straps....on dead lift day I need the cloth straps to get the weight I need to light the fire and on the other seated moves...I use the hooked ones....that way I can concentrate on the move and not so much the grip...for me...it works fine...........

[NickSP]

I have no problems with them if your goal is more bodybuidling than powerlifting. When building specific regions of the body your choice exercises should focus on the targeted area. Your grip should not impede developing muscle for this area. Of course grip is an issue for a powerlifter.


Great post IMO

As I pyramid up in weight a lot, I might do my first couple sets raw to help with my grip a bit, and then strap up for the last couple as to make sure my target muscles don't get short-changed too much.

[king1]

I recently got straps and i couldnt believe how much more weight i could move without having to worry about my grip. I think if you throw in grip exercises, especialy static holds on arm day youll eliminate all the negatives of using straps. But most importantly strap up when you need to only.

[BigTruck]

i say when the weight gets tough, strap up. however, i would caution against throwing the straps on until the weight is to much to hold. during those intial reps and lighter sets worj your forearms and help strenghten your grip. for me, this action is essential and its all part of the big picture -- making sure you target every bodypart. i usually don't throw on the straps until the last few sets of an exercise.

[invictus1]

im with BigTruck, i only use staps on heavy deads, rows, and shrugs, and thats when my grip cant get the weight.

[Joe Xavier]

i say when the weight gets tough, strap up. however, i would caution against throwing the straps on until the weight is to much to hold. during those intial reps and lighter sets worj your forearms and help strenghten your grip. for me, this action is essential and its all part of the big picture -- making sure you target every bodypart. i usually don't throw on the straps until the last few sets of an exercise.

exactly... great post... straps shouldnt be used as part of the exercise but just to assist....

[Tron]

i say when the weight gets tough, strap up. however, i would caution against throwing the straps on until the weight is to much to hold. during those intial reps and lighter sets worj your forearms and help strenghten your grip. for me, this action is essential and its all part of the big picture -- making sure you target every bodypart. i usually don't throw on the straps until the last few sets of an exercise.

I agree with this, but I'd also throw in the use of wrist curls. I'd throw those in so that you strengthen your foearms/grip also.

[Liftbig21]

i say when the weight gets tough, strap up. however, i would caution against throwing the straps on until the weight is to much to hold. during those intial reps and lighter sets worj your forearms and help strenghten your grip. for me, this action is essential and its all part of the big picture -- making sure you target every bodypart. i usually don't throw on the straps until the last few sets of an exercise.

I second that I find that i wear straps around my wrists every back day and i end up not using them...My grip and forearm development has really improved without the use of straps i can pull almost 4 on the DL without them and about 2 months ago i could barely hold 185 without straps...use them only if necessary.

[rockyIV]

I use them for shurgs, deadlifts, and bb rows. Generally I will go without straps until I feel my grip failing. Then I use the straps. No reason your grip strength should impede your progress for back and traps. Obviously, this is no crutch and you should work to improve your grip strength as hard as you can.

[Sir]

I only use them when my grip limits me. Theyre helpful, but i'll use chalk over straps any day...

[focused]

Advice: don't talk to SGT. ROCK about straps....haha

[rcrott1]

again....search threads before just posting please.


http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=1573&highlight=straps