Related articles: How to increase my grip strength?

Lifting straps are strips of fabric, usually made of cotton or nylon. Their length is usually about 30cm when folded (or in a loop) and about 5cm width. They can be simple straps or with a loop on one of the ends.

They say an image worth a thousand words:



They are usually used in exercises where the grip strengthening isn't the purpose of the exercise but it limits working weight. For instance in deadlifts you can lift more but you feel that you hardly can keep the barbell in your arms. Moreover you're concentrating on you grip which can harm your technique. In this case, using lifting straps will allow you working with greater weights (will allow loading your back and leg muscles).

Deadlifts is one of the lifting straps main usages. Other exercises lifting straps can be used in are: shrugs, rows of various kinds and various pulls.

The upper side of using lifting straps is obvious, it allows you working with greater weight and loading you primary muscles by aiding you forearm. But there is also a downside. Same as weightlifting belt, it removes the load from you forearms. If you'll constantly use them, your grip will become weaker.

Regarding the usage of lifting straps, there are two frequently met opinions. Before presenting them, one important note: straps shouldn't be used by beginners. The question should I use straps on 80kg deadlifts shouldn't rise at all (of course not).

Some don't advise using lifting straps at all, claiming that if you can't hold the weight then you're not ready yet and your weight should grow according to you grip strength. Others (including me) do use them, but only when needed and add grip strengthening exercises. That's why I've added "How to increase my grip strength?" section to my site.

Lifting straps can be referred by many names. Here is a list of some of them: Weight Lifting Wrist Straps, Powerlifting Straps, Power Straps, Deadlift Straps, Deadlifting Straps, Wrist Straps, Weight Lifting Straps, Weight Training Straps, Hand Straps and Weight Straps.

How to put lifting straps

• Put your hand through the loop in the strap. If there is no loop, simply fold the strap around your hand so that both ends will be of equal length. Snug the strap around the wrist.
• Hold the straps with your thumb and index finger on both hands so that it will be tights around the wrist.
• Place your hands on the bar with the strap hanging towards the floor.
• Twist the strap around bar starting from under the bar. Start with your least coordinated hand first.
• Twist the bar towards you to tighten the straps.

This is how lifting straps will look like in the end of the process:



Click on the link to see a demonstration on how to put lifting straps.