How to use weight lifting straps, By: Doug Walker

 

Weight lifting straps are used to enhance your grip on heavy exercises like deadlifts, shrugs, cable rows, etc. Straps are normally used on back and trap exercises but can also be used on exercises like heavy dumbbell presses or curls.

It takes some practice to get the hang of using weight lifting straps, but it is worth the effort. Straps can dramatically improve your grip, which will allow you to better hit the back and traps. Most people can shrug more weight than their grip will allow.

How to use Weight Lifting Straps:

Wrist straps are usually a long strip of fabric (nylon, cotton, leather or suede) with a loop on one end. Place one end of the strap through the hole at the other end, the 2 straps should mirror each other.

• Put your hand through the circle made by the strap.

   

• With your palms facing up the straps should lay between your thumb and index finger on both hands.

   

• Snug the strap tight around the wrist.

   

• Place your hands on the bar with the strap hanging towards the floor.

   

• Pull the strap under the bar and back over the top, repeat.

   

• Twist the bar towards you to tighten the straps.

   

Tip: Strap in your least coordinated hand first.

Wrist straps can be beneficial in your training, but be careful not to over use them or you will end up with a weaker grip.

Because of the risk of injury I would only recommend wrist straps for the more advanced lifter.