Why lifting straps are bad

Express Your Individuality In Unity! Happy Wednesday to You! There are many problems created by the use of wrist straps. In my video blog today, I cover the following related topics: 1.

This commonly occurs in the wrists, neck, shoulders, low back, and occasionally the elbow. If it looks ugly, IT IS! Love and chi, Paul Chek. Related Posts. How to Stay Balanced No Comments. No Comments.

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Composer and musician Ian… t. Username Password. Username E-mail. What are Lifting Straps? Lifting Straps or Wrist Straps are straps that are made of cloth, nylon or leather and are typically fastened with Velcro.

People use these straps because they are able to grip and lift a heavier load which they may not be able to do with their bare hands. But there are those who prefer using their bare hands and think that using lifting straps is wrong!

Should you or should you not use lifting straps? Competitive Powerlifters are judged on their 1 RM lifts. They need to clear the weight with proper technique and form and lifting straps are not allowed at the event. An exception can be made for ancillary lifts which form a part of their training protocol and are used for building strength and power to support the main lifts.

So, who can benefit from using lifting straps? In some cases, it makes sense to use them for improving the quality of your lifts. This is especially true when the lifter wants to activate the targeted muscle with greater stimulus without having to worry about losing his grip. This is the case where someone is looking forward to building strength. Wrapping technique will vary based on the length of the strap and where the loop is sewn. Everyone has their favorite method, but here's mine: I find it easiest to wrap one hand exactly where I want it, then wrap the other hand closer to the already-wrapped hand so I can use it for help with the wrapping process , then slide the second hand into position.

Here's the bottom line on each. Note: In a pinch, you can also make an ad hoc version of a closed-loop strap using a loop strap. Just loosen your loop to the point where it is in your grip rather than on your wrist.

That last comment about the hook straps deserves a little more explanation—both the technique part and the part about what people think of you. In deadlifts and Romanian deads, your hands help you set your lats and protect your back. In pull-ups, squeezing the bar hard helps you generate more strength throughout your arms and back. Does this mean you should never use straps for these moves? Not necessarily. Instead, just keep these rules in mind:.

As for the haters, don't sweat them. If you're doing quality work and getting stronger and more muscular, there's nothing to be ashamed of. Just tell them to get a grip! View all articles by this author.