How to Use Lifting Straps: A Complete Guide for Weightlifters

How to Use Lifting Straps: A Complete Guide for Weightlifters

By Dr. Marcus Chen, Ph.D.

January 23, 2025 at 05:31 AM

Lifting straps help maintain grip during heavy lifts when your hands fatigue before target muscles. They're essential for exercises like deadlifts, rows, and pull-ups when grip strength becomes a limiting factor.

Types of Lifting Straps:

  • Figure 8 Straps: Best for deadlifts, maximum security
  • Loop Straps: Most versatile, good for various exercises
  • Lasso Straps: Adjustable wrap-around design, tighter grip

Hand gripping weightlifting strap

Hand gripping weightlifting strap

When to Use Lifting Straps:

  • When grip fails before target muscles
  • During lifts exceeding 70-80% of one-rep max
  • For high-rep sets where grip fatigue occurs
  • Not recommended for beginners developing grip strength

Proper Usage Steps:

  1. Thread strap through loop for wrist
  2. Secure around wrists (snug but not tight)
  3. Wrap loose end around barbell once
  4. Grip bar normally
  5. Rotate bar slightly to tighten

Best Exercises with Straps:

  • Deadlifts
  • Barbell Rows
  • Pull-ups/Chin-ups
  • Shrugs

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Common Mistakes:

  • Over-relying on straps
  • Incorrect wrapping technique
  • Using too early in training
  • Not properly tightening straps

Key Considerations:

  • Different from wrist wraps (which support wrists during pressing)
  • Use balanced with regular grip training
  • Not allowed in most competitions
  • Should complement, not replace, grip strength development

Using straps properly allows focus on target muscles while preventing grip fatigue from limiting progress. Balance strap use with natural grip training for optimal results.

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