Q: I have been deadlifting peanuts for ages. My hands are really not big, so I can barely hold a bar properly, imagine adding weights to it. Being realively new to the “serious” training world, I had no idea what wrist wraps or straps or hooks were.
Plus, my former trainer was not too hot for them, saying that it was like “cheating” your training to have that kind of help to lift heavier and with time, my hands would get used to the weigths and like anything, I could add more weights progressively. Hmmm, I think I know what she meant… But 2 years later, I was still deadlifting peanuts, not being able to add an once more, and I hated deadlifts: they scared me.
Then, I discovered straps and hooks. OH MY GOD the difference! In 3 weeks, I went from 50# deadlifts to 130# and I know I can do more!
Maybe its not good for my hands… The will never get stronger…. But its not my hands that are the target here! My legs are! hahaah
Now I see that we can use that (the straps or hooks) with many exercises other than deadlifts.
Gina, do you see anything negative about wearing these?
Merci! 🙂
Then, I discovered straps and hooks. OH MY GOD the difference! In 3 weeks, I went from 50# deadlifts to 130# and I know I can do more!
Maybe its not good for my hands… The will never get stronger…. But its not my hands that are the target here! My legs are! hahaah
Now I see that we can use that (the straps or hooks) with many exercises other than deadlifts.
Gina, do you see anything negative about wearing these?
Merci! 🙂
A:
Yes, straps will definitely help you! They don’t necessarily give you strength to lift more but they offer you the support and mental strength needed to push harder, knowing you are being supported! I do not consider them “cheating” but rather being smart with your training! I do not see anything negative about using straps! To each their own as far as wearing gloves, straps and wraps but if you are going to be lifting heavy and or trying to increase muscle, I would highly suggest them for the secure feeling you will have using them. I used my pink wrist straps when I was training shoulders super heavy and they gave me the support I needed to press some serious dumbbells. Honestly, I do not wear them now, as I am in the mainstreaming/maintenance mode but I would not have gone without them when I was pushing serious weight.
my two cents… It is about proper form and not always how much you can lift, keep that in mind…
Also, be careful with dead lifting! I never dead lift or recommend it for figure/fitness competitors or those looking to get into the best possible shape. You really have to watch out for your form so you don’t hurt yourself. I also find dead lifting to be more of a power lifting movement that doesn’t necessarily help us (physique wise) for our fitness/figure/weight loss goals.
I would suggest hyper extensions for your lower back but I personally don’t do or recommend dead lifts. Just my two cents…
Definitely invest in some wraps or straps for the secure and protective feel while you are lifting heavier weights.
Hope that helps…
my two cents… It is about proper form and not always how much you can lift, keep that in mind…
Also, be careful with dead lifting! I never dead lift or recommend it for figure/fitness competitors or those looking to get into the best possible shape. You really have to watch out for your form so you don’t hurt yourself. I also find dead lifting to be more of a power lifting movement that doesn’t necessarily help us (physique wise) for our fitness/figure/weight loss goals.
I would suggest hyper extensions for your lower back but I personally don’t do or recommend dead lifts. Just my two cents…
Definitely invest in some wraps or straps for the secure and protective feel while you are lifting heavier weights.
Hope that helps…
