Do you use straps for heavy deadlift?
tomcornhole
Posts: 1,084 Member
I have never used straps on DL and never had any issues until this past weekend. I pulled 425x1 and had no issues getting it to lockout. I held it a few seconds at lockout and when I started down, it darn near fell out of my right hand passing my knees. Very much surprised me and has me nervous now. I would prefer to never use straps, but dropping 425+ doesn't appeal to me either.
When I first started DL last Mar, I couldn't grip 225. I kept at it and maintained a solid opposing grip up until now. Maybe this is a one time issue and I'm freaking out for no reason.
For those at 400+ DL, were you able to stay strapless?
Thanks,
Tom
When I first started DL last Mar, I couldn't grip 225. I kept at it and maintained a solid opposing grip up until now. Maybe this is a one time issue and I'm freaking out for no reason.
For those at 400+ DL, were you able to stay strapless?
Thanks,
Tom
0
Replies
-
I personally do not use straps.
My max pull on DL's is 425 also. But no issues holding it.
I do use chalk...although the other day i was up to 400 with no chalk but it's winter, dry hands.
The only reason i dislike straps is because if my grip can't hold the weight, that indicates i need to work on my grip strength more.
Exercises for the grip that i use are pull-ups using rope, pull-ups on I-beams using finger tips, kroc rows, deadlifts using only 1-hand with lighter weights (straddle the bar, lift and hold for as long as possible), the rope-tied-to-a-dowel-with-a weight-attached-wind-up-thingy, finger push-ups, wide grip bars (you can buy plastic attachments that can be hooked to any barbell/dumbbell).
On that day did you use chalk/resin?
How much other grip work had you done prior with other heavy lifts etc?
As for dropping the bar i replied on your thread how to make a DL station for those 'just in cases'.
Others will argue that the straps let you continue to build strength even if your grip can't keep up but i'm more into a total-equal-body quest.0 -
My max is only 385lbs but anyway.
I used to use straps but the increased dia of the straps made the grip uncomfortable and the strap would roll and I would be barely holding the bar.
What made the biggest difference with me is the use of chalk. I now don't use/need straps. FWIW
Hardly anyone uses chalk in my gym so I have to make sure it doesn't get all over the place.0 -
I lift at home so the rules allow prolific use of chalk.0
-
Liquid Grip, i use it at one of my gyms just because i don't want to make a mess. I haven't had any issues...when i hopefully approach 500 near the end of this year we'll see if it holds true.
http://www.roguefitness.com/liquid-grip.php
The other gym near home only allows resin...basically feels like pine sap but not that sticky, works well too.0 -
I've just recently (literally last week) started using straps for my heaviest sets when doing multiple reps. Instantly was able to do more due to grip not failing. For 1RM stuff I have no problem but we'll see when I retest in a month or two (going for 455+). I've done 400+ for singles without straps (not even close to needing them) but last week I did 360x7 and boy did they come in handy. It's 90% of the weight but held for 7x as many reps - much more grip-strength intensive.
I also do SOMETHING grip-strength heavy each day I workout. Whether it be inherent to my program (rows, pullups), or something specific (weighted roller, plate pinches). Since I started my bulk my DL has sudden started outpacing my grip strength, (un?)fortunately.0 -
I've just recently (literally last week) started using straps for my heaviest sets when doing multiple reps. Instantly was able to do more due to grip not failing. For 1RM stuff I have no problem but we'll see when I retest in a month or two (going for 455+). I've done 400+ for singles without straps (not even close to needing them) but last week I did 360x7 and boy did they come in handy. It's 90% of the weight but held for 7x as many reps - much more grip-strength intensive.
I also do SOMETHING grip-strength heavy each day I workout. Whether it be inherent to my program (rows, pullups), or something specific (weighted roller, plate pinches). Since I started my bulk my DL has sudden started outpacing my grip strength, (un?)fortunately.
Just from my martial arts experience i think grip strength is more dependent on sinew strength that develops differently than muscle. I'll see if i can find the link later, but one guy who is like a grip strength champ, i've seen him use the pointy end of an anvil to grip and hold and switch between grips. All about holding that tension, not so much a movement thing.
That or your DLs are directly affected by the awesome beer selections in your diary...;-)0 -
I dont use straps. I also don't have an impressive DL, but grip isn't an issue.
Since you likely won't be pulling 1rms on a regular basis I would expect your normal training to improve your grip strength as you go.0 -
I never needed them with an over under grip and chalk. Keep pulling, it just takes some time for your grip to catch up. I used them for heavy rows, shrugs, and sometimes rack pulls but always pulled like I was competing.0
-
If you prefer to never use straps then don't use straps?
Not sure if I'm allowed to answer, but I should be in the 400 club in the next 6 months. I haven't had a pull that I could get up that my grip failed on. I've either gotten a complete rep or like 2 inches off the ground and a very sore butt. However, if grip became an issue I would totally start using straps for things like my heaviest triples. Eventually grip will catch up and when that happens I'd like to be 20 or whatever pounds ahead on my deadlift. That's why god invented farmers carries.0 -
I've just recently (literally last week) started using straps for my heaviest sets when doing multiple reps. Instantly was able to do more due to grip not failing. For 1RM stuff I have no problem but we'll see when I retest in a month or two (going for 455+). I've done 400+ for singles without straps (not even close to needing them) but last week I did 360x7 and boy did they come in handy. It's 90% of the weight but held for 7x as many reps - much more grip-strength intensive.
I also do SOMETHING grip-strength heavy each day I workout. Whether it be inherent to my program (rows, pullups), or something specific (weighted roller, plate pinches). Since I started my bulk my DL has sudden started outpacing my grip strength, (un?)fortunately.
Just from my martial arts experience i think grip strength is more dependent on sinew strength that develops differently than muscle. I'll see if i can find the link later, but one guy who is like a grip strength champ, i've seen him use the pointy end of an anvil to grip and hold and switch between grips. All about holding that tension, not so much a movement thing.
That or your DLs are directly affected by the awesome beer selections in your diary...;-)
My awesome beers directly affect my life in general :P0 -
Not gonna post my measly DL, but another vote for liquid grip.
ETA grip is my limiting issue. I tried straps once and could lift way more.0 -
The only reason i dislike straps is because if my grip can't hold the weight, that indicates i need to work on my grip strength more.
use straps on your top deadlift sets then just train your grip seperately. best of both worlds
I don't see the logic of letting your grip limit the results of a posterior chain exercise, same goes for rows...it;'s a back exercise so train your back...not your grip.0 -
No issue for me as of yet...but Im only at a 200lb max right now.
That being said I don't want to use them...I would to test 1RM but that's it.
I watched the "So you think you can Dead Lift" series on youtube and he made what I thought was a good point for DL grip...
basically it was use overhand grip on everything until you can't then switch to multigrip (one over one under)...I haven't done that yet but it made sense to me...
OThers please chime in if he was dead wrong...0 -
The only reason i dislike straps is because if my grip can't hold the weight, that indicates i need to work on my grip strength more.
use straps on your top deadlift sets then just train your grip seperately. best of both worlds
I don't see the logic of letting your grip limit the results of a posterior chain exercise, same goes for rows...it;'s a back exercise so train your back...not your grip.
That's true, but if your goal is competition, which was my goal when I was pulling heavy, then you can't use the straps. Use them for accessory/high rep work but train deadlifts the way you'd compete. Otherwise, I agree, if your grip hinders your ability to get the most out of a deadlift set, then strap up.
A while back I switched to an overhand grip because I was having issues with my right hand, so I used straps on my heavy sets. Now I'm not pulling heavy, doing SLDL instead, so I don't need them.0 -
The only reason i dislike straps is because if my grip can't hold the weight, that indicates i need to work on my grip strength more.
use straps on your top deadlift sets then just train your grip seperately. best of both worlds
I don't see the logic of letting your grip limit the results of a posterior chain exercise, same goes for rows...it;'s a back exercise so train your back...not your grip.
I completely understand why someone would use grips, i did have a slight disclaimer at the end: "Others will argue that the straps let you continue to build strength even if your grip can't keep up but i'm more into a total-equal-body quest."
My goal in strength training is to support my other activities, therefore if my grip becomes a weak spot, I work it till it catches up with the rest of me...or any weak spot. I don't want my strength to get beyond what my frame can handle. So far that hasn't happened and i doubt in my case it ever will. I just don't want to put a bigger engine into a car that can't support it.0 -
I just don't want to put a bigger engine into a car that can't support it.
I just don't get this argument.
Are we really saying grip/forearm strength is somehow proportional to posterior chain strength and core strength, makes no sense to me at all.
Grip training is easy and within a few months you should notice significant improvements.
train your deadlifts, then train grip and the end of the session or on a different day of the week. Then you get the most out of the primary exercise and your grip still gets better each week. I don't see the issue.
Obviously if you have never pulled more than 315 with bare hands don't go and grab some straps and try 550, that would be stupid.
But if you're never getting close to your true pulling power just because you refuse to use straps your are selling yourself short IMO.0 -
I just don't want to put a bigger engine into a car that can't support it.
This is the opposite of every hot rodder's philosophy!
But seriously, you can do both. Use straps as minimally as possible, train grip strength separately (on other days) as well to try to catch it up/keep it caught up.0 -
I noticed my grip strength being a limiting factor at about 250lbs x 5. I had to reset my grip after 3 pulls. I got straps, used them once, then got chalk. I'm still not up to 300+ lbs but pulling 265 with chalk and no grip limititations.0
-
I'll have to re-think my philosophy.
Grip strength is crucial and I work it consistently. My grip strength exceeds what I can pull easily. I think because grip is so paramount to what i do that i see grips as a crutch but may be necessary, as you said to continue to develop your posterior chain while you also work your grip.
I think part of the problem is how i've seen people use them. They don't work their grip they just use them as crutches, which means they are using the tool wrong.0 -
there was a vid a long time ago of a guy who used straps while squatting. You can guess the outcome, as the bar went backwards and pulled his arms the wrong way and him down with it. Ugly. and stupid to begin with.0
-
there was a vid a long time ago of a guy who used straps while squatting. You can guess the outcome, as the bar went backwards and pulled his arms the wrong way and him down with it. Ugly. and stupid to begin with.
Why the hell would you do that?! LOL
That's like when we catch guys learning rope work for climbing/rappelling and they wrap the rope around their hand/wrist/arm to secure their grip...big no-no.0 -
The only reason i dislike straps is because if my grip can't hold the weight, that indicates i need to work on my grip strength more.
use straps on your top deadlift sets then just train your grip seperately. best of both worlds
I don't see the logic of letting your grip limit the results of a posterior chain exercise, same goes for rows...it;'s a back exercise so train your back...not your grip.
Agreed. I do deads to train my posterior chain, and I don't want my grip to limit that training. I'll use straps as needed when I'm lifting near max, and I'll train grip separately if need be.
I'm not competing, I don't have issues moving furniture or carrying groceries, so my functional grip strength is fine.0 -
I'll have to re-think my philosophy.
Grip strength is crucial and I work it consistently. My grip strength exceeds what I can pull easily. I think because grip is so paramount to what i do that i see grips as a crutch but may be necessary, as you said to continue to develop your posterior chain while you also work your grip.
I think part of the problem is how i've seen people use them. They don't work their grip they just use them as crutches, which means they are using the tool wrong.
I agree. Grip really is paramount, especially when it comes to functional application. So what if you can deadlift 500lbs, if you can't hold onto a 200lb box to pick it up. Just as long as you use grip aids sparingly, ONLY when absolutely needed, I think it's fine. Especially if you're seeking to constantly improve that grip strength. Just my opinion.
Of course, some people just want vanity muscles so they couldn't care less about functional strength. Which is fine too, if that's your goal.0 -
My deadlifts are <400, so I am not going comment
0 -
Now I've gone and woken the mama bear. I guess my caveat should have been stated differently. All deadlifts are welcome and encouraged to comment.0
-
Now I've gone and woken the mama bear. I guess my caveat should have been stated differently. All deadlifts are welcome and encouraged to comment.
She's fine. Trust me, if you piss her off, you'll know.0 -
Now I've gone and woken the mama bear. I guess my caveat should have been stated differently. All deadlifts are welcome and encouraged to comment.
She's fine. Trust me, if you piss her off, you'll know.
Especially as I am cutting at the moment!0
This discussion has been closed.