When to use straps

Clayton Mac · 09-12-2011, 12:14 PM

Just curious on anyone's thoughts as to when it is appropriate to use wrist straps during training. Specifically on the hang work or pulls when it is multiple reps. Are straps okay? I have started the general cycle and have just been regripping on the pulls. The hang work has been light enough that I haven't needed straps. I do have a hard time maintaining my hook grip for multiple hang reps though.

Any thoughts on the matter are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Greg Everett · 09-12-2011, 02:35 PM

I would make it a rule of thumb to use straps on all pulls and DLs, any snatch work from the hang or for multiple reps. No straps on cleans. Use exceptions would be if you needed to work on your grip.

Tobias Akeblom · 09-13-2011, 05:55 AM

Maybe a dumb question. But do you use the hookgrip even when using straps?

Greg Everett · 09-13-2011, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobias Akeblom

Maybe a dumb question. But do you use the hookgrip even when using straps?

No, but do wrap the thumbs around the bar.

Clayton Mac · 09-13-2011, 09:58 AM

Thanks for the reply. That clears up a lot of questions for me.

Two more questions though, and this may be a dumb one, but if I can handle the weight/percentage without straps, is it okay to go without, or do straps provide a hidden benefit that I am ignorant of? Also, on the Pulls (snatch and clean) are they intended to be touch and go reps or is it okay to reset between each rep?

Thanks again for your help. This site is awesome!

Greg Everett · 09-13-2011, 10:02 AM

If you can manage without straps, that's great and keep doing it - your grip will get some more work. But be careful of beating up your hands too much - if you're tearing calluses etc because you're not using straps, that's just going to disrupt your training. Also, be aware of how hard you're gripping the bar - be careful to not to over-grip it and stiffen up your arms as a result. One benefit of training with straps is that it allows you to use a more relaxed grip, which helps you relax your arms and get the feel of really getting the hips and legs into the bar rather than muscling it up.

Greg Everett · 09-13-2011, 10:02 AM

And pulls should be reset on the floor before each rep - you want to take them from a dead stop each time.

Spencer Mackay · 09-13-2011, 04:39 PM

Clayton, by using straps on your pulls and hang work you will likely load the prime movers more because you eliminate the weakest link which is probably your grip.