To strap or not to strap....

[DSM4Life]

I notice that i have been using straps a lot and now my forearms are really suffering. I want to start and really targeting the forearms so in my head i am telling myself to throw away my straps all together. My only question/concern is when doing deads(and other heavy lifts) without straps my numbers SUCK big time because of my weak grip/forearms. Should i just not hit my deads/other lifts as heavy and wait for the forearms to catch up ? Or maybe still do 1 heavy set with straps so other muscles don't "suffer?"

[weeman001]

my grip still isnt up to par with what i can dl, so when im going heavy (for me) i'll do one rep, re-grip a the bottom then continue. im not sure if this is the best way, but at least your really pushing yourself to hold on. i only use straps for shrugs now.

[davethewavedra]

i personally believe its ok to use straps on deads...i wouldnt be able to do the lifts w/o them...ppl on the worlds strongest men use wraps and there grips are amazingly strong. To improve your grip...maybe add a few forearm exercises at the end of bicep day...or imo...the best way is to try and squeeze the bar in two on all your lifts (Bench, curls, etc) My forearms are dead after a good bicep day b/c i grip the bar w/ all my might for every set

[Dude-Man]

If you want a strong grip, you're going to have to give up the straps.

[ChaoticLifter]

I agree with dude-man. Give up the straps for six months and see what happends. Your numbers may go down, but don't worry becouse u shouldn't drop any muscle on your other body parts by not doing as much weight.

[Kennedy]

Hey DSM instead of using straps try chalk that seems to work pretty well for me.........And for Franco...notice no belt no straps.....

[cwhid]

I go bare until my grip fails(bar falls out of my hands), which often includes complete ripping off of calluces. Then i throw on the straps and up the weight and keep going till failure. This keeps my straps stained red, which is an added bonus.