Opinions Needed Regarding Lifting Straps (Wrist)

[Times Roman]

I've been kicking around the idea of picking up some lifting straps. I've always felt like to do so was more or less like using a crutch, and one should allow forearm strength to catchup. But to me, it seems like I'm not fatiguing muscularly, but instead, it's more of a lactic acid build up type thing. And because I'm coming up short due to stopping prematurely due to lactic acid buildup in the forearm, more and more I'm thinking using lifting straps will give a more thorough workout in my back for pulling routines.

On the one hand, it seems if I give in to this thought, then I'm somehow admitting failure, yet on the other hand, my back does seem to lag, so maybe this will be what the doctor ordered.

I'm curious what you blokes think, pros and cons?

[MickeyKnox]

I ALWAYS use my lifting straps TR. Its amazing how much stronger you are. But i work my forearms separately.

Using LS increased my power and strength by at least 15-20%. This in turn produces results in the way of new mucsle. I don't see them as cheating or failure - its been nothing but positives for me my ol' friend.

[Times Roman]

I ALWAYS use my lifting straps TR. Its amazing how much stronger you are. But i work my forearms separately.

Using LS increased my power and strength by at least 15-20%. This in turn produces results in the way of new mucsle. I don't see them as cheating or failure - its been nothing but positives for me my ol' friend.

I can be pretty stubborn at times. I've been thinking about this for awhile now. Not making much progress in pull downs, nor seated rows. forearms burn too much from the lactic acid build up. i did order up some glutamine to reduce the LA buildup, and should be here soon, but now I'm thinking youu are probably right MK.

[FONZY007]

I use the hook, and everyone asks what I do to work out my forearms..


Nothing it's the hooks

[marcus300]

You got to get them, I use them all the time especially on my heavy back days otherwise I wouldn't be able to stimulate it like I want to.

[RoadToHuge]

I have to use them if I really want to hit things hard. I really like them, but I take them off as soon as I am done and I avoid walking around the gym with them viable. Looks like douchebaggery walking around with straps and your belt. I take off my belt and straps right after the lift and try to wallflower until my next set. I really just want to be left alone in there. Its my world, GTFO, lol.

[Schwarzenegger]

I alternate strap usage in cycles. I use lifting straps when going heavy throughout back workouts. Then every 4-5 weeks i do back workouts with the same heavy weight but no straps so my forearms catch up. Do that for about 2-3 weeks then back to straps.

[likelifting]

I use Altus hooks. Sometimes I completely take my grip off the bar(open my hand) and pull with my back muscles and hooks. Seems to isolate the muscle I'm working better. Does a better job than pre exhausting my bis.

[Brick]

Think of it this way.

You started off only using test. Once you learned the ins and outs of it you started adding other ancillaries to boost your performance. You didn't fail, you just grew beyond what you were using.

Test = normal grip
Ancillaries = lifting straps


Get the straps!

[Gaspaco]

When I am in the middle of back routine or finishing it, I have to use them because I not able to hold anything anymore.

[Turkish Juicer]

Haulin' hooks is inarguably the best product in the market for this purpose.

I pity people dealing with straps nowadays.

Their line of products is so successful that I paid big bucks to get them shipped from the States to Istanbul and spent half a day at the customs.

[JimmySidewalk]

go with straps. You can get them more tight around the bar.
I also have hauling hooks, but i feel more secure and tight with plain old classic straps.
Even with rubber on them hooks may slip, straps wont come loose no matter what if used properly.

[Soar]

You got to get them, I use them all the time especially on my heavy back days otherwise I wouldn't be able to stimulate it like I want to.

I like then the most for back day. You can hit the muscle groups much better without fatiguing your forearms first.

[canesfan804]

Lifting straps are not cheating they are allowing you to concentrate on the muscle you are trying to work out. Why let the work of one muscle group depend on another that is much smaller and cant possibly keep up. Plus Marcus says they are good so that all any of us need right... These are great straps cause they dont wrap all the way around(Dowel keeps them locked in and pads are nice too) but standard straps work great too. I use the cheapo $5 straps and use them for alot of exercises like shrugs, deads, lunges, and bent over rows.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00117YTSU

[noon]

I have been a fan of the straps for a few years now I typically don't put them on till my grip starts to fatigue
But as soon as I strap them I feel energized for the finish.

[MickeyKnox]

I bought a set of "hooks" and ended up giving them away at the gym. I get a lot tighter grip with my straps.

Straps all the way, for me.

[MuscleInk]

Neither straps or hooks. My trainer won't allow it. Would rather I develop better grip strength and leave the straps for the ladies.

[MickeyKnox]

Neither straps or hooks. My trainer won't allow it. Would rather I develop better grip strength and leave the straps for the ladies.

[kelkel]

Use one or the other, IMHO. If not your subjecting a much larger, stronger bodypart to the limitations of a much smaller one.

[noon]

Agree ^^^

[bigg dogg]

just bought a pair of straps today, my back was begging for more weight but my grip wasn't