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Why Use Weight Lifting Straps
Weight lifting straps are basically strips of cotton, nylon, suede, leather, or any other non-stretch fabric worn around the wrists or hands to improve their grip when weight lifting. They are especially used for heavy lifting jobs such as with dead lifts and heavy dumbbell weight exercises. Weight lifting straps are also called power lifting straps, weight training straps, or simply as lifting straps. They are characterized by a loop on one end.
A strong and proper grip is essential in weight lifting exercises. You need a powerful grip to effectively execute and maximize the benefits of doing shrugs, cable rows, bench presses, and dead lifts. Sweating is one reason why a trainer loses a steady grip and it cannot really be avoided. This is why some weight trainers can be observed putting talc or other resinous materials to their palms before they start working out – to enhance their grip. Others prefer to use accessories made for this purpose such as a weight lifting strap.
Benefits of Weight Lifting Straps
Aside from enhancing your grip and maximizing your strength, there are other reasons why you should use weight lifting straps when working out. It makes it a lot easier for you to lift any amount of weight you would like. The use of weight lifting straps actually improves the utilization of overall muscle strength and mass. You also ward off possible injuries due to improper grip when lifting weights. All it takes is a little getting used to and then you can enjoy the comfort and effectiveness of using weight lifting straps in your workouts.
All in all, weight lifting straps can give you a more fruitful workout. Through a more powerful grip, the lifter can target specific muscle groups. On top of this, your safety is guaranteed as you work out. You avoid accidents or injuries caused by a slippery grip.
How to Use Weight Lifting Straps
The use of weight training straps is not normally recommended to beginners in weight training because depending too much on them may weaken a person’s natural grip. Fitness experts suggest putting weight training straps first on your least coordinated hand. The straps should be in between the first finger and the thumb after both hands have been put through the loops.
Next, pull the straps snugly around the wrist. The strap will hang toward the direction of the floor when you grip the bar. The final step is to wrap the strap under the bar then back over the top twice. You may also twist the bar itself towards you and tighten the straps further.
As you proceed with the lifting exercise, hold the wrapped tail along with the bar or the handle of another free weight you are lifting. Clasp you hands tightly and perform the weight lifting exercises as you normally would. When you have completed your desired number of reps, you may release your grip from around the bar. Allow the "tail" of the weight lifting strap will unwrap by itself.