So, you've got yourself a pair of lifting straps, but they don't seem to be working as expected, and now you're too embarrassed to ask someone what you're doing wrong. 🙌
Well, you’ve come to the right place because, in this blog, I’m going to show you exactly how to use lifting straps and address the “Best Weight Lifting Straps in India” that most people should buy!
✔️ The primary purpose is to make it easier to maintain a secure grip, especially during heavy lifts or high-repetition sets. When lifting substantial weights on deadlifts, straps offer that extra grip support.
Secondly, they save your hands from the wear and tear of constant hook gripping, especially during performing quick reps or high-volume sets.
This protection of your grip allows you to focus on refining your technique, which is crucial for long-term progress.🚀
👍 One scenario is during rapid reps, where the goal is to complete a specific number of lifts in a short time frame. This not only challenges your technique but also enhances your confidence and overall performance.
✔️ Another suitable situation is during pauses. If you’re incorporating pauses below or above the knee, using straps can aid in holding those positions for an extended period, promoting better strength and technique.
Hang variations, such as low hang or high hang snatches, are also occasions where lifting straps can be advantageous.
They provide support during the eccentric phase, helping you focus on specific positions and address weaknesses in your technique. 😊
Lastly, heavy pulls like snatch pulls, deficit pulls, or stiff-legged deadlifts are perfect opportunities to incorporate lifting straps.
These movements target absolute strength, contributing to better position-holding and improved overall technique.👌
While the market is flooded with different brands, there are 4 types of lifting straps:🙌
The first type of strap I want to talk about is a lasso strap. It’s probably the most common type of lifting strap used, and for good reason.
It’s beginner-friendly and has general use cases.
If you’re looking for a pair of lifting straps to help your grip in exercises like shrugs, deadlifts, bent over rows, and dumbbell one-arm rows. Especially, during heavy sets where grip becomes challenging, a lasso strap is your best bet.
It’s a single strap with a loop on one end, creating a loop that slides over the wrist, providing grip strength. Most lasso straps come with neoprene padding for added comfort.
Moving on to a closed loop strap, this type is ideal for Olympic weightlifters performing snatches and cleans.
The loop is already made and sewn down at the bottom. It goes directly above your wrist, allowing for a quick release in the event of a miss during overhead movements like snatches. This makes it crucial for safety in those situations.
If you’re primarily focusing on Olympic lifting, especially overhead exercises, a closed-loop strap is the way to go. 😊
An open loop strap is a simple strap without a pre-made loop.
It’s not recommended for beginners and is often preferred by more advanced lifters. It involves wrapping the strap around the wrist and then around the bar.
This type is challenging to use and may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re an experienced lifter with a specific preference for open-loop straps, these might be for you.
Finally, we have figure-8 straps. If you’re into powerlifting and heavy deadlifts off the floor, a figure-eight strap offers maximum grip.👌
These straps are thick, durable, and rugged, providing a secure lock onto the bar. They’re ideal for heavy deadlifts, shrugs, and bent-over rows where a strong, locked-in grip is essential.
Keep in mind that once you’re locked into the bar with figure-eight straps, there’s no quick release.🙌 They are like a heavy winter coat, providing unparalleled grip strength.
Thickness determines the durability and resistance of lifting straps. The greater the thickness, the more weight the straps can safely handle.
When seeking a heavy-duty product to complement your most challenging deadlifts, opt for thick and dense straps.
Not only do they provide extended longevity, but they also offer an enhanced sense of security.
Opting for a longer strap is advisable when dealing with powerlifting barbells.
Some athletes prefer wrapping the bar multiple times, and wrist diameter becomes significant there.
However, if you plan to wrap the lifting straps only once, excessively long tails might become a problem. So choose a medium-length strap!
Padding is a common feature in many lifting strap brands and often has neoprene for enhanced comfort on the wrist.
The soft cushion serves the purpose of preventing the strap from digging into the skin, even during intense sets.
If comfort matters to you, opt for lifting straps with padding. 😊
A. Nylon Strap:
B. Leather Strap:
Leather, whether treated or untreated, can be a bit stiff initially but tends to outperform cotton once broken in. It offers durability and a comfortable feel.
C. Cotton Strap:
Heavy-duty cotton is designed for massive pulls, providing longevity and resistance against fraying. Cotton, available in various colours, is basic, affordable, and widely offered. However, it may fray over time, especially with heavy use. 🚀
✅ When it comes to adjustable, wrapping a thick material multiple times around the bar can make grabbing a bit different.
However, it provides confidence and security for heavy lifts without the fear of breakage.
Regular cotton, leather, and heavy-duty options each have their own merits, making them all excellent choices.
✔️ Choose wisely and make every lift count.
These are your grip’s best friends, not replacements. They wrap around your wrist and the bar, taking over some of the pulling pressure from your palms.
Deadlifts and rows are the lifts where lifters must use them. But over-relying on them can turn your natural grip weak.
Stability is their middle name.⭐ These wraps hug your wrists, providing support from the evil hyperextension during exercises like squats and presses.
They let you lift heavier with better form like supportive sages guiding your every move. Their focus is on wrist stability, not raw palm power.
Think fingerless gloves with built-in grip superpowers. They enhance your palm grip, protecting your hands from calluses and blisters.
They even let you switch up your grip styles, adding versatility to exercises like chin-ups and rope climbs.
❌ CON: But beware, they can feel a bit bulky and might not be the most adaptable tools for every lift.
Comfort is their mantra. These hand guards are like soft shields, protecting your palms from calluses, providing some wrist support, and making everything feel cozy.
❌ CON: They can limit dexterity and might get sweaty during intense workouts.
So, who wins here as “Best Weight Lifting Straps in India”?
There’s no single champion! ✅
It all depends on you. Lifting straps are your heavy pull heroes, wraps bring stability, lifting grips offer protection, and gloves are for your comfort.
⭐ Mix and match these lifting gears based on the exercise and your grip limitations.
Lifting straps can be beneficial for overcoming grip fatigue on heavy-pulling exercises, like deadlifts and rows. However, they shouldn’t replace building natural grip strength, so that must be fixed first. 👍
If your grip is weak & you slip the bar at heavy loads, straps can significantly improve your hold on the bar during pulling exercises. But remember, use straps occasionally and focus on developing your natural grip strength.
While powerlifting allows supportive gear like wrist wraps and gym belts, lifting straps are strictly off-limits in competition. They want you to focus on building natural grip strength for ultimate control and performance in the competitions. So straps are not allowed.
Straps are not magical shortcuts to power, but they can be game-changers. Gym straps step in to help you complete that deadlift when your grip gives out before your target muscles. They help you overcome grip limitations.🙌
Lifting Straps:
Lifting Hooks:
We have selected the Fitcozi Figure 8 Straps as the top choice for deadlift straps. Crafted from high-strength cotton webbing in a basket weave pattern, these Figure 8 straps offer robust support and durability.
Thanks for reading “Best Weight Lifting Straps in India”, if you have questions please drop a comment!