If you’ve spent any time in the gym, you’ve probably seen people using lifting straps. They might seem unnecessary at first, but these simple tools can make a huge difference, especially if you’re lifting heavy or trying to push your limits. Whether you’re chasing a new PR or just trying to maximize your workouts, lifting straps are worth adding to your gym bag. Here’s why.
1. Help You Lift Heavier
Your grip strength often gives out long before the larger muscles you’re targeting, like your back or legs. That’s where straps come in. They take some of the strain off your grip, letting you handle heavier weights. This is especially useful for exercises like deadlifts, rows, and pull-ups, where a weak grip can hold you back from reaching your full potential.
2. Keep the Focus on the Right Muscles
When your grip starts to fail, it’s easy for your form to break down. That not only reduces the effectiveness of your workout but also increases the risk of injury. Straps allow you to keep proper form and ensure that the right muscles, like your lats or hamstrings, are doing the heavy lifting.
3. Push Through Fatigue
High-rep sets and heavy-volume workouts are notorious for frying your forearms. This fatigue can prevent you from fully working your target muscles. Straps help reduce grip fatigue, allowing you to complete your sets with proper form and intensity. This is especially helpful when training for muscle growth or endurance.
4. My Story: How Straps Changed My Lifting at UF
As a 22-year-old college student at the University of Florida, I’ve been lifting consistently for a few years. Still, I started noticing that my grip was holding me back, especially on deadlift days. No matter how strong I felt, my hands would give out before my legs and back reached their limits. That’s when I decided to try lifting straps.
The difference was immediate. With straps, I could add 40 pounds to my deadlift within a few weeks, finally breaking through a plateau that had frustrated me for months. My grip wasn’t the limiting factor, so I could focus on engaging the right muscles and lifting heavier weights. The same thing happened with rows and pull-ups. I started moving more weight and felt stronger overall.
Using straps has not only helped me build strength but has also boosted my confidence in the gym. Now, I’m consistently hitting new PRs and feel like I’m making real progress. For me, straps have been a game-changer.
5. Stay Safe and Prevent Injuries
Losing your grip during a heavy lift isn’t just annoying, but it can be dangerous. Dropping a barbell or losing control mid-lift can lead to serious injuries. Straps add an extra layer of security, giving you peace of mind while lifting heavy.
6. Make Real Progress
If your goal is to build strength and muscle, progressive overload and gradually increasing the weight you lift is essential. However, if your grip strength can’t keep up, it will limit your progress. Straps allow you to keep pushing heavier weights, helping you break through plateaus and reach your goals faster.
Final Thoughts
Lifting straps have been a crucial part of my strength-building journey as a student-athlete at UF. They’ve helped me lift heavier, target the right muscles, and build the confidence to push past my limits. While straps shouldn’t replace grip training entirely, they are an invaluable tool for any lifter looking to take their performance to the next level. If you’re serious about your training, don’t overlook how much straps can help.
