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What Are Lifting Straps?

The art of lifting weights has an underlying physical science. The forearms and hands, specifically while gripping a weight bar, are first to fatigue. Larger muscle groups, such as the legs, can withstand more weight and repetitions with a supported grip. Many serious weightlifters use lifting straps to continue their workout. Lifting straps provide stability and grip for a weightlifter's hands.

  1. Function

    • A basic set of lifting straps consists of two one-foot long, flat, cotton bands with a permanent loop at the end of each one. The weightlifter places each wrist within a strap loop and wraps the band's length around the weight bar. As the weightlifter raises and lowers the weights attached to the bar, such as with dead lifts, the lifting straps reinforce the physical hand grip against the bar. This reinforcement enables the weightlifter to perform more repetitions than without the straps.

    Types

    • Typically, the lifting straps are made of basic woven cotton. Neoprene foam is available for those weightlifters looking for a padded strap. The foam provides a cushion between the strap and the lifter's skin for a more comfortable feel. Some manufacturers use leather as the strap material. However, while this strap type is aesthetically appealing, it's not as functional as a basic cotton strap, which supplies the needed grip support without any fancy features.

    Advantages

    • Grip strength determines the workout's duration and weight limit. The forearms exhaust quickly, compared to the stronger body muscles being exercised. Adding the straps negates the grip exhaustion hindering the workout, resulting in more frequent weightlifting sessions. Pull-ups are especially improved with the use of lifting straps. The arm muscles can also withstand more repetition with an aided grip.

    Disadvantages

    • Lifting straps should not become a crutch for each weightlifting session. Use the straps intermittently for the best workout results. As with any muscle group, the grip requires exercise as well, or the overall workout will suffer. One main reason for using lifting straps is aiding an injured wrist, finger, or hand. A weightlifter cannot exercise with poor grip strength. The straps allow exercise while supporting any hand or arm injury.

    Exercise Applications

    • Weight lifting straps are beneficial for specific exercises, such as calf-raises and rows. Calf-raises exercise the back of the lower leg with the weightlifter holding a weight bar in his hands for resistance. Exercising the back muscle, called the trapezius, requires pulling, or rowing, movements. Lifting straps secure the hands to the weight pulling machine.

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