Best weightlifting straps buying guide
As a weightlifter, you know the importance of having a good grip on the barbell. But what do you do when your hands start to fatigue? That’s where weightlifting straps come in! Weightlifting straps are a great tool to help keep your grip strong and prevent your hands from getting tired. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of weightlifting straps and how to use them. We’ll also provide tips for choosing the right pair of weightlifting straps for you.
back to menu ↑What are the best weightlifting straps?
We have looked far and wide for the best weightlifting straps reviews, and here they are. Whether you’re into CrossFit or powerlifting, straps will help you add pounds to your lifts by taking the stress on your hands.
back to menu ↑What are the types of weightlifting straps?
Weightlifting straps are used in weight training, powerlifting and Olympic style weightlifting to help the lifter hold onto the bar. When using straps your hands or wrists do not have to grip the bar so tightly allowing you to lift more weight than would otherwise be possible. There are three types of weightlifting straps:
back to menu ↑wrist strap
The wrist strap is most widely used. The wrist strap is wrapped around the bar and then around your wrist.
back to menu ↑powerlifting belt
Powerlifting belts are wrapped around the bar, then wrapped around your waist or lower back. This allows you to lift more weight but there is a drawback: it decreases core stability.
back to menu ↑elbow sleeve
This type of strap wraps around the bar, then around your wrist or lower forearm (just above or below the elbow).
back to menu ↑What are the benefits of weightlifting straps?
There are many benefits of weightlifting straps, including better grip during a workout, being able to lift more weight and less risk of injury.
back to menu ↑More holding powers
They allow the lifter to hold on to more weight than would otherwise be possible with a bare hand. This enhances performance while competing but is not useful in a gym setting since the purpose of weightlifting is to gain strength and not necessarily the size of one’s muscles.
back to menu ↑More weight or repetitions can be lifted safely
When lifting very heavyweights, this may mean that it is hard to hold on because the amount of weight being pulled down by gravity is too much for your hands to handle. Lifting straps make it possible to keep the bar in your hand and take some of this pressure off.
back to menu ↑Less risk of injury
Injuries to the wrists and hands are common in weightlifters. Gripping heavyweights, especially when performing deadlifts, can stretch tendons and ligaments past their limit which could result in a sprain or a tear. Using lifting straps helps protect against these types of injuries.
back to menu ↑Prevents hand soreness
People who have arthritis in their hands may also benefit from using lifting straps since they prevent hand soreness and pain that can be caused by strenuous exercise.
back to menu ↑What exercises can you do with weightlifting straps?
There are three exercises that you can you with weightlifting straps
- Deadlift
- Pullups
- shrugs [when done with straps]
How to choose the best weightlifting straps?
back to menu ↑Features
Weightlifting straps provide a greater range of motion to the wrist and fingers.
back to menu ↑Weight
Weightlifting straps will usually weigh around 1 oz or 2, depending on the size.
back to menu ↑Size
Weightlifting straps are measured here in inches, but it is also common to see them measured in centimetres. The best weightlifting straps are usually made with soft materials, so you don’t have to worry about them digging into your wrists while lifting heavyweights.
back to menu ↑Budget
Some straps offer padding in certain areas, but no padding will be more affordable.
back to menu ↑Safety
Most weightlifting straps are made from strong cotton webbing, but those fragile buckles and soft padding may not provide as much safety as some users would like.
The best weightlifting straps are made with good, strong material that is not going to break when you’re lifting heavyweights.
You should also investigate extra safety features such as a buckle on the end of the strap so that it won’t come undone while you’re lifting.
back to menu ↑Comfort
The best weightlifting straps are made with soft materials that won’t dig into your wrists and never cause blisters or pain while lifting weights. You may also want to look for a strap made from neoprene if your gym is hot and sweaty, as it wicks away moisture.
back to menu ↑Price
Weightlifting straps are very affordable.
You can expect to pay less than $10 for a pair of weightlifting straps no matter which material they are made from.
back to menu ↑Tips when using weightlifting straps
- If you are not strong enough for the weight you are trying to lift, then do not use straps.
- You should always try to work your way up using only your body weight before using straps, whether that is handstand push-ups or shoulder presses.
- If you are doing any sort of deadlift, it is recommended to not use straps as they may make you grip too hard which can lead to injuries.
- When using weightlifting straps, keep in mind that your chest should always face the same direction as it does with regular lifting (toward the floor).
- Make sure to rotate your wrists outward to tighten the straps properly.
- Always make sure that you are using proper technique, including keeping your core engaged and pulling your shoulders back while lifting.
Conclusion
Ultimately, if you are looking for a weighted workout without the need to go buy weights or invest in new equipment, weightlifting straps may be worth trying. They offer an excellent way of increasing intensity and difficulty with your workouts. The last thing you want is for your body to plateau so it’s important that every time you work out, you push yourself just outside of your comfort zone – which can also mean getting rid of any safety nets like padding on dumbbell bars.
Happy training!
Rich
Rich is an avid bodybuilder who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to the sport. He has a strong passion for health and fitness, living a clean lifestyle with a commitment to helping others educate themselves and fulfil their true potential.
