If you’ve ever been to the weight section of your gym, you’ll notice bodybuilders and powerlifters using wrist straps for lifting. We may have the answer for you if your grip strength is slipping or if you are looking to improve your training.
The essential question of how to use wrist straps for lifting will be addressed. We will also analyze the different types of wrist straps for lifting available and suggest the top-rated brands to watch out for. Our goal is to help you lift heavier weights and be in better shape, while also preventing injuries.
What is the purpose of wrist straps for lifting?
When used correctly, wrist straps for lifting can be a great gym accessory and help you achieve amazing results. Lifting straps (often called wrist straps) are sewn-in pieces of cotton, leather, or nylon that wrap around the wrist and bar.
Why Do Weightlifters Need Lifting Belts? Lifting straps provide extra support and grip that will allow bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts to lift heavier weights and perform previously impossible exercises.
It sounds great to overcome plateaus and increase your strength, but when is it appropriate to use wrist straps for lifting? When you are about to lift an absurdly large amount of weight. For most of us, grip strength falls short of our muscles.
wrist straps for lifting should only be used in an emergency or to increase the maximum number of repetitions. Also, wrist straps should only be used for pulling movements, so deadlifts, pull-ups, barbell rows, lat pulldowns, and rack pulls are the exercises you can look at to improve.
Safety: Wrist straps must not be used to increase pushing movements. Lifting straps will not help a beginner who is trying to perform a 102kg bench press.
It is important to understand the difference between lifting straps and wrist wraps. The cuffs do not wrap around the bar but only support and stabilize the wrist.
Different Types Of wrist straps for lifting
Closed-loop wrist straps
If you are looking for an improvement in grip strength and the ability to quickly release the bar, then the closed-loop wrist straps for lifting may be just what you are looking for. This strap is simple and has a ring. Wraps the bar with a strong tail. For more support, durability, grip, and overall grip, keep an eye out for the leather variants in the category.
Closed-loop wrist straps for lifting are also easy to attach. Wrap it around your wrist, then secure the hanging end to the bar. This type of lifting sling is considered the least secure of all sling types and the best for Olympic lifts.
If you are preparing for a goal in a short amount of time and need to reach it without any assistance, closed-loop straps should be added to your training routine.
Lasso wrist lifting straps
For both beginners and more experienced athletes, the Lazo wrist straps for lifting are the best and most popular choice. You can choose from a variety of options here that offer additional padding for comfort and stability, as well as additional length for a more secure grip.
The Lazo Lift Strap is designed to fit your wrist and attach to the bar. It looks very similar to the closed-loop lifting strap, but there is a unique difference. A closed-loop lifting strap has a preset/fixed length loop.
The lasso strap allows you to adjust the loop to your preference and attach it to a particular area of the wrist.
Eight-shaped wrist-lifting straps
The sturdy figure-of-eight wrist straps for lifting is your best choice if you want to set a personal best. Its design resembles an 8. The eight-shaped lifting bands will wrap around your wrist, attach to the bar and then wrap again.
They fit perfectly on the wrist twice and offer maximum safety and assistance. The downside is that they are not adaptable to many situations due to their limiting “one wrap around the bar” style. The figure-of-eight lifting straps take a lot out of your hands so you can focus on pulling.
Why Use wrist straps for lifting? (Advantages of Using wrist straps for lifting)
Improved performance
You can focus on the set without distraction by using the wrist straps for lifting. You will be able to train longer because your form will not be compromised.
Comfort is also important. If your wrists are supported and the wrist lifting strap absorbs more sweat, you will be safer to lift heavy loads.
There are fewer injuries and bruises
Because they have never been to the gym before, new athletes are more likely to suffer injuries. A common mistake is not knowing how to grasp the bar well and, in some cases, underestimating the weight of the bar. This is where wrist straps for lifting come in handy.
Additional grip support reduces the chance of dropping the bar and injuring various muscles. Just make sure you’re still using the correct form when lifting!
Durable and affordable
Many gym charms promise to take your workout to the next level and make you stronger. Fitness industry products are constantly evolving, from supplements to equipment. Wrist straps for lifting are relatively inexpensive and are somehow guaranteed to improve your lifts.
Another great thing is that they last a long time if you buy from an established brand. They may not be the most expensive gym accessories, but they offer great value.
How To Attach wrist straps for lifting (The Safe Way).
Before attempting any lifting, you must know how to properly attach the wrist strap for lifting.
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Start by making a loop and sliding one end of the strap through the other.
One end should have a hole, so you will need to thread the ringless end through. The lifting strap should have a diameter of approximately 4-13 cm.
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Slide your non-dominant hand through the ring
Close your hand and slide it through the newly created ring. Once your hand is free, wrap the strap around your base. The strap should hang from the palm, just above the fingertips. If the crisscross strap is on your back, turn it over to the palm of your hand.
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Wrap the ring around your hand.
When you’re ready, pull the strap to hang it until it tightens around the base. The lifting strap must be snug and secure, but not to the point of interrupting the circulation. Tightening should also cause the belt to hang relatively low. The lifting strap should be placed between the wrist and the base of the thumb.
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Repeat the same steps while attaching the lifting strap to your dominant hand.
We always recommend that you start by applying the wrist strap to your non-dominant hand. This makes it easier for the new weight-lifting straps. A final safety note, do not tighten the band around your wrist. This could cause serious injury when lifting with high tension on the wrist bone.
How to Use wrist straps for lifting (Wear Lifting Straps Properly)
Remember that the wrist straps for weight lifting are for pulling exercises, so you will get the maximum benefits from exercises like deadlifts, pull-up racks, shrugs, and rows.
This section will focus on the deadlift with lifting straps. This applies regardless of whether you are a powerlifter, a bodybuilder, or a beginner at the gym.
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Place your dominant hand over the bar
Follow these steps to attach a weight-lifting strap.
Your dominant hand should be positioned above the bar. The strap will dangle underneath. You should have about 5cm between your wrist and the bar if you did it correctly.
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Wrap the end of the dangling rope around the bar
Now that your hand is in the correct position, lift it slightly so that you have enough room to wrap the dangling end of the strap from under the bar. To do this, you can use your other hand to lift the end of the strap up and around the bar.
Alternatively, you can also use the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand to wrap the strap around the bar. The hanging end should be wrapped around the barbell at least 2 to 3 times.
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Tighten the rings on the barbell
Whenever you wrap the end of the strap around the bar, be sure to rotate the grip on the bar as well so that your knuckles move toward your body. This will ensure that the rings remain secure and tight.
You should place the rings on top of each other so that you can hold them together during the lifting motion. If this step is still confusing, think about tightening the rings as you would a motorcycle. You can also tighten the weight-lifting straps the same way.
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Repeat The Same Process On The Other Side
As mentioned in Step 2, your dominant hand will now be tied to a barbell. You will need your thumb and fingers to wrap the strap around the bar.
It is also a good idea to wrap the weight-lifting straps the first time without additional assistance. After tightening the loop and lifting, you can remove the straps by letting go of the bar and the straps should unwind.
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Lift Safely And Avoid Injury
When lifting, be careful not to accidentally get all the work done to your wrists. You should use weight-lifting straps to help you maintain your grip and not the entire weight of your set.
You may be at risk for wrist injuries or sprains if you don’t use grip strength with straps.
Conclusion
Wrist straps for lifting are affordable gym accessories with some benefits that will enhance your current workout. You can choose between closed loop, figure eight, or lasso lifting straps. Wrap them around the bar to add wrist support.
You have to decide if you want a secure, quick-release, or versatile lifting strap. Lifting straps can be used for traction exercises of any kind, regardless of their case.
