How to ·Dec 29, 2021

Lifting Straps - What, How, Why

HISTORY

Lifting Straps have been around for decades, from the old days of Olympic Weightlifting and Powerlifting to current day Weightlifters, Powerlifters, Crossfit Athletes, Bodybuilders and the Everyday Athlete. Lifters worldwide have considered Lifting Straps an essential to any gym bag.

During the 1940's Bob Peoples, aka. the strongest man in Tennessee, a deadlifting pioneer, stumbled across the idea of using hooks and straps to add more pounds to his deadlift. Using scraps of metal he created hooks that helped him achieve the title of the Strongest Pound for Pound Man in Tennessee.

Soon after, in the 1950s it was found that Paul Anderson, a great American Powerlifter used Lifting Straps during his training but not in official lifts. Peary Rader of Ironman Magazine soon picked this up and helped popularize the use of leather & fabric lifting straps.

MATERIAL

Lifting Straps are made generally from Leather, Nylon, Cotton, Polyester Blends or Heavy Duty Canvas based on the sport and requirements of athletes.

Our Lifting Straps are made from Heavy Duty Soft Canvas to ensure a secure grip, comfort for the lifter, maximum traction and durability.

TYPES OF LIFTING STRAPS

Generally in the world of weightlifting there are 3 kinds of Lifting Straps, Conventional (also know as All Purpose or Deadlifting Straps), Oly Straps (used by Olympic Weightlifters & Crossfit Athletes) and Figure 8 Lifting Straps (generally used by Strongman / Strongwoman Athletes). People have come up with creative variations of the three, however they still fall under these categories.

At Generation Strong we sell Conventional Lifting Straps and Figure 8's, you can find the links below at the end of this article.

WHY & WHEN DO WE USE LIFTING STRAPS

1. For a secure grip

2. Grip assistance on a heavy pull

3. When your fingers get fatigued after a heavy pull.

4. Sometimes your back, hip, hamstrings & glutes are good to go but your grip just isn't ready yet.

5. Lifting Straps can also help if you have some sort of injury, rip or tear in your hands.

SOME EXERCISES WHEN LIFTING STRAPS ARE USED:

1. Deadlifts

2. Rack Pulls

3. Pulling Movements (eg. Rows, Pulldowns, Pullups, etc)

4. Shrugs

5. Axle Deadlifts

6. High Reps & Heavier Sets

HOW TO WEAR LIFTING STRAPS (CONVENTIONAL)

1. Feed open end through the loop

2. Open end position on palm, towards the thumb

3. Wrap strap under the bar

4. Rotate & tighten

HOW TO WEAR FIGURE 8 STRAPS

1. Feed your hand through one loop

2. Place the strap under the bar

3. Pass your hand over the bar and feed hand through the 2nd loop

4. Grip the bar not the strap

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Lifting straps are a game changer, they will definitely help you lift heavier and longer and are a must have. They give you the power to push through tough times and PRs but also remember that you also need to strengthen your grip without the assistance of Lifting Straps and don't always rely on them for your lifts. Program them in wisely, use them on Low to Moderate weighted high rep sets and for spaced out PRs. Happy Lifting!